All Rights Reserved. While there are no medications currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its treatment, an estimated 96% of people with BPD take at least one psychotropic druga. (2006), The effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy for borderline personality disorder: Results from the borderline personality disorder study of cognitive therapy (BOSCOT) trial, A trial of carbamazepine in borderline personality disorder, Daz-Mars M., Gonzlez Bardanca S., Tarima K., Garca-Albea J., Navas M., Carrasco J.L. BPD is usually treated with psychotherapy. (1996), Naltrexone and self-injurious behavior: A retrospective population study, Clarkin J.F., Widiger T.A., Frances A., Hurt S.W., Gilmore M. (1983), Prototypic typology and the borderline personality disorder, Clinical outcome of psycho-pharmacologic treatment of borderline and schizotypal personality disordered subjects, Fluoxetine and impulsive aggressive behavior in personality disordered subjects, Coccaro E.F., Kavoussi R.J., Hauger R.L., Cooper T.B., Ferris C.F. In addition, given the limitations of current pharmacological treatment of BPD, there is a pressing need to investigate potential new therapeutic targets, including neuropeptides, such as the opioids and vasopressin, and drugs targeted at ameliorating the biological effects of early life stress. 4301 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300 2010]. Evidence-based pharmacological treatment guidelines for BPD are still in their infancy and larger scale trials of promising treatments, such as divalproex sodium, are urgently needed. The type and amount of medication prescribed will depend on the individuals symptoms The following medications are commonly used to treat distressing symptoms of BPD: There are many things that can potentially trigger someone with borderline personality disorder into an episode. . No single factor is responsible for BPD rather, it is the complex and likely intertwined nature of all three factors. The pharmacological profile of lithium also prevents it being used in first-line management, with a high risk of toxicity on overdose. 2009; Sandman et al. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) - Mental Health Disorders - MSD Cardiac medications: A few infants with BPD may require special medications that help relax the muscles around the blood vessels in the lung, allowing the blood to pass more freely and reduce the strain on the heart. (2006), Effects of early life stress on adult male aggression and hypothalamic vasopressin and serotonin, Epigenetic programming by maternal behavior and pharmacological intervention. 2000]. Treatments aim to help you manage these intense feelings and reduce distress so that they occur less often. Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide. By using the SingleCare prescription discount card or app, you agree to the SingleCare Terms and Conditions found at, ensure that people are properly diagnosed, Harvard Health Publishing on treating borderline personality disorder, Diagnosing and treating borderline personality disorder, Patients with bipolar and borderline personality disorder, American Psychiatric Association on personality disorders, National Alliance on Mental Illness on borderline personality disorder. "A romantic . . Heres a list of antidepressants sometimes used to treat BPD: Antipsychotics are used to treat borderline personality disorder because they help reduce impulsive behavior, anger, anxiety, and other similar emotions that result from BPD. All Rights Reserved. A mental health professional may ask the following questions to help confirm a diagnosis: Borderline personality disorder symptoms are most effectively and commonly treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. If you have a close family member with a BPD diagnosis, such as a parent or sibling, you may have a higher risk of developing it, too. BPD can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and successful treatment includes addressing any other conditions a person might have. Message & data rates may apply. 2005; Zanarini et al. Several guidelines recommend the use of antidepressant agents, mood stabilizers for affective dysregulation and impulsive-behavioural dyscontrol, and antipsychotics for cognitive-perceptual symptoms. Borderline personality disorder is a mental health disorder that impacts the way you think and feel about yourself and others, causing problems functioning in everyday life. (1993), Efficacy of phenelzine and haloperidol in borderline personality disorder, Soloff P.H., Meltzer C.C., Greer P.J., Constantine D., Kelly T.M. Medications are often prescribed along with psychotherapy to help alleviate emotional symptoms. On this background, there has been recent interest in the role of neuropeptide systems, such as the opioids and vasopressin, and in the role epigenetic modifications following early life stressors; the relevance of each is reviewed below. Careers, Unable to load your collection due to an error. Medication for borderline personality disorder (BPD) can help treat symptoms associated with BPD such as depression, mood instability, anxiety, anger, and impulsivity. Bayanne Olabi Division of Psychiatry, School of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK. With therapy and support, many people with BPD learn to manage their symptoms and heal. