Misconceptions about borderline personality disorder can lead to people failing to seek treatment or family and friends to be leery of having relationships with people who have a disorder. Knowing the truth about these disorders can be beneficial to both sets of people. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about borderline personality disorder and the reality.
Only Women Can Have Borderline Personality Disorder
Although borderline personality disorder, or BPD, is more prevalent in young women, men can also have it. Approximately 70 percent of the people who are diagnosed with the disorder are women. However, there is a belief that the disorder is being under-diagnosed in men. As a result, there are some men who are in need of treatment for the disorder who are not receiving it.
There Is No Treatment for the Disorder
Although BPD is difficult to treat, it is possible. There are many treatment options available, including the use of psychotherapy and medications. The medications are important in treating any disorders that co-occur, such as anxiety. If you are in need of further treatment, your doctor can recommend hospitalization. It can take a period of trial and error before finding the right combination of therapies to treat the disorder. It is important to report any side effects or complications to your doctor or therapist so that he or she can take action.
It Is Not a Real Disorder
One of the most damaging falsehoods about BPD is that it is not real. Some people have been accused of "faking it" by family and friends. Some of the symptoms can be hard for people to understand, including the impulsive behavior exhibited by people with the disorder. However, it is a very real disease that can have a serious impact on a person's emotional and physical well-being.
It Is a Rare Disorder
BPD affects up to two percent of people. When compared to other more well-known disorders, it is a more common disorder. For instance, according to the Treatment Advocacy Center, 1.1 percent of people in the United States suffer from schizophrenia. Even though schizophrenia affects a smaller portion of the population than BPD, it is more commonly known.
If you or someone you love has borderline personality disorder, it is important to work with a therapist or other medical profession to address misconceptions about it. By not having actual facts about the disorder, your well-being or that of your loved one could be compromised.
