About Mental Health & Addictions

Borderline personality disorder: An information guide for families

From: Borderline personality disorder: An information guide for families. (© 2009 CAMH)

This booklet is designed for people who have someone in their lives who has borderline personality disorder (BPD). The first three sections include information about the symptoms and causes and treatment of BPD. Section four talks about how to support someone who has BPD and the last section discusses self care for family and friends.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Preface

1. About personality disorders

2. About borderline personality disorder

  • What is BPD?
  • What feelings are associated with BPD?
  • How common is BPD?
  • How is BPD diagnosed?
  • What other disorders co-occur with BPD?
  • When does BPD begin?
  • What causes BPD?
  • Stigma and BPD
  • Stigma and BPD with a concurrent disorder

3. Treatment for people with BPD

  • What types of mental health services are available?
  • What happens when BPD occurs with other mental health or
    addiction problems?
  • Specialized psychosocial treatments for BPD
  • Medication for BPD
  • Recovery from BPD

4. Supporting the family member who has BPD

  • How can I support a person with BPD in seeking treatment?
  • How can I support my family member during treatment?

5. Self-care

  • Caring for yourself when a family member has BPD
  • Helping children understand and cope with BPD

6. Recovery and hope

7. Conclusion

References

Resources

  • Information about treatment resources in Ontario

Publications

  • Internet resources

Glossary

Appendix

  • Family crisis information sheet
Borderline Personality Disorder

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