A 30-year-old member asked:
some people get borderline personality disorder and other don't. why is that?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Lynne Weixel answered
Clinical Psychology 36 years experience
People are different: Personality formation is a very complex thing. Inherited traits combine with what people learn from others over their entire life as well as impacts from the environment. Also, personality disorders are difficult to diagnose with certainty. It can help describe a person, but don't put too much confidence in such labels.
5166 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Andrew Berry answered
Clinical Psychology 14 years experience
Borderline : There is no easy answer to this. Borderline personality disorder, as well as the human condition in general are shaped by genetic factors in combination with environmental factors.
3051 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 31-year-old member asked:
How can family members or loved ones deal with a borderline personality disorder?
2 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jerold Kreisman answered
Psychiatry 48 years experience
Be there. Be real.: Try to be consistent.
Be supportive and empathic, but also remind the other of the reality of the situation.
6120 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 46-year-old member asked:
What techniques do professionals use when working with someone who suffers from a borderline personality disorder?
4 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in

Dr. David Hunter answered
Psychiatry 30 years experience
There are many: One of the more popular therapies is dialectical behavior therapy where patients are urged to use their "wise mind" to slow down and not make snap judgments about people or situations. These therapies teach patients through self reflection to see the world in less hostile terms. More functional behavior patterns can be learned.
6066 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 24-year-old member asked:
What coping skills are required of those close to the victim of a borderline personality disorder?
4 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in

Dr. David Hunter answered
Psychiatry 30 years experience
Compassion: This is a mental disease and people who suffer from it are sick. Loved ones need to be long on patience but firm on limit setting. Being supportive goes along way. Families should not subject themseves to physical, sexual, or verbal abuse. If the patient puts anyone in the family at risk for harm, they may need to be hospitalized or have law enforcement intervene.
6066 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Is borderline personality disorder related to ptsd?
4 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in

Dr. Samuel Miles answered
Psychiatry 47 years experience
Sometimes: Sometimes borderline personality disorder arises in people who were abused as children. The symptoms may be seen as similar to the ptsd's avoidance, reliving, and hyperarousal.
However, some people with borderline personality disorder do not have histories of childhood trauma.
6374 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Is ptsd just a less severe form for borderline personality disorder?
4 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Gerstman answered
Psychiatry 31 years experience
No: These are completely different disorders. Ptsd is an axis i disorder with discrete criteria for having witnessing or experiencing an actual or perceived traumatic event with symptoms presenting greater than 30 days from said event. Borderline personality disorder is a condition which evolves over time and not from one specific discrete event.
6374 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated May 10, 2016
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