It is very difficult
for people with BPD to develop and maintain what would be considered
stable and long lasting relationships with people. This does
not mean these individuals cannot form attachments, however,
because of their often rapidly changing attitudes towards their
loved ones, friendships and romantic attachments may not last.
For instance, their attitudes towards family, friends, and loved
ones may suddenly shift from that of great love and admiration
to that of dislike and anger. So though loving attachments may
be formed, if a slight separation or conflict occurs the individual
may unexpectedly switch to another emotion.
Even with family members, individuals with BPD are highly sensitive
to rejection, reacting with anger and distress to such mild
separations as a vacation, a business trip, or a sudden change
in plans. These fears of abandonment seem to be related to difficulties
feeling emotionally connected to important persons when they
are physically absent, leaving the individual with BPD feeling
lost and perhaps worthless.
Suicide threats and attempts may occur along with anger at perceived
abandonment and disappointments. People with BPD exhibit other
impulsive behaviors, such as excessive spending, binge eating
and risky sex. BPD often occurs together with other psychiatric
problems, particularly bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety
disorders, substance abuse, and other personality disorders. |
