[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|50px|6px|50px|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”120px|35px|60px|35px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”80px|35px|50px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|auto|23px|auto||” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”What is BPD?” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|600|||||||” title_text_color=”#1F2B8E” title_font_size=”40px” title_line_height=”1.1em” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||23px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”36px” title_font_size_phone=”30px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#404041″ text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”11px||28px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”20px” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_3_font_size_phone=”30px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
A single behavior or personality trait does not define borderline personality disorder (BPD). Instead, it reflects long-standing patterns of emotional sensitivity and difficulty managing strong feelings\u2014especially during stress or in situations that feel deeply important.<\/p>\n
We understand BPD through a practical, research-consistent framework: severe and chronic emotion dysregulation across five interconnected domains<\/strong>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Important note:” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”BebasNeue Bold|–et_global_body_font_weight|||||||” header_text_color=”#FA9B1C” header_font_size=”28px” body_font_size=”16px” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.8)” custom_margin=”60px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”30px|40px|30px|40px|false|false” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_phone=”26px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|40px|40px|40px|40px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This page is educational and not a substitute for professional evaluation. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger or at risk of self-harm, seek urgent help<\/strong><\/a><\/span> in your local area right away.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|auto|36px|auto||” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”BebasNeue Bold|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_font_size=”32px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” background_color=”rgba(121,162,230,0.5)” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”5px||32px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”30px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_3_font_size_phone=”28px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-bottom: 8px;||}” border_radii=”on|40px|40px|40px|40px” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There is hope.<\/strong> Research shows there are effective treatments for BPD, and with the right support and skills, many people\u2019s symptoms improve. BPD is rooted in severe and chronic emotion dysregulation, which can lead to intense and unpredictable emotions, difficulties in relationships, and behaviors that seem impulsive or self-destructive. Its causes are complex and include the transaction between temperamental vulnerabilities and environmental factors.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#404041″ text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_3_font_size=”24px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”8px||7px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||10px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||10px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”30px||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”24px” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_3_font_size_phone=”30px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_width_top=”2px” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”||32px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-bottom: 8px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When emotional distress is frequent and overwhelming, it can impact many areas of life. BPD commonly shows up across five interconnected areas:<\/p>\n Symptoms are often most noticeable in close relationships\u2014not because relationships cause BPD, but because emotional closeness can strongly activate fears of rejection, loss, or abandonment.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|auto|36px|auto||” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”–et_global_heading_font|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” background_color=”#FFFFFF” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”||4px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”30px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_3_font_size_phone=”28px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| line-height: 1.2em;|| margin-top: 8px;|| margin-bottom: 12px;||}” border_radii=”on|40px|40px|40px|40px” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n People with BPD may have different combinations of symptoms, but what they often share is ongoing difficulty regulating emotions over time.