Link between borderline personality disorder, suicide
Editor’s Note: If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor or call 911 in situations of immediate danger.
On average, 132 people in the U.S. commit suicide each day, making it the tenth leading cause of death for Americans. For individuals living with borderline personality disorder (BPD), the risk of suicide is even greater. One study found 75% of individuals living with BPD attempt suicide.
Borderline Personality Disorder Explained
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, borderline personality disorder is an illness that is manifested by an ongoing pattern of mood swings, self-image, and behavior. These symptoms can result in impulsive or reckless behavior and relationship difficulty.
• Mood Patterns: People with BPD experience intense mood swings that result in uncertainty about the world around them. Because of this, their interests and outlook can rapidly change. People with borderline personality disorder also tend to view things in extremes, such as all good or all bad.
• Occurrence: It is estimated that 1.4%, approximately 3 million, of people in the United States are living with the illness. Women are also disproportionately affected, making up approximately 75% of diagnoses.
• Onset: Symptoms of BPD usually begin to appear in early adulthood and may decrease later in life as people in their 30s and 40s find stability.
• Risk Factors: While there are currently no specific causes linked directly to borderline personality disorder, research suggests that social, environmental and genetic factors such as family history, a traumatic childhood and brain abnormalities may increase a person’s risk.
Borderline Personality Disorder vs. Bipolar Disorder
Borderline personality disorder can sometimes be confused with bipolar disorder and can co-occur as well. While both disorders can cause intense emotional responses, depression and impulsive behavior, BPD and bipolar disorder are separate illnesses with different symptoms and treatment options.
• Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that primarily affects a person’s emotional state altering thoughts, motivation and overall functionality in cycles that can last for days to months. It is more common than BPD and affects an estimated 2.8% of Americans.
• BPD is a personality disorder that primarily affects a person’s inner experience and relationships causing individuals to think and act differently.
Higher Risk of Suicide Linked to BPD Suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors can be associated with impulsive personality traits, putting individuals with BPD at higher risk for suicide. Suicidality in patients with BPD can be chronic and may continue for extended periods with as many as one in 10 affected individuals completing suicide.
Seeking Help Leads to Better Outcomes Studies funded by the National Institute of Mental Health indicate that borderline personality disorder patients who don’t receive adequate treatment are more likely to develop other chronic medical or mental illnesses and are less likely to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Psychotherapy is the first line of treatment, but medications are sometimes recommended for mood swings, depression and impulsivity. Contact your health-care provider to learn more about treatment options related to borderline personality disorder.