BPD Subtype Identification

Better Identify and Understand Your BPD

Borderline Personality Disorder is one of the most diverse mental health conditions in terms of manifestation. There are many delineations of this condition, and sometimes the symptoms can be very difficult to detect. Understanding the symptoms, as well as the various subtypes of the condition is paramount in getting the right help and achieving remission.

Understanding the Symptoms

The latest copy of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) requires the presence of five of the nine symptoms of BPD to qualify for the diagnosis. Let’s take a look at the nine BPD symptoms…

Fear of Abandonment

People with BPD often suffer from an intense feeling of abandonment. This fear can be real or perceived and is often matched with inappropriate reactions.

Unstable Relationships

Instability in interpersonal relationships is very common for people with BPD, and they will often fluctuate between idealization and devaluation of the people who are closest to them (especially romantic partners).

Identity Disturbance

A significant “lack of self” is frequently present in individuals suffering from BPD. This can affect self-identity, self-image, and the ability to validate oneself.

Impulsive Behavior

The significant lack of self-worth and inability to manage one’s emotions can create patterns of self-damaging behavior and impulsive decision-making.

Suicidal Ideation and/or Self-Harm

Borderline individuals often make recurring threats and/or attempts of suicide and may experience a plethora of self-mutilating or self-harm behaviors.

Emotional Instability & Mood Swings

People with BPD often have intense reactions which can dramatically alter their mood. This instability may include intense episodic dysphoria, frustration and irritability, anxiety, apathy and/or depression. This affective instability can last moments, hours, days, and sometimes longer.

Chronic Feelings of Emptiness

The apathy and nihilism can be very strong in someone with BPD. The feeling of emptiness can become very debilitating.

Inappropriate Anger/Rage

BPD can make it very difficult to control one’s reactions; and someone with BPD may display extreme bouts of frustration, temper tantrums, regular aggression, and even violence.

Paranoia and Dissociation

People suffering from BPD can easily become paranoid about emotional topics, especially those which challenge their sense of self. It is common for people with BPD to dissociate, or to experience depersonalization/derealization.

BPD Subtypes

Although BPD may manifest many ways, the psychological community has accepted four distinguished subtypes of BPD, characterized by their own paradigms.

Discouraged BPD

The discouraged BPD subtype is typically very quiet in manifestation for most of their experience, until they are met with feelings of being abandoned. The real or perceived feeling of abandonment can invoke intense anger, control mechanisms, and emotional instability. Discouraged BPD is also marked with heavy reliance on others.

Impulsive BPD

The impulsive BPD subtype is marked by a severe lack of impulsivity control. Many times, these individuals will pursue risky behavior, have a much higher risk for self-harm, and often exhibit a lot of suicidal behavior/attempts. They may be more likely to become addicted to gambling, spending sprees, or substance abuse.

Petulant BPD

The petulant BPD subtype includes patterns of intense angry outbursts which may be labeled “adult temper tantrums.” These individuals often feel unloved, unworthy, and develop a significant desire to control and manipulate other people. For these reasons, their relationships are often dramatically unstable.

Self-Destructive BPD

The self-destructive BPD subtype is characterized by extreme self-loathing and feelings of general bitterness. While seeking attention and comfort in others may appear to help, it is only a temporary bandage which usually ends in self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, suicidal ideation and threats, and destructive decision-making.

A Few More Words On Subtypes

It is important to remember that Borderline Personality Disorder will evolve along with age and circumstance. Meaning, some of the subtypes of BPD may be more likely to be present themselves in different phases of one’s life or even in different romantic relationships. It is also possible to display various subtypes transiently, or to identify with multiple subtypes.