Overcoming borderline personality disorder is very challenging. With treatment and support though, many people are able to return to work and resume their normal lives. However, treatment for borderline personality disorders tends to be ongoing. Many people with the illness require lifetime support.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is the treatment of choice when it comes to borderline personality disorder. Most psychotherapy is performed in a group setting that is highly structured. Many people who suffer from the illness have difficulty working in non-structured environments and may act out if they are not presented with more rigid guidelines for behavior.
Linehan’s Dialectal Behavior Therapy was designed specifically to treat borderline personality disorder and is the most successful type of psychotherapy to date. This technique teaches people with the illness how to take control of their lives, learn about themselves, and regulate their emotions.
Hospitalization
Hospitalization is generally discouraged with borderline personality disorder. It is important to encourage people with the disorder to learn to survive on their own and in the community, and this cannot be done in a hospital setting. However, for those at risk for self-harm, hospitalization may be recommended for a short period.
Day treatment or partial hospitalization may be a better choice for many sufferers as it offers them a safe place to stay during the day, but also requires them to function on their own in the evenings.
Medication
Medications, especially when combined with psychotherapy, are often quite helpful in reducing the symptoms of borderline personality disorder. There are numerous borderline personality disorder medications available. Antidepressants help to relieve depression and anxiety in patients. SSRIs, like Celexa, Prozac, and Zoloft, are commonly prescribed.
Anti-psychotics are also helpful in reducing mood swings, mania, and episodes of self-harm. New atypical anti-psychotics are now being prescribed and include Zyprexa, Risperdal, Seroquel, Clozaril, and Abilify. Anticonvulsants like Depakote, Topamax, and Lamictal can also help to reduce mood swings.
If you have borderline personality disorder, talk with your doctor about all your treatment options. With hard work, the symptoms of borderline personality disorder can be brought under control.
Are antidepressants being over-prescribed to women?
