Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

Do you often feel “empty”?
Do you feel extreme sadness, anger and anxiety.
Do your emotions change very quickly?
Are you afraid that people will abandon you?
Do you live with a constant fear of rejection?
Are your romantic relationships intense?
Is your self-esteem low?
Do you feel emotional pain?
Do you often do things that are dangerous or unhealthy?
Have you tried to harm yourself?

You may have Borderline Personality Disorder.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) to be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder a person must show ongoing problems in their relationships with others, their self-image, their moods, and their impulsivity. This usually starts by early adulthood. To meet a diagnosis of BPD, the person must exhibit at least five of the following nine criteria:

Frantic efforts to avoid being abandoned by others — they may experience feelings of panic, depression, rage, or extreme reaction to being left alone, whether the threat is real or perceived.

A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships— seeing others as “good” or “bad”, and shifting from one view to the other suddenly.

Identity disturbance— distorted and unstable self-image, values, and aspirations with a sudden change in career goals, sexual identity, and types of friends.