Rajatilahäiriö

Rajatilahäiriö, also known as borderline personality disorder (BPD), is a mental health condition characterized by pervasive instability in moods, relationships, self-image, and behavior. Individuals with BPD often experience intense emotions that are difficult to manage, leading to rapid mood swings that can last for hours or days. This emotional dysregulation can manifest as extreme anger, anxiety, or depression.

A key feature of rajatilahäiriö is a pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships. These relationships may swing between idealization, where the person views others as perfect, and devaluation, where they see others as flawed and disappointing. This instability can lead to frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment, contributing to relationship difficulties.

Distorted self-perception is another hallmark of BPD. Individuals may struggle with a stable sense of self, experiencing chronic feelings of emptiness or having an inconsistent identity. Impulsivity, often in areas like spending, sex, substance abuse, or reckless driving, is also common and can have significant negative consequences.

Self-harming behaviors, such as cutting or suicidal ideation and attempts, are unfortunately prevalent among those with BPD and are often a response to overwhelming emotional pain. While the exact causes are not fully understood, a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors is believed to contribute to its development. Diagnosis is made by mental health professionals based on specific diagnostic criteria. Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which aims to help individuals develop skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.