Borderline personality disorder
बॉर्डरलाइन पर्सनैलिटी डिसऑर्डर (भावनात्मक अस्थिरता)
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) involves intense, rapidly changing emotions, difficulty in relationships, an unstable sense of self and impulsive actions.
Contrary to old beliefs, BPD has a good outlook — many people improve substantially over a few years, especially with structured therapy.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
Common symptoms
- Strong fear of being abandoned
- Intense, unstable relationships that swing between idealising and devaluing
- Rapid mood changes, intense anger, chronic emptiness
- Impulsive spending, substance use or risky behaviour
- Self-harm or suicidal behaviour during distress
Causes
- Emotional sensitivity from birth combined with an invalidating or traumatic environment
- Childhood trauma, neglect or loss in many (not all) cases
Risk factors
- Family history of mood or personality disorders
- Substance use
How it is diagnosed
- Patterns lasting since adolescence or early adulthood, assessed over more than one session
- Screening for depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD and substance use
- Regular suicide risk assessment
Classification: ICD-10 F60.3 · ICD-11 6D10 with 6D11.5ICD-11: personality disorder (rated by severity) with borderline pattern specifier.
Treatment options
- 1Structured psychotherapy is the main treatment
- 2Medicines for specific symptoms (depression, severe anxiety, sleep), not for BPD itself
- 3A crisis plan for periods of high distress
Psychotherapy and counselling
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills: emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness
- Mentalisation-based or schema-focused therapy
Guidance for family
- Validate feelings while holding calm, consistent limits
- Learn the DBT skills alongside, if possible
- Take self-harm seriously every time; seek help
When to see a psychiatrist
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts — seek help the same day
- Relationships, studies or work repeatedly break down
Thoughts of self-harm or a medical emergency? Call Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7, free) or 112.
Frequently asked questions
Is BPD untreatable?
No. With therapy, many people no longer meet criteria for BPD after a few years.
Is it bipolar disorder?
No. Mood changes in BPD are usually rapid and linked to relationships; bipolar episodes last days to weeks.
Can therapy be online?
Yes, skills-based therapy can be done online with a clear crisis plan.
Help is available — confidential, in Hindi or English.
Private video consultation from anywhere in India with an Ajmer-based psychiatrist. Psychiatry consultation ₹500.
This page is for education and does not replace a personal consultation. Do not start or stop any medicine without a doctor's advice.