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#404041″ text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_3_font_size=”24px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”8px||7px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||10px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||10px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”30px||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”24px” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_3_font_size_phone=”30px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_width_top=”2px” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-bottom: 8px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The good news is that BPD is treatable<\/strong><\/a>. With appropriate, evidence-based support\u2014especially approaches that focus on:<\/p>\n many people experience significant improvement. With the proper care, individuals with BPD can build stable, meaningful, and fulfilling lives<\/strong>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”#Frequently-Asked-Questions-About-BPD” button_text=”Frequently Asked Questions About BPD” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Button” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#1F2B8E” button_bg_color=”#FA9B1C” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”50px” button_letter_spacing=”0px” button_font=”|600|||||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_margin=”28px|||||” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”10px|30px|10px|30px|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ button_text_size_tablet=”18px” button_text_size_phone=”14px” button_text_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_text_color__hover=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_bg_color__hover=”#1F2B8E” button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/s2.designcostaging.com\/clients\/bpd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/bpda_art-element_d.png” title_text=”bpda_art-element_d” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” positioning=”absolute” position_origin_a=”bottom_right” vertical_offset=”-677px” horizontal_offset=”-169px” z_index=”-1″ vertical_offset_tablet=”-250px” vertical_offset_phone=”-80px” vertical_offset_last_edited=”on|phone” horizontal_offset_tablet=”-250px” horizontal_offset_phone=”-130px” horizontal_offset_last_edited=”on|phone” position_origin_a_tablet=”bottom_left” position_origin_a_phone=”bottom_left” position_origin_a_last_edited=”on|tablet” position_origin_f_tablet=”” position_origin_f_phone=”” position_origin_f_last_edited=”on|desktop” position_origin_r_tablet=”” position_origin_r_phone=”” position_origin_r_last_edited=”on|desktop” width=”611px” width_tablet=”1308px” width_phone=”504px” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”||||false|false” scroll_vertical_motion=”0|50|50|100|2|-1|-1″ scroll_fade_enable=”on” scroll_fade=”0|45|45|100|40%|80%|80%” hover_enabled=”0″ positioning_tablet=”absolute” positioning_phone=”absolute” positioning_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” position_origin_a__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” positioning__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” position_origin_f__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” position_origin_r__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#efeae6″ custom_padding=”|50px|60px|50px|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|35px||35px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”30px|35px|60px|35px|false|true” z_index_tablet=”0″ z_index_phone=”0″ z_index_last_edited=”on|desktop” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”When Emotion Dysregulation Becomes a Challenge” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|600|||||||” title_text_color=”#1F2B8E” title_font_size=”36px” title_line_height=”1.1em” width=”100%” custom_margin=”-10px||9px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”32px” title_font_size_phone=”28px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#404041″ text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”1px||3px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”20px” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_3_font_size_phone=”30px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Everyone becomes emotionally dysregulated at times; that is part of being human. Emotion dysregulation becomes clinically significant<\/strong> when emotional reactions repeatedly cross a threshold where regulation is lost\u2014when someone moves beyond their emotional limit and struggles to return to baseline.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.85)” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”on|40px|40px|40px|40px” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Everyday examples of dysregulation include:” alt=”familyConnectionsIcon” image_icon_width=”80px” icon_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”BebasNeue Bold||||||||” header_text_color=”#79A2E6″ header_font_size=”30px” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” image_icon_custom_margin=”||||false|false” image_icon_custom_padding=”||||false|false” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”20px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-top: 12px;|| line-height: 1.4em;||}” border_radii=”on|40px|40px|40px|40px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In these moments, emotions rise, peak, and settle. We regain balance.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.85)” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”on|40px|40px|40px|40px” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Clinically significant dysregulation may look like:” alt=”familyConnectionsIcon” image_icon_width=”80px” icon_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”BebasNeue Bold||||||||” header_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_font_size=”30px” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” image_icon_custom_margin=”||||false|false” image_icon_custom_padding=”||||false|false” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”20px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-top: 12px;|| line-height: 1.4em;||}” border_radii=”on|40px|40px|40px|40px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”32px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-bottom: 8px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n These patterns\u2014defined by severity, chronicity, and impact\u2014reflect multiple, interconnected forms of dysregulation across emotional, behavioral, and relational systems rather than a single isolated issue. Understanding this distinction clarifies when support is needed and why comprehensive, skill-based care is essential.<\/p>\n Borderline personality disorder is often described as involving two primary features: emotion dysregulation, and difficulties in relationships. While both are common, emotion dysregulation is a core feature of BPD and the underlying cause of many relationship challenges. When emotional responses are intense, rapid, and difficult to regulate, even supportive or stable relationships can become strained.