Do those who have BPD know they have BPD? (+11 Signs of BPD)

This detailed article will be answering if those who have BPD or Borderline Personality Disorder know they have BPD. We will also be looking at the main signs of BPD and the different treatment methods which are available.

Do those who have BPD know they have BPD?

No, those who have BPD do not know they have BPD. People who are suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder often do not realize that they have such a disorder. This is because the disorder is associated with memory lapses.

These memory lapses lead people with Borderline Personality Disorder to forget about events and even people where they may have demonstrated the symptoms of this PD. Also, the disorder causes a distortion of reality, which further inhibits the person’s ability to understand.

However, in case of high-functioning Borderline Personality Disorder, the person has immense self-awareness to understand they are indeed doing things out of the normal. They may often get these cues from the behaviors of others around them.

Those who have high-functioning BPD may therefore learn to mask these symptoms cleverly. Instead of directing their actions and emotions outwardly, they may direct it inwardly. They might be quietly suffering, without any suspicion from others.

Since those who have Borderline Personality Disorder often do not know that they have BPD, it makes self-diagnosis pretty rare. For the proper coping towards this PD and its treatment, social support and education from others is definitely much needed.

How do you know if you have BPD?

If you are someone who is suspecting the presence of BPD or Borderline Personality Disorder, you can learn more about yourself by checking if the following signs and symptoms frequently manifest themselves in you.

You constantly feel that people are going to leave you

One of the most characteristic signs of Borderline Personality Disorder is that you may constantly feel that those who are close to you might leave you at any moment. This is even if they have not tried to do so before or if they have not even shown any signs of it.

This not only refers to relationships with your romantic partners but also your familial relationships and friendships with others. Due to this fear, you might start becoming very clingy and attached in relationships.

You don’t know who you are anymore

If you feel that you actually don’t know who you are anymore, this could also be because of an undiagnosed Borderline Personality Disorder. You might struggle with your self-identity and self-worth as a result of this, leading to even more stress and anxiety.

You feel that you are a spectator of your life

Another sign of Borderline Personality Disorder is dissociation from reality. At certain times, mostly triggered by extreme stress, you might feel that you are a spectator of yourself and not actually inside your body.

This is called dissociation and can actually make the person highly scared and anxious. If you are experiencing dissociation, don’t worry. Give it some time, and it will automatically pass away. You can also use your grounding and coping techniques during these times.

You keep suspecting others

Borderline Personality Disorder can also lead you to become increasingly paranoid of others and their activities. If you are suspecting other people without any logical explanations, this can be because of BPD.

You feel that your moods keep shifting

Another common symptom of Borderline Personality Disorder is that your moods may shift often without any trigger factors. You may find that you feel pleasant and upbeat on some days and irritated and frustrated on another day without any other explanation.

You have taken part in dangerous behaviors

Borderline Personality Disorder may also lead to a lot of impulsivity and erratic behaviors. BPD can cause you to take part in many dangerous behaviors. For example, you may indulge in substance abuse, driving under the influence or even unsafe sex.

You have done many things to attract someone

Romantic relationships when you have Borderline Personality Disorder definitely follow a certain pattern or cycle. It mostly starts off when you feel the need to do some grand gesture in order to attract a particular romantic partner.

More often than not, this may backfire and you may find yourself feeling hurt and abandoned, even if the other person has not agreed to the relationship. If you find that you tend to overdo it when you are dating someone, this may be a sign of Borderline Personality Disorder.

You have tried to harm yourself

In many cases, Borderline Personality Disorder can actually lead to self-harming behaviors. These can come in various types and frequencies. In case you are aware that you are self-harming, you need to contact a mental health professional immediately or admit yourself.

You feel empty and worthless

Borderline Personality Disorder can lead to chronic feelings of emptiness and worthlessness. If you have been feeling very empty for a long time along with the other signs and symptoms mentioned above, you may have Borderline Personality Disorder.

Your perspectives of others change easily

Along with intense shifts in your mood and affect, Borderline Personality Disorder may also lead to sudden changes in your perspectives of others. The changes in your opinions may also come all of a sudden without any solid evidence.

You need others to reassure you all the time

Seeking the reassurance of others may seem like a normal thing, but when it happens very often and is needed to get your day going, this can be trouble. People who have Borderline Personality Disorder often need others to constantly assure them and may get insecure when they don’t.

How to treat BPD if you have it?

If you have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, there are numerous treatment methods which are available and which your consultant psychiatrist will list out for you. Some of these are:

• Hospitalization: If the symptoms of your Borderline Personality Disorder are too severe and are actually dangerous to your life and that of others, you may be hospitalized. This is particularly if you have attempted suicide or have such ideations.

• Medication: There are no actual medications which have been approved for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder directly. At the same time, certain medications like antidepressants may alleviate some of the symptoms.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Dialectical Behavior Therapy is definitely one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy that has been found effective for the treatment of BPD. DBT mainly focuses on coping with emotions through skill-development.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy allows the individual to process their feelings and emotions and slowly use coping techniques like deep breathing to deal with them. This can also improve self-esteem and self-confidence in managing even overwhelming emotions.

• Transference-focused psychotherapy: Transference-focused psychotherapy is another form of therapy which primarily focuses on coping with emotions. This therapy uses the relationship between the therapist and the client to bring changes.

• Mentalization-based therapy: Mentalization-based therapy is another excellent choice of psychotherapy for Borderline Personality Disorder. It basically focuses on learning to look at your thoughts in a different perspective.

This form of therapy may sound very simple but is superbly effective. Here, the person is encouraged to basically think before they react to a certain situation with any emotion or feeling, thereby bringing more control into the picture.

Conclusion

This detailed article has answered if those who have BPD or Borderline Personality Disorder are aware that they have BPD. We have also looked at the main signs of BPD and the different treatment methods which are available.

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