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a condition characterized by difficulties regulating emotion. 2001], and measures of interpersonal sensitivity and hostility and aggression [Frankenberg and Zanarini, 2002]. doi:10.4088/PCC.16r02037. https://www.uptodate.com . For example, if a friend changes plans at the last minute for an unavoidable reason, you might have an immediate, automatic fear of being abandoned and feel very hurt or distressed. Treatments for borderline personality disorder. Among people with BPD, impulsive and potentially self-damaging behavior is common. Research on the management of BPD has been challenging; the multifaceted nature of the disorder [Clarkin et al. These studies have important research and treatment implications. 2005; Schmahl et al. If necessary, your therapist can refer you to a healthcare practitioner who can prescribe medicine to you. 2009; Binks et al. Most health professionals tend to avoid prescribing medication since there is no specific drug to treat BPD and will only attempt to only lessen some of the symptoms, like depression, anxiety or low self . Skodol A. (1998b), Axis II comorbidity of borderline personality disorder, Zanarini M.C., Frankenburg F.R., Hennen J., Silk K.R. (2009), Volumes of the hippocampus and amygdala in patients with borderline personality disorder: A meta-analysis, Oldham J.M., Bender D.S., Skodol A.E., Dyck I.R., Sanislow C.A., Yen S., et al. The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation. So far, the bulk of research has focused on BPD, he notes. Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment by friends and family. There is strong evidence that depressive symptoms are common in individuals meeting criteria for BPD. Anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics are all classes of drugs commonly used (off label, as no medications have FDA indications specifically for any personality disorder) to treat BPD. the contents by NLM or the National Institutes of Health. Bipolar symptoms: What are the early signs of bipolar disorder? This condition cannot be cured, so the goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for people with BPD. However, trials of these agents have demonstrated only modest differences compared with control groups [Simpson et al. 1998; Teicher et al. Guideline Development Groups. Living with impulsive behaviors, unstable moods, distorted self-image, and suicidal behavior can be extremely difficult to deal with. Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.Towers Administrators LLC (operating as 'SingleCare Administrators') is the authorized prescription discount plan organization with its administrative office located at 4510 Cox Road, Suite 111, Glen Allen, VA 23060. (2013). Unfortunately, there is very little research to indicate whether anti-anxiety medications for BPD are actually effective. More research is needed to understand how these therapies might be helpful to people with BPD who also have anxiety. Evidence for this has been demonstrated in human studies, revealing altered opioid neurotransmission associated with negative affect [Zubieta et al. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. 2006] and there is a growing body of evidence that different classes of agents, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics and neuroleptics, can be used in the treatment of specific symptoms [Abraham and Calabrese, 2008; Binks et al. Common side effects associated with borderline personality disorder medications include changes to behavior, confusion, involuntary and uncontrollable muscle movements, vision problems, and seizures. Dialectical behavior therapy as treatment for borderline personality disorder. The recent discovery of the histone deacetylase inhibitory properties of sodium valproate [Gttlicher, 2004; Gttlicher et al. BEST meds for BPD?! I'm desperate : r/BorderlinePDisorder In addition, heterogeneity in outcome measures and methodology across clinical trials mean that treatment efficacy is often difficult to assess [Mercer et al. (2005), Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of dialectical behavior therapy plus olanzapine for BPD, Soloff P.H., Cornelius J., George A., Nathan S., Perel J.M., Ulrich R.F. 1993; Parsons et al. The most commonly studied antipsychotic, olanzapine, has been found to reduce impulsivity, hostility, affective instability and psychotic symptoms in BPD [Lieb et al. 2006; Nose et al. 2003, 2002], altered opioid levels