<\/p>\n What remains consistent across all presentations of BPD is significant difficulty regulating emotions. Understanding emotion dysregulation as the central feature of BPD helps shift the focus away from blame and toward skill development. It clarifies why treatment approaches that prioritize emotion regulation are effective and why addressing emotional processes is essential for improving both individual well-being and relationship functioning.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”0deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#ffffff 0%|rgba(148,156,161,0.25) 100%” positioning=”absolute” z_index=”0″ width=”100%” max_width=”100%” height=”250px” mix_blend_mode=”multiply” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#efeae6″ custom_padding=”|50px|32px|50px|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|35px||35px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”30px|35px|60px|35px|false|true” z_index_tablet=”0″ z_index_phone=”0″ z_index_last_edited=”on|desktop” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”The Five Areas of Dysregulation” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|600|||||||” title_text_color=”#1F2B8E” title_font_size=”36px” title_line_height=”1.1em” width=”100%” custom_margin=”9px||9px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”32px” title_font_size_phone=”28px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#404041″ text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”11px||4px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”20px” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_3_font_size_phone=”30px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Emotional suffering is often understood through the lens of dysregulation: difficulty managing internal experiences and responding effectively to the world.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Everyday examples of dysregulation include:” alt=”familyConnectionsIcon” image_icon_width=”80px” icon_alignment=”left” content_max_width=”95%” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”BebasNeue Bold||||||||” header_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_font_size=”30px” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.85)” image_icon_custom_margin=”||||false|false” image_icon_custom_padding=”||||false|false” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”5px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector ol li {|| margin-top: 12px;|| line-height: 1.4em;||}” border_radii=”on|40px|40px|40px|40px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are five interconnected areas of dysregulation that can impact daily life, relationships, and emotional well-being:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_4_font_size=”22px” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_4_font_size_tablet=”20px” header_4_font_size_phone=”20px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-bottom: 8px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Some people may experience emotions more intensely, more quickly, and for longer periods of time than others. Small triggers can lead to overwhelming emotional responses, and returning to a baseline level of emotion may take significant time or effort. This reflects a sensitive emotional system that benefits from structure, validation, and effective coping skills.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When emotions feel unbearable, people may engage in impulsive or self-damaging behaviors as a way to cope or escape. These behaviors often provide short-term relief while creating long-term consequences that interfere with goals, safety, and relationships.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This can include all-or-nothing thinking, difficulty holding multiple perspectives, suspiciousness, or feeling disconnected from reality or oneself. Thoughts may become rigid, overwhelming, or confusing when emotions run high.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n People may experience intense or unstable relationships, fear of abandonment, difficulty expressing needs, or challenges setting boundaries. Relationships can feel emotionally charged and exhausting, even when connection is deeply important.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This can appear as chronic feelings of emptiness, shifting values or goals, or uncertainty about identity and direction. Without a stable internal sense of self, emotions and relationships may feel especially destabilizing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”0deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#ffffff 0%|rgba(121,162,230,0.5) 100%” positioning=”absolute” z_index=”0″ width=”100%” max_width=”100%” height=”250px” mix_blend_mode=”multiply” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#efeae6″ custom_padding=”|50px|60px|50px|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|35px||35px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”30px|35px|60px|35px|false|true” z_index_tablet=”0″ z_index_phone=”0″ z_index_last_edited=”on|desktop” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”How The 9 Diagnostic Criteria and the 5 Areas of Dysregulation Fit Together” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|600|||||||” title_text_color=”#1F2B8E” title_font_size=”36px” title_line_height=”1.1em” width=”100%” custom_margin=”9px||9px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”32px” title_font_size_phone=”28px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#404041″ text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”11px||4px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”20px” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_3_font_size_phone=”30px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The nine diagnostic criteria for BPD listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) are not separate or unrelated problems. Instead, they reflect different expressions of underlying difficulties\u2014most centrally, severe and chronic emotion dysregulation. Emotional sensitivity and reactivity shape how individuals experience relationships, respond to stress, make decisions, and view themselves.