By Stephanie Mojica
Overview
Borderline personality disorder is a serious illness that may have both biological and environmental causes. Those who are "borderline" have fluctuating self-image, a high degree of impulsivity, bouts of anger, and an intense fear of abandonment. There is help for people with borderline personality disorder, including medication, therapy, and support groups.
Daily Medication
Borderlines usually need some sort of daily medication to stop the mood swings and self-destructive behavior, according to the website "Biological Unhappiness" (see Resources section) by Dr. Leland Heller, a Florida physician who has specialized in treating borderline personality disorders. Options include antidepressants such as Prozac and mood stabilizers like Tegretol.
As-Needed Medication
"As-needed" or PRN medication is often necessary for borderlines in a crisis situation, according to Heller. Using extra Tegretol and as-needed antipsychotics such as Haldol and Risperdal can go a long way toward stopping suicide attempts, arguments, shoplifting, and other self-destructive behavior.
Therapy
Borderline personality disorder usually requires ongoing therapy at least until symptoms are better managed. There are many therapists who deal with borderlines, and some are even available for telephone therapy through websites such as Liveperson and Psychotherapy Help (see Resources section.)
Online Support Groups
Online support groups can be a valuable tool for borderlines having trouble talking about or finding in-person support in their area. Popular borderline personality disorder resources include BPD Central and BPD411 (see Resources section.)
In-Person Support Groups and Books
Most local counseling services can link a patient to group therapy for borderline personality disorder. In addition, most libraries, bookstores, and Internet book retailers have a wealth of helpful books for borderlines, including "I Hate You, Don't Leave Me" and "Life At the Border."
Help for Borderline Personality Disorder by realwellbeing.com