Myth-Busting: Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a psychiatric condition which is characterised by intense emotions, fluctuating moods, problems with relationships, an unstable sense of identity, and impulsive and self-damaging behaviours. BPD is one of the most stigmatised mental health conditions and myths about BPD are sadly still very common. Such myths may unfortunately discourage an individual from seeking treatment or believing that treatment for BPD is even possible, which may make it more difficult for the individual to access support and subsequently contribute to feelings of shame, hopelessness, and unworthiness.
Here are five common myths about BPD:
1) BPD is untreatable
This is one of the most damaging myths about Borderline Personality Disorder. Even among mental health professionals, personality disorders, such as BPD, have been frequently considered to be untreatable, which very often discouraged individuals with BPD from seeking help. That’s a misunderstanding. Although it takes time and considerable effort for an individual with BPD to develop the skills needed to help them live a life worth living, there is clear evidence showing that rates of recovery from BPD are much higher than previously thought. There are also different therapeutic approaches that have proven to be effective for BPD, with Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) being one of the most common and effective treatments.
2) People with BPD are dangerous
Individuals with BPD may experience intense anger, yet this rarely translates into dangerous behaviour toward others. However, they are statistically more likely to harm themselves than anyone else in their surroundings. Moreover, research indicates a significantly high rate of self-harm among people with personality disorders like BPD. Consequently, understanding this risk is essential for providing effective support and timely mental health interventions. Ultimately, raising awareness about these realities helps combat stigma and promotes compassion toward individuals living with BPD.
3) People with BPD are manipulative and attention-seeking
Another dangerous myth is that people with BPD are manipulative and attention-seeking in their behaviour. Although such actions may appear intentional, they are often impulsive responses to overwhelming and distressing emotions. For example, sending multiple texts or crying uncontrollably can stem from fears of abandonment and deep sadness. Moreover, these reactions reflect difficulty managing emotions rather than a calculated attempt to control others. It is essential to take suicide threats seriously and never dismiss them as attention-seeking. In fact, research shows up to 10% of individuals with BPD die by suicide, with many more attempting it or engaging in self-harm.
4) Misunderstanding: BPD only affects women
It has been widely accepted that women are disproportionately affected by a ratio of 3:1; however, recent research has shown that that’s actually a misunderstanding. In reality, the lifetime incidence of BPD was about equal in men and women. Part of the reason why the 3:1 ratio exists is because research on BPD is often conducted in psychiatric settings, and because women are more likely to seek help, there tend to be more women than men with BPD in mental health settings, thus making it look like more women have BPD. On the other hand, men with BPD are more likely to end up in prison, therefore their BPD is likely to go undetected.
5) Misunderstanding: BPD is Always Caused by Childhood Trauma
A very common belief is that BPD is caused solely by childhood trauma. However, this assumption oversimplifies a complex mental health condition. Although childhood trauma can contribute, it is not present in all cases. Moreover, many individuals with BPD have not experienced traumatic childhood events. Likewise, some people who endured trauma never develop Borderline Personality Disorder at all. Research suggests multiple factors interact to influence the development of this condition. These include biological influences, such as genetic vulnerability and brain structure differences. Environmental elements, like early relationships and life stressors, can also play significant roles. Sociocultural factors, including stigma and societal pressures, may further affect the condition’s development. Ultimately, BPD arises from a combination of influences rather than one single cause.
Final Thoughts on Misunderstanding
Living with BPD presents daily challenges that require resilience, understanding, and consistent emotional regulation to manage effectively. Moreover, facing stigma and discrimination can intensify struggles, making recovery and self-acceptance even more difficult for individuals. Therefore, providing accurate and accessible information about BPD is essential to counter harmful myths and stereotypes. Additionally, recognising both the difficulties and strengths of those with BPD fosters empathy and encourages meaningful social inclusion. Ultimately, promoting awareness and acceptance empowers individuals with BPD to embrace their potential and live fulfilling, authentic lives.
Written by Dr Ronald Zammit
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.
Dr. Ronald Zammit holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Southampton, has completed Master’s level psychotherapy training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at the New Buckinghamshire University in the UK, as well as received training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). He has a special interest in mood and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related difficulties, personality disorders, and compassion-based approaches to treating difficulties related to high self-criticism and shame.