<\/p>\n Understanding how these criteria fit together helps explain why symptoms often cluster and why focusing on emotion regulation is central to effective treatment.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/s2.designcostaging.com\/clients\/bpd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/bpda_art-element_g.png” title_text=”bpda_art-element_g” disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” positioning=”absolute” position_origin_a=”bottom_right” vertical_offset=”-420px” horizontal_offset=”-335px” z_index=”-285″ vertical_offset_tablet=”-250px” vertical_offset_phone=”-80px” vertical_offset_last_edited=”on|phone” horizontal_offset_tablet=”-250px” horizontal_offset_phone=”-130px” horizontal_offset_last_edited=”on|phone” position_origin_a_tablet=”bottom_left” position_origin_a_phone=”bottom_left” position_origin_a_last_edited=”on|tablet” position_origin_f_tablet=”” position_origin_f_phone=”” position_origin_f_last_edited=”on|desktop” position_origin_r_tablet=”” position_origin_r_phone=”” position_origin_r_last_edited=”on|desktop” width=”840px” width_tablet=”1308px” width_phone=”504px” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”||||false|false” scroll_vertical_motion=”0|50|50|100|2|-1|-1″ scroll_fade_enable=”on” scroll_fade=”0|45|45|100|40%|80%|80%” positioning_tablet=”absolute” positioning_phone=”absolute” positioning_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” position_origin_a__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” positioning__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” position_origin_f__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” position_origin_r__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_4_font_size=”22px” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_4_font_size_tablet=”20px” header_4_font_size_phone=”20px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-bottom: 8px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Interpersonal Dysregulation<\/span><\/p>\n Emotion Dysregulation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Behavioral Dysregulation<\/span><\/p>\n Emotion Dysregulation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n <\/p>\n When viewed through the lens of the five areas of dysregulation, the nine DSM criteria for BPD form a coherent and understandable pattern. They are not separate or unrelated problems, but different expressions of underlying difficulties\u2014most centrally, severe and chronic emotion dysregulation.<\/p>\n Emotional sensitivity and reactivity influence how individuals experience relationships, respond to stress, make decisions, and understand themselves. Recognizing how these patterns fit together helps explain why symptoms often cluster and why effective treatment focuses on strengthening emotion regulation, supporting identity development, and fostering stable, compassionate relationships.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”0deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#ffffff 0%|#f9daae 99%” positioning=”absolute” z_index=”0″ width=”100%” max_width=”100%” height=”250px” mix_blend_mode=”multiply” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(121,162,230,0.5)” custom_padding=”40px|50px|48px|50px|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|35px||35px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”30px|35px|60px|35px|false|true” z_index_tablet=”0″ z_index_phone=”0″ z_index_last_edited=”on|desktop” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Why BPD Can Look So Different From Person to Person” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|600|||||||” title_text_color=”#1F2B8E” title_font_size=”36px” title_line_height=”1.1em” width=”100%” custom_margin=”9px||9px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”32px” title_font_size_phone=”28px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#404041″ text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”11px||4px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”20px” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_3_font_size_phone=”30px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is defined by nine diagnostic characteristics, and a diagnosis requires meeting any five of them. Because there is no single required feature, this creates 256 different possible combinations of symptoms. As a result, BPD rarely looks the same from one person to another.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_4_font_size=”22px” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_4_font_size_tablet=”20px” header_4_font_size_phone=”20px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-bottom: 8px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Some individuals struggle primarily with intense emotions, others with relationships, identity, impulsivity, or internal distress. Many experience a mix that shifts over time or shows up differently across settings.<\/p>\n This wide range of presentations makes BPD difficult to diagnose and easy to misunderstand. Two people can both meet criteria for BPD while sharing only a couple characteristics in common. What connects these varied presentations is not a specific behavior, but underlying patterns\u2014most notably chronic difficulty regulating emotions.<\/p>\n Understanding BPD as a condition with many valid presentations helps move beyond stereotypes and supports more accurate, compassionate care.