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Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness characterized
by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image,
and behavior. This instability often disrupts family and work life, long-term
planning, and the individual's sense of self-identity. |
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Originally thought
to be at the "borderline" of psychosis, people with
BPD suffer from a disorder of emotion regulation. |
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BPD is more common
than schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, affecting 2 percent
of adults, mostly young women. |
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There is a high
rate of self-injury without suicide intent, as well as a significant
rate of suicide attempts and completed suicide in severe cases.
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Patients often
need extensive mental health services, and account for 20 percent
of psychiatric hospitalizations. Yet, with help, many improve
over time and are eventually able to lead productive lives. |
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