I’m a doctor and here are four signs you may have borderline personality disorder
A doctor has revealed four broad symptom groups that indicate you could have borderline personality disorder (BPD).
BPD is a personality disorder that, according to the American Psychological Association, is “characterized by a long-standing pattern of instability in mood, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem that is severe enough to cause extreme distress or interfere with social and occupational functioning.” ‘.
The condition is also called Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) by some.
British GP and TikTok content creator Dr. Ahmed, who has more than 280,000 followers on the platform, where he uses the handle @drasaysdiscussed the disorder in a video.
According to the clinician, terms such as ‘split personality’ and ‘personality disorder’ are ‘thrown around in everyday use’, but often inaccurately.
British general practitioner and TikTok creator Dr. Ahmed (pictured) discussed four groups of symptoms associated with BPD in a video on the platform
Referring specifically to BPD, he said in the video, “Let’s explain more. So borderline personality disorder can cause a wide range of symptoms, but… [they can] can be broadly grouped into one of four categories.]
He then outlined the four categories.
1. Emotional instability
According to Dr. Ahmed, the first group of symptoms has to do with emotional instability.
He explained: ‘Here you can cycle through emotions very quickly, from shame, sadness or despair.
‘It’s not unusual for people with BPD to feel completely suicidal and then feel elated within a few hours.
“The most important point to note, however, is that the mood swings can be completely unpredictable.”
2. Disturbed thinking patterns
The GP (pictured) said you should talk to your doctor if you think you have the disorder, as if you have BPD, they ‘should refer you to the mental health team’
“With the second type, you may have disturbed thought patterns,” the doctor explained in the video.
He continued: ‘[This] can cause visual and habitual hallucinations.”
3. Impulsiveness
Dr. Ahmed described the third group of symptoms as those that can be “particularly challenging” and said this group was about impulsivity.
He explained, “So you can suddenly have an urge or impulse to do reckless things.”
These, he added, could include behaviors including binge drinking or taking drugs.
‘As for, [you may] have an impulse to self-harm,” he noted.
4. Relationship instability
Moving on to the fourth group of symptoms, Dr. Ahmed relationship instability op.
“In general,” he explained, “it’s common for people with BPD to be unable to let go of people or feel like they will be left alone.
‘This may involve constant texting or calling.
“Or, in the worst case, threaten to kill themselves if someone wants to leave them.”
Discussing the disorder itself further, he noted that “we don’t know the cause of BPD, but it is usually a combination of genetics and environmental factors.”
He added that there are theories that “a lot of people.” [with] BPD may have suffered trauma in the past, either in their childhood or in their adult life.”
When it comes to what to do if you suspect you have the disorder, he said: ‘Please see your doctor as we will need to refer you to the mental health team.
‘The treatment can vary, but usually involves intensive therapies that are specialist.’
He added that while “medication has not been shown to be completely effective,” mood stabilizers “can be used if you have particularly large mood swings.”