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slider show_arrows=”off” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” dot_nav_custom_color=”#b4afa3″ module_class=”simpleSlider” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” module_alignment=”center” content_width=”80%” custom_margin=”1px||3px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|true|true” animation_direction=”left” auto=”on” auto_speed=”5000″ auto_ignore_hover=”on” border_radii=”on|40px|40px|40px|40px” border_radii_tablet=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” border_radii_phone=”on|25px|25px|25px|25px” border_radii_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” dot_nav_custom_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” dot_nav_custom_color__hover=”#79A2E6″][et_pb_slide heading=”1.6-3.9%” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”BebasNeue Bold||||||||” header_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_font_size=”100px” body_text_color=”#68737a” text_orientation=”left” header_font_size_tablet=”110px” header_font_size_phone=”90px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_font_size_tablet=”16px” body_font_size_phone=”13px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_text_shadow_style=”preset5″ body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”10%” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”BebasNeue Bold||||||||” header_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_font_size=”100px” body_text_color=”#68737a” text_orientation=”left” header_font_size_tablet=”110px” header_font_size_phone=”90px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_font_size_tablet=”16px” body_font_size_phone=”13px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_text_shadow_style=”preset5″ body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”20%+” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”BebasNeue Bold||||||||” header_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_font_size=”100px” body_text_color=”#68737a” text_orientation=”left” header_font_size_tablet=”110px” header_font_size_phone=”90px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_font_size_tablet=”16px” body_font_size_phone=”13px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_text_shadow_style=”preset5″ body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”75%” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”BebasNeue Bold||||||||” header_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_font_size=”100px” body_text_color=”#68737a” text_orientation=”left” header_font_size_tablet=”110px” header_font_size_phone=”90px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_font_size_tablet=”16px” body_font_size_phone=”13px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_text_shadow_style=”preset5″ body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”80%+” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”BebasNeue Bold||||||||” header_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_font_size=”100px” body_text_color=”#68737a” text_orientation=”left” header_font_size_tablet=”110px” header_font_size_phone=”90px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_font_size_tablet=”16px” body_font_size_phone=”13px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_text_shadow_style=”preset5″ body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”65\u201370%” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”BebasNeue Bold||||||||” header_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_font_size=”100px” body_text_color=”#68737a” text_orientation=”left” header_font_size_tablet=”110px” header_font_size_phone=”90px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_font_size_tablet=”16px” body_font_size_phone=”13px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_text_shadow_style=”preset5″ body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”8\u201310%” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”BebasNeue Bold||||||||” header_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_font_size=”100px” body_text_color=”#68737a” text_orientation=”left” header_font_size_tablet=”110px” header_font_size_phone=”90px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_font_size_tablet=”16px” body_font_size_phone=”13px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_text_shadow_style=”preset5″ body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h1″ header_font=”BebasNeue Bold||||||||” header_text_color=”#001C4C” header_font_size=”100px” body_text_color=”#68737a” text_orientation=”left” header_font_size_tablet=”110px” header_font_size_phone=”90px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_font_size_tablet=”16px” body_font_size_phone=”13px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_text_shadow_style=”preset5″ body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#efeae6″ custom_padding=”|50px|32px|50px|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|35px||35px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”30px|35px|60px|35px|false|true” z_index_tablet=”0″ z_index_phone=”0″ z_index_last_edited=”on|desktop” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Causes and Risk Factors of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|600|||||||” title_text_color=”#1F2B8E” title_font_size=”36px” title_line_height=”1.1em” width=”100%” custom_margin=”9px||9px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”32px” title_font_size_phone=”28px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#404041″ text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”11px||4px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”20px” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_3_font_size_phone=”30px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n BPD is best understood through a transactional model, which describes how inborn temperamental vulnerabilities interact over time with environmental experiences.