Borderline Disorder
Information for affected and their Familiy
Origins of borderline
Universal statements about the origins of a borderline personality disorder (BPD) and its special conditions cannot be made. A person suffering from borderline can show symptoms that also appear with depression and schizophrenia. The family background can be problematic or intact. Factors that lead to the development of a borderline personality disorder cannot be defined generally but factors can be found that abet the disorder. A combination of these is mostly being held responsible in most cases.
Health professionals agree that a considerable impact can be found in the early childhood. Traumatic experiences like sexual abuse, disregard and violence can be held responsible for the development of a borderline personality disorder (BPD) in 35-70 % of the diagnosed cases. The cruel experience can be reactivated by outer stimuli and is thereby experienced in present time again. Due to the fact that the committee is mostly the protector of the dependent child that aims for a close and positive bond, the relation is irrecoverably shaped by the contrast of security and abuse and for always connected to contradictory mind-set.
The family background of a person suffering from borderline personality disorder (BPD) is always being analysed, because in psychoanalysis relationship experience plays a central role.
Permanent marriage crises, impulsive conflicts within the family, alcohol or drug abuse of the parents as well as an early separation combined with long periods of solitude or the depression of one parent can have an important impact on the development of a borderline disorder. Nevertheless, many patients have an intact family background with caring and thoughtful parents.
Some scientists also hold a genetic disposition responsible, as a strong influence of a patient’s genes can be assumed in terms of labile moods, an unstable self-perception and changing interpersonal affections. In correlation with disadvantageous outer conditions, a borderline personality disorder (BPD) can be developed.
Studies also show that borderline personality disorder patients have a totally reduced activity of the serotonin system that controls and actuates affects like aggression and anger as well as a sensitisation of the so-called cholinergic system that affects a person’s emotional sensitivity and moods. Disorders in the limbic system of borderliners are identical to those of patients with severe post-traumatic disorders. These deficits have an impact on the handling of emotions, intensify the fear-related and emotional commemoration and cause hypersensitivity for impulses. Intensive uncomfortable feelings like shame, anger and fear have an additional negative influence.
Barbara Kliem
