May is Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month

Awareness of this condition is much needed.  What disorder is more misunderstood and maligned than this? Many myths and misconceptions exist that further serve to stigmatize those with this diagnosis (or even those who are mistakenly given this diagnosis).

I understand Borderline Personality Disorder( BPD) as a complex trauma disorder.  I see attachment gone awry as well as emotional,  physical, and/or sexual abuse as causative factors.  I have written previously about how childhood trauma impacts the development of basic skills like self-soothing and emotion management.  I believe many of the behaviors associated with BPD, such as self-injury, can be understood as stemming from these deficits.  Simply put, people with BPD are doing the best they can given what little they have received in childhood.  I have worked with many clients who have actually talked about using self-injury as a way to take care of themselves; a way to manage unbearable emotions or even a means to  prevent attempting suicide.

I am well aware that not everyone share my perspective, and that even some mental health professionals and therapists have negative reactions to BPD.

Why is this disorder so misunderstood? Is it just another example of how our society maintains such deep denial regarding the long- term and serious impact of childhood abuse and neglect? Is it a form of victim blaming?

What are your reactions to BPD? Have you ever received this diagnosis? If so, how did you feel? What reactions and misconceptions are you aware of from others? For more information and ideas on raising awareness of BPD, check out the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder.

Dr. Young is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience. She has been in private practice in Chicago, Illinois since 1992. Her career focus has been on treating trauma and its aftermath.

She is also an EMDR trained therapist and has completed the Illinois 40-hour Domestic Violence Training. Dr. Young received her doctorate in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in 1990. For more information: http://www.drkathleenyoung.com

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