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.85)” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”on|40px|40px|40px|40px” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Temperamental Vulnerabilities:” alt=”familyConnectionsIcon” image_icon_width=”80px” icon_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”BebasNeue Bold||||||||” header_text_color=”#79A2E6″ header_font_size=”30px” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” image_icon_custom_margin=”||||false|false” image_icon_custom_padding=”||||false|false” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”20px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-top: 12px;|| line-height: 1.4em;||}” border_radii=”on|40px|40px|40px|40px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.85)” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”on|40px|40px|40px|40px” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Environmental Risk Factors:” alt=”familyConnectionsIcon” image_icon_width=”80px” icon_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”BebasNeue Bold||||||||” header_text_color=”#79A2E6″ header_font_size=”30px” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” image_icon_custom_margin=”||||false|false” image_icon_custom_padding=”||||false|false” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”20px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-top: 12px;|| line-height: 1.4em;||}” border_radii=”on|40px|40px|40px|40px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”0deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#ffffff 0%|#f9e2c0 99%” positioning=”absolute” z_index=”0″ width=”100%” max_width=”100%” height=”250px” mix_blend_mode=”multiply” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_4_font_size=”22px” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_4_font_size_tablet=”20px” header_4_font_size_phone=”20px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-bottom: 8px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Temperament is biologically predisposed, though environmental experiences shape how emotional vulnerabilities develop over time. A temperament\/environment mismatch can be particularly impactful. For example, emotionally sensitive individuals may struggle in environments that are rigid, dismissive of emotion, or overly focused on control and performance. Over time, repeated invalidation increases emotional distress and dysregulation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n An estimated 20\u201340% of individuals with BPD report histories of childhood mistreatment (physical, sexual, or emotional). However:<\/p>\n These experiences are risk factors, not determinants, and they do not explain most cases on their own.<\/p>\n Findings such as slightly higher rates of BPD among adoptees must also be interpreted carefully. Absolute rates remain low, and these associations are not strongly predictive.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brain imaging studies have identified differences in certain brain regions among people with BPD. However, these findings do not establish causation.<\/p>\n Without long-term developmental studies, it is unclear whether observed brain differences:<\/p>\n Importantly, people often improve significantly with effective treatment even when brain scan patterns do not \u201cnormalize,\u201d showing that recovery does not require measurable brain changes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#efeae6″ custom_padding=”|50px|54px|50px|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|35px||35px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”30px|35px|60px|35px|false|true” z_index_tablet=”0″ z_index_phone=”0″ z_index_last_edited=”on|desktop” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Developmental Trajectory of Borderline Personality Disorder” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|600|||||||” title_text_color=”#1F2B8E” title_font_size=”36px” title_line_height=”1.1em” width=”100%” custom_margin=”9px||9px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”32px” title_font_size_phone=”28px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#404041″ text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”11px||4px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”20px” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_3_font_size_phone=”30px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n BPD is best understood through a transactional model, which describes how inborn temperamental vulnerabilities interact over time with environmental experiences.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Age of Onset” alt=”familyConnectionsIcon” image_icon_width=”80px” icon_alignment=”left” content_max_width=”95%” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”BebasNeue Bold||||||||” header_text_color=”#FA9B1C” header_font_size=”30px” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”18px” body_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.85)” image_icon_custom_margin=”||||false|false” image_icon_custom_padding=”||||false|false” width=”80%” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”36px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector ol li {|| margin-top: 12px;|| line-height: 1.4em;||}” border_radii=”on|40px|40px|40px|40px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ages 13\u201317<\/strong>: ~15%<\/p>\n Ages 18\u201325<\/strong>: ~50%<\/p>\n Ages 26\u201330<\/strong>: ~25%<\/p>\n Ages 31\u201348<\/strong>: ~10%<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#404041″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_text_color=”#1F2B8E” header_4_font_size=”22px” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_4_font_size_tablet=”20px” header_4_font_size_phone=”20px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-bottom: 8px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n BPD develops over time, often emerging gradually as patterns of emotional sensitivity, difficulty regulating emotions, and relational instability. How its emotional intensity presents can change with age:<\/p>\n Adolescence:<\/strong> Symptoms often show up as intense emotional reactions, impulsivity, identity confusion, and relationship instability. These experiences are frequently dismissed as typical adolescent behavior, delaying recognition and care.<\/p>\n Young Adulthood:<\/strong> Emotional dysregulation may intensify as individuals face increased relational, academic, and occupational demands. This is often when symptoms become more visible and disruptive.<\/p>\n Adulthood:<\/strong> Some outward behaviors may lessen over time, but internal distress\u2014such as chronic emptiness, shame, and relational sensitivity\u2014can persist if left untreated.