Spirit Lake Consulting, Inc. 's Virtual Library

BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER

Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by instability in personal relationships, mood, self-image, affects, and control over impulses. Borderline Personality Disorder is often accompanied by self-mutilation, substance abuse and suicidal tendencies. This disorder is seen in 2-3% of the general population and is more common in women than it is in men.

CAUSES
People who have at least one family member with mood disorders Borderline Personality Disorder are more at risk of developing the disorder. This suggests that the cause is at least partly genetic. People with Borderline Personality Disorder are more likely to report being sexually abused than people with other disorders. It is thought that sexual or physical abuse may trigger Borderline Personality Disorder in those with a genetic predisposition towards it. Since women are two to three times more likely to be sexually abused than men this may account for the disproportionate occurrence of the disorder between the genders.

RETURN TO SPECIFIC DISABILITY PAGE