Borderline syndrome: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Borderline syndrome or borderline personality disorder is characterized by rapid changes in mood, fear of being abandoned by friends or partners, unstable relationships and impulsive behaviors.

Although borderline syndrome does not have a specific cause, there is a genetic predisposition for its development. Furthermore, it is more common in the case of a history of childhood abuse and alcohol or drug abuse by parents, for example.

If borderline syndrome is suspected, it is important to consult a psychiatrist to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is usually done with psychotherapy, but may also involve the use of medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of borderline syndrome are:

• Rapid mood changeswhich can last hours or days, varying between moments of anger, sadness and anxiety;
• Unstable identitywith rapid changes in values, goals and opinions about professional careers, sexual identity and types of friends, for example;
• Fear of being abandonedby your partner, friends or family, for example;
• Unstable and intense relationshipswith feelings that quickly vary from idealization of the other person to devaluation;
• Feelings of self-devaluationthinking that the partner or friends, for example, do not care enough;
• Impulsivenessengaging in gambling, uncontrolled spending of money, excessive food consumption, alcohol or drug abuse and irresponsible activities;
• Suicidal behaviors, gestures or threatsespecially when the person thinks they will be abandoned;
• Anger that is frequent and difficult to controlespecially directed at people you care about, and followed by feelings of shame and guilt;
• Feeling of loneliness and inner emptinesswhich is usually persistent.

Furthermore, people with borderline syndrome are generally afraid that their emotions are out of their control, showing difficulty in dealing with stressful situations and creating a great dependence on other people at these times. See more symptoms of borderline syndrome.

Borderline online test

Take the following test to find out your risk of having borderline syndrome:

Possible causes

Borderline syndrome does not have a specific cause, but there is a genetic predisposition of the person, especially when one of the parents is also affected.

Furthermore, it is also more common in the case of a history of abuse, separation or lack of care by the mother in childhood, disorganization of the family when raising children and abuse of alcohol or drugs by parents, for example.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of borderline syndrome is made by a psychiatrist taking into account the symptoms present, the person’s behavior and the damage that the symptoms cause in their personal and professional life.

In addition, evaluation by other health professionals, such as psychologists and therapists, is generally recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

How the treatment is carried out

Borderline syndrome is treated with psychotherapy sessions, especially dialectical-behavioral therapy and mentalization-based therapy, which can help the person to better deal with harmful emotions. Discover other types of psychotherapy.

Furthermore, depending on the symptoms present, medications for anxiety, antidepressants or antipsychotics may be indicated, which should always be prescribed by a psychiatrist.

Is borderline syndrome curable?

Borderline syndrome has no cure. However, with appropriate treatment, symptoms can be controlled and, although some can remain for life, over time people tend to be able to relate better.