Medication for Borderline Personality Disorder & Treatment
Borderline personality disorder affects as many as 6% of adults (about 14 million Americans) at some point in their lifetimes. It affects 20% of patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals and 10% of people in outpatient mental health treatment. While this disorder was only recognized in 1980 by the psychiatric community, ongoing research in the last few decades has provided insightful data and raised awareness. Doctors commonly treat symptoms of this disorder with some form of non-medication-based psychotherapy. However, people may also be prescribed medication for borderline personality disorder (BPD).
While the precise causes of BPD are unknown, experts believe a combination of the following are key contributing factors:
Genetics: Although a specific gene has not been identified as a direct cause of BPD, studies on twins suggest the disorder has strong hereditary ties. BPD is about five times more prevalent in people with first-degree relatives with the disorder.
Environmental factors: People who experience trauma during childhood are at an increased risk of developing BPD. This includes physical or sexual abuse as well as neglect or separation from parents.
Brain function: It is thought that the parts of the brain that control emotions and decision-making/judgment may not communicate well with one another in people with BPD. This suggests that there may be a neurological basis for some of the symptoms.