Treatment Options for Teens With Borderline Personality Traits

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a very challenging and complex disorder to treat. Dr. Blaise Aguirre, a recognized child and adolescent researcher of BPD, states that about 11% of clients with the disorder end up in outpatient settings, while about 20% are in inpatient settings with a comorbid diagnosis. For example, someone with BPD may also have severe depression or anxiety….

Living with or trying to help treat an adolescent with explosive emotions can feel like an impossible task for everyone involved. There are no quick fixes and therapy sessions (both individual and family) can often end in firestorms. There is no easy way around it. One of the most difficult “symptoms” of BPD traits in adolescents that places a strain on relationships is the fear of being left alone, disliked, or separated. The individual might constantly believe or state “no one likes me” or “I am unloved in this family.” At other times, this same individual might make a contrary statement such as “I always feel loved by my family” or “I am so happy to be in love with you.” It’s almost as if the individual engages in a perpetual cycle of clinging to others and distancing themselves from others. It’s sometimes difficult to determine how that person actually feels about you or perceives you…. –Támara Hill, PsychCentral