in patients with a history of self-harm [Stanley et al. Personality disorders are prevalent in the general population and more so in clinical populations. Treatment - Borderline personality disorder - NHS There has also been interest in the correlation between early social experience and changes in the methylation status of the promoter of the glucocorticoid receptor gene [Weaver et al. NAMI Taking this view, mental health professionals should consider the underlying cause of the persons emotional responses, rather than determining that theres a problem with the individual. You could also try online therapy, and you can read up on low-cost therapy options. A number of studies have been conducted to assess the efficacy of various medications in the management of patients with BPD. What is borderline personality disorder Living with impulsive behaviors, unstable moods, distorted self-image, and suicidal behavior can be extremely difficult to deal with. Borderline Personality Disorder - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf It is rare to find patients with BPD who have never shown any suicidal behavior. There is not one single BPD medication approved by the FDA for BPD treatment. On an individual basis, some have reported significant improvement in their BPD symptoms. A health-care professional can determine the proper dosage and form of medication on a case-by-case basis. All rights reserved. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) - Symptoms and Causes Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with borderline personality disorder, Borderline personality disorder and childhood trauma: Evidence for a causal relationship, Bellino S., Paradiso E., Bogetto F. (2008), Efficacy and tolerability of pharmacotherapies for borderline personality disorder, Benedetti F., Sforzini L., Colombo C. (1998), Low-dose clozapine in acute and continuation treatment of severe borderline personality disorder, Bielsky I.F., Hu S.B., Szegda K.L., Westphal H., Young L.J. In addition, there is ground for future advances in the field through the study of novel potential therapeutic agents, such as drugs targeting neuropeptide systems and therapies aimed at specifically ameliorating the biological consequences of early life adversity. SingleCare Services LLC ('SingleCare') is the vendor of the prescription discount plan, including theirwebsite.websiteat www.singlecare.com. This is not a complete list. Drug Enforcement Administration. WFSBP Task Force on Personality Disorders. There are nine symptoms associated with BPD, according to the DSM-5. BPD can sometimes be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder. Suicidality is a defining feature of borderline personality disorder (BPD). These are just some of the symptoms that characterize borderline personality disorder (BPD), which affects up to 1.4% of people living in the United States. If you think you or a loved one has BPD, the first step is typically to speak with a medical professional. Morgan TA, et al. Certain lifestyle changes may help prevent BPD from worsening. government site. Psychopharmacologic treatment of borderline personality disorder. All Rights Reserved. Several specialized psychotherapies formulated for BPD-dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mentalization-based treatment (MBT), schema-focused psychotherapy, and transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP)-reduce self-injury, suicide attempts, and hospitalizations. Effective treatments are available to manage the symptoms of . Improvements were seen in these studies on global function [Hollander et al. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual diagnostic framework, some key signs and symptoms may include: The causes of BPD are not fully understood, but scientists agree that it is the result of a combination of factors, including: There is no definitive medical test to diagnose BPD, and a diagnosis is not based on one specific sign or symptom. In the pediatric population, all personality disorders can be diagnosed, except antisocial personality disorder, as long as the pathologic behavior has been present for a year or more. Personality disorders--Treatment for the 'untreatable' Patients are often refractory to treatment and are at high risk for acute or dangerous presentations, with a serious impact on mental health services. A number of studies have shown that epigenetic modifications can be altered, and even reversed, in adult life [Weaver, 2007; Weaver et al. Benzodiazepines. This article is not medical advice. Trials that have investigated the efficacy of car-bamazepine have yielded mixed results. May JM, et al. A counselor or therapist can help someone learn what triggers them and how to move through a triggering situation. These are just some of the symptoms that characterize borderline personality disorder (BPD), which affects up to 1.4% of people living in the United States.