<\/p>\n Research suggests that most individuals begin to show symptoms of BPD or chronic emotion dysregulation during adolescence or early adulthood. Early signs of BPD may be subtle\u2014intense emotions, difficulty calming down, fear of abandonment, or unstable self-image\u2014and are often mistaken for stress responses, moodiness, or personality traits. Current research shows that BPD can be accurately diagnosed in adolescents<\/strong>, and that early identification does not increase stigma\u2014it reduces it by providing clarity, validation, and access to effective treatment.\u00a0<\/p>\n Early intervention:<\/strong><\/p>\n Delaying treatment does not make BPD resolve on its own\u2014it often increases suffering for both individuals and their families.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”0deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#ffffff 0%|rgba(121,162,230,0.5) 100%” positioning=”absolute” z_index=”0″ width=”100%” max_width=”100%” height=”250px” mix_blend_mode=”multiply” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#efeae6″ custom_padding=”|50px|54px|50px|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|35px||35px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”30px|35px|60px|35px|false|true” z_index_tablet=”0″ z_index_phone=”0″ z_index_last_edited=”on|desktop” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Prognosis, Hope and Long-Term Outcomes” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|600|||||||” title_text_color=”#1F2B8E” title_font_size=”36px” title_line_height=”1.1em” width=”100%” custom_margin=”9px||9px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”32px” title_font_size_phone=”28px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_blurb alt=”familyConnectionsIcon” image_icon_width=”80px” icon_alignment=”left” content_max_width=”95%” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”BebasNeue Bold||||||||” header_text_color=”#FA9B1C” header_font_size=”30px” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”17px” body_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.85)” image_icon_custom_margin=”||||false|false” image_icon_custom_padding=”||||false|false” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”36px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector ul li {|| margin-top: 12px;|| line-height: 1.4em;||}” border_radii=”on|40px|40px|40px|40px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nKEY TAKEWAY<\/h3>\n
How BPD Affects Daily Life<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
What’s Important to Know<\/h3>\n
\n
Hope and Treatment<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n
When someone crosses this emotional threshold<\/strong> into intense dysregulation, the effects often spread across many areas of life:<\/p>\n\n
\n
1. Emotion Dysregulation<\/strong><\/h4>\n
2. Behavioral Dysregulation<\/strong><\/h4>\n
3. Cognitive Dysregulation<\/strong><\/h4>\n
4. Interpersonal Dysregulation<\/strong><\/h4>\n
5. Self (Identity) Dysregulation<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n DSM CRITERION (Official Language)<\/b><\/td>\n CLEAR DESCRIPTIVE LANGUAGE<\/b><\/td>\n PRIMARY AREA(S) OF DYSREGULATION<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment<\/b><\/td>\n Heightened sensitivity to rejection or perceived loss of connection; strong emotional reactions when closeness feels threatened<\/span><\/td>\n \n \n A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships<\/b><\/td>\n Relationships may feel emotionally intense, shift quickly, or become strained due to emotional sensitivity and fear of disconnection<\/span><\/td>\n Interpersonal Dysregulation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self<\/b><\/td>\n Difficulty maintaining a stable sense of identity, values, or self-worth; frequent self-doubt or uncertainty about who one is<\/span><\/td>\n Self Dysregulation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging<\/b><\/td>\n Impulsive behaviors used to manage overwhelming emotions, such as risky actions, spending, or substance use<\/span><\/td>\n Behavioral Dysregulation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior<\/b><\/td>\n Suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors that emerge during intense emotional distress as attempts to cope or find relief<\/span><\/td>\n \n \n Affective instability due to marked reactivity of mood<\/b><\/td>\n Emotions that escalate quickly, feel extremely intense, and are difficult to regulate or settle<\/span><\/td>\n Emotion Dysregulation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Chronic feelings of emptiness<\/b><\/td>\n Persistent feelings of emptiness, worthlessness, low self-esteem, or lack of inner stability; difficulty trusting one\u2019s own experience<\/span><\/td>\n Self Dysregulation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger<\/b><\/td>\n Strong emotional reactions under stress; anger may be visible, though shame is often more central and internalized<\/span><\/td>\n Emotion Dysregulation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms<\/b><\/td>\n Temporary changes in thinking or perception during high stress, such as dissociation or mistrust, linked to emotional overload<\/span><\/td>\n Cognitive Dysregulation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n of population affected by BPD\u2013more than schizophrenia of bipolar I<\/h5>\n
of psychiatric outpatients have BPD<\/h5>\n
of psychiatric outpatients have BPD<\/h5>\n
of diagnosed patients are women though BPD affects men and women equally<\/em><\/h5>\n
of people with BPD have engaged in self-injury<\/h5>\n
of people with BPD make at least one suicide attempt<\/h5>\n
of people with BPD die by suicide<\/h5>\n
Self Harm<\/b><\/span><\/h1>\n
is often used as a way to cope with overwhelming emotional pain<\/h5>\n
\n
\n
Trauma and Adversity: Risk, Not Destiny<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
Brain Findings: What We Know\u2014and What We Don\u2019t<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
\n