Borderline personality disorder changes the way you feel and think about yourself and others. This mental health disorder can make it difficult to handle your day-to-day tasks properly. It usually affects a person in their early adulthood and gets worse with time. It may start to become better when you grow old. While there are certain treatment options available, the most common treatments are Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Before you look into the treatment options, it is important to take a borderline personality disorder test first.

Borderline Personality Disorder Test and Diagnosis

It is important to note that there is no specific test, like a blood test to confirm if someone has Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). But an online self assessment is available here for you to have a clearer picture about your personality. It is still important to work closely with a specialist who can rule out the chances of having other mental-health issues. A practitioner may diagnose personality disorders by getting the following information:

• They will interview the patient to learn more about how they feel.
• They will evaluate a person psychologically by asking them to complete questionnaires.
• They will consider medical history and perform a medical exam.
• They will also consider other signs and symptoms.

Check for These Symptoms to See If You Have Borderline Personality Disorder

You can also consider certain signs and symptoms to know if you are suffering from BPD. The disorder changes the way you relate to others and how you behave. There is no exactly borderline personality disorder test, so you need to rely on signs and symptoms. If you notice any of the following symptoms or anyone in your family feels that you are behaving differently for no apparent reason, it could be because you are a patient of BPD.

1. An Intense Fear of Abandonment

You may have a feeling of being abandoned which is one of the most common symptoms of BPD. People suffering from BPD may react differently when they feel abandoned.

2. A Pattern of Unstable and Intense Relationships

A person with BPD usually has intense emotions about people close to them, including friends, lovers and caretakers. This often makes them feel extreme love or hate and these feelings may change without notice. These people are often overly reliant upon lovers, friends or family members.

3. Distorted Self Image

People with BPD usually show signs of low self-value which often makes them become pessimistic in life.

4. Impulsive or Risky Behavior

This often includes substance abuse, sex, charging a lot of money on credit cards and binges. These behaviors are mostly impulsive and put these people at serious risk.

5. Recurring Suicidal Thoughts

Evidence shows that people living with BPD often show destructive behavior. It is common to see them have recurring suicidal thoughts – they may even involve in self-harm, such as cutting.

6. Ongoing Feelings of Emptiness

People suffering from BPD may feel unfulfilled and unsatisfied with what they have achieved in life.

7. Inappropriate Anger

It is not uncommon to see people with BPD yelling at their friends and loved ones for things as simple as arriving late for an occasion.

8. Wide Mood Swings

Anyone suffering from BPD will have wide mood swings and they are more likely to exhibit erratic behavior.

9. Stress-Related Paranoia

This symptom is usually marked by a loss of perception or reality.

Who Are at Higher Risk?

Paying attention to certain signs and symptoms is usually the only Borderline Personality Disorder testyou can try, but it is also important for you to learn who are at higher risk. Several factors can increase the risk of developing BPD.

1. Hereditary Predisposition

You may have a higher chance of developing this mental disorder if a close relative – your father, mother, sister or brother – has it already.

2. Stressful Childhood

People who end up developing this disorder are the ones who have been abused physically or sexually during childhood. Some people have experienced separation of their parents when they were young. 

3. Personality

Certain personality traits such as aggression and impulsiveness may also be responsible for the development of this mental disorder.

How to Treat Borderline Personality Disorder

Once you pay attention to the symptoms and find that your Borderline Personality Disorder test indicates you have issues, you may want to look for some appropriate treatment options. Here is more about it:

1. Psychotherapy

Also called talk therapy, psychotherapy usually helps people suffering from BPD with several techniques. These techniques will help you understand how to focus more on your current ability to function. A patient will also learn to manage emotions and reduce impulsiveness. A therapist may also use techniques to help a patient improve their relationships by learning more about their feelings and those of others.

2. Medications

The FDA has not approved any drug for BPD, but your doctor may prescribe certain medication to help improve your symptoms, such as impulsiveness, depression, anxiety or aggression. Some of these medications include antipsychotics, antidepressants and mood-stabilizing drugs. Be sure to discuss benefits and side effects with your doctor before taking any of these medications.

3. Hospitalization

After a Borderline Personality Disorder test, your healthcare provider may recommend hospitalization. This sometimes becomes important to keep you safe from self-injury. It also becomes essential when the patient has suicidal behaviors or thoughts.