While borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a relatively common mental health condition, some see it as controversial. BPD has been considered controversial due to historical misunderstandings, stigma, and challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Misconceptions about the disorder can lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. The term “borderline” first came about because a researcher used it to describe people who showed both neurotic and psychotic symptoms. However, this isn’t exactly an accurate description of what BPD is. 

BPD encompasses a range of different symptoms and presentations. People with this condition commonly have difficulty maintaining long-term relationships and regulating their emotions. They may also have an unclear or unstable sense of self. Like most other mental health conditions, there’s no “cure” for BPD. With an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, people with BPD can manage their symptoms and cultivate healthy, supportive relationships.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the factors that may cause people to develop borderline personality disorder.

What causes borderline personality disorder? 

The exact causes of borderline personality disorder aren’t well understood. Most of the time, it’s a result of genetics and stressful or abusive childhood experiences. These early experiences are thought to affect the development of parts of the brain that help us recognize our own emotions and empathize with others. Many people with this condition have insecure or disorganized attachments in early childhood. However, a small percentage of people with this condition grow up in stable home environments. In some cases, children who develop BPD show risk factors of high emotionality, impulsivity and social difficulties before adolescence. 

4 factors that may lead someone to develop borderline personality disorder

More research is needed to understand the specific causes of borderline personality disorder. Anyone can develop it. In those who don’t have a family history of BPD, unstable attachments and childhood stress are very common. There are likely several different factors that may combine in different ways to trigger the social and emotional symptoms we recognize as BPD. 

The following causes are thought to play a role in the development of borderline personality disorder:

• Genetic predisposition — Many people with BPD know of at least one family member who has this condition. It’s also more common among people with substance use or mood disorders in the family. In some cases, they may not have a formal diagnosis or recognize the symptoms. Researchers believe that genetics are often a primary cause of borderline personality disorder. However, they’re usually not the only cause. Having both a genetic predisposition for BPD and certain life experiences or relationship dynamics increases a person’s chances of developing it.
• Emotional, physical and sexual abuse — Experiencing some type of abuse or neglect in childhood may increase a person’s likelihood of having borderline personality disorder. Some people with this condition grow up in stable and supportive homes. However, many have unstable or abusive relationships with more than one caregiver and other people in their lives. Physical and sexual abuse are more common with this group. They also frequently experience inconsistent relationships with caregivers who may fail to protect them or who put them in an adult role. Both parents and children may deny that their behavior was abusive, which can create barriers to treatment.
• Childhood stress — Other types of stress early in life can contribute to borderline personality disorder. Loss of a loved one and peer bullying, for example, can create social and emotional difficulties. Avoidant and disorganized attachments early in life are thought to be a primary factor in the development of BPD. 
• Changes in certain areas of the brain — Mirroring and co-regulation with caregivers in early childhood help us build our capacity to self-regulate. The parts of the brain we use to interpret our own feelings and recognize how others are feeling may not develop when our needs are denied by a parent. These neurological differences may play a role in BPD.

People with borderline personality disorder can heal and enjoy secure relationships

Borderline personality disorder is a condition that requires personalized mental health care. People with this condition often have other mental health conditions, such as mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Misdiagnosis and insufficient treatment can interfere with outcomes for people with BPD. Most people experience significant improvements when they receive the right diagnosis and specialized treatment. Some will continue to have symptoms that they’ll need to monitor with the help of licensed clinicians.

For most people with BPD, psychotherapy is the primary and most effective treatment. Medication is not considered a first-line treatment but may be used to address co-occurring symptoms. While no medications are specifically approved for BPD, they may be prescribed to manage co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety. Group therapy and family therapy can be especially helpful for the social aspects of this condition. Those with BPD may benefit from interpersonal or cognitive behavioral therapies and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). 

At Lightfully, we treat the whole person rather than their symptoms or their condition. We create a holistic treatment plan for each of our clients that takes their life goals into account, as well as their social and emotional needs. We help people find healthy ways to cope as they build a foundation for the core processes that support long-term mental wellness.

Are you or a loved one exploring treatment for borderline personality disorder? Contact us with any questions you have or get in touch with our Admissions Concierge Team. Let’s talk about what you need to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.