Adolescence is often marked by intense emotions, and it’s not unusual for young people to experience mood swings or act impulsively. Typically, these patterns are dismissed as part of growing up, but sometimes they’re actually signs of a complex, frequently misunderstood mental health condition known as borderline personality disorder, or BPD. And while it might be difficult to recognize the distinction, doing so can make all the difference for a struggling child or teen in need of professional treatment.
So just what does emerging BPD look like in young people? How is it diagnosed and effectively treated? And what can loved ones do to support someone living with the disorder?
Wendy P. Bamatter, PhD, provides an overview of borderline personality disorder and its treatment, offers tips for identifying key BPD signs and symptoms, and answers audience questions about helping a child or teen navigate the condition.