In the woven tapestry of the human mind, emotions, behaviors, thoughts, and beliefs weave together to create patterns that define our personalities. Sometimes these strands tangle up or divert in such a way that it becomes important to find help to make sense of the pattern. Borderline personality disorder represents one of these instances.

Emotional instability and mood swings are the typical telltale symptoms. However, these are not simple outbursts. These feelings come at an intensity that would seem alien to a neurotypical individual.

Sadness is not a whisper; it is a howl. Annoyance doesn’t pinch; it stabs through you. Emotions don’t just fade away; they linger and take center stage in life.

What are the signs of BPD?

While everyone experiences emotions, not everyone has the same level of control over their emotions. On the far end of the emotional control spectrum is a mental illness called borderline personality disorder, or BPD. Someone with BPD will struggle to control their emotions, often acting impulsively. The following are key signs that you or someone you love may have BPD.

Emotional Instability and Mood Swings

People with BPD feel emotions very intensely. A situation that makes most people sad may cause someone with BPD to be inconsolable. Instead of being mildly annoyed, someone with BPD may become very angry. These negative moods and emotions often linger, and the person has difficulty breaking free of them.

Intense, Unstable Relationships

In relationships, people with BPD find a litany of highs and lows. Anger, despair, joy, and happiness are very close to the surface. This is why many describe it as a bit of a roller coaster. This means relationships typically take a lot of work to maintain—or they fall apart.

Poor Self-Image

People with BPD often have a distorted opinion of themselves. They may see themselves entirely differently than their friends see them. Or, they may have a lack of self-image. Someone with BPD may claim they don’t know who they are or who they want to be.

Impulsive and Self-Harming Behaviors

The mood swings and poor self-image that come with BPD can lead to impulsive and self-harming behaviors. These can present in many different ways. Some patients with BPD may cut themselves. Eating disorders, shopping addictions, and kleptomania are all quite common.

Feelings of Emptiness and Abandonment

A person with BPD may say they feel empty and abandoned. Sometimes this results from their struggling relationships, but it can also be related to their lack of self-image. Chronic feelings of emptiness may perpetuate more impulsive behaviors. The individual may need to act impulsively to “feel something.”

Borderline personality disorder can make it difficult for someone to learn, hold down a job, and form meaningful relationships with others – but there is hope. Several types of psychotherapy, including schema-focused therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), have proven helpful. Some patients also find relief with antidepressants and mood-stabilizing medications.

Hope for People With BPD

Uncertainty, impulsivity, and intense emotions don’t have to dominate the scene. Instead, they can be restructured—shaped into a vibrant, well-managed life—a testament to resilience and determination.

The waves of emotion can be given a new rhythm, moving with the gentle sway of mindfulness and emotional regulation skills—the tools and techniques learned in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

Relationships once filled with volatility are now blossoming with trust and understanding. The intensity of emotions that often led to strife and disconnection has become a source of empathy and profound connection. Bonds become stronger as those with BPD learn to communicate their feelings and needs, transforming their relationships into safe harbors, their lighthouses in moments of emotional fog.

Imagine the sense of emptiness and abandonment replaced with a sense of belonging. The aching void gradually filled with a newfound understanding of self-worth and acceptance. The individual begins to appreciate solitude without feeling abandoned, feeling content in their own company.

So, what does a well-managed life with BPD look like? It looks like human life’s complexity, colors, and emotional richness: resilience, growth, and embracing one’s unique emotional landscape. If you’re walking this path or know someone who is, remember—t’s not just about surviving but thriving and celebrating wellness existence in its entirety.

Want to talk more? Call Lido Wellness today for a free BPD consultation.

Today we’re delving into the enigmatic realm of Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD). Picture this: chronic feelings of social anxiety and fearful thinking swirling around, wreaking havoc in all corners of an individual’s life. Sound familiar? Let’s dive in to understand the ins and outs of AvPD truly.

AvPD is like an uninvited guest, affecting every aspect of a person’s existence, from the mundane to the profound. Social fears are its specialty, with added aspects of low self-esteem, inadequate feelings, and a strong sensitivity to criticism. It thrives on the fear of shame, becoming a master at whispering doubts and insecurities into the ears of its victims. As a result, those dealing with AvPD will avoid social settings as much as possible.

Main Features of AvPD

AvPD tends to start early – it might creep into childhood, but it usually takes center stage by adulthood. According to those studying the human psyche, AvPD shows its true colors when four or more of its main symptoms emerge in early adulthood.

AvPD symptoms can lead to severe social isolation and interference with relationships. If you have AvPD, your social fears come from low self-esteem, such as inadequacy and sensitivity to criticism. As a result, you might avoid social interactions, new activities, and interpersonal connections.

Symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder

As stated before, AvPD can become noticeable in childhood, but most personality disorders aren’t usually diagnosed until a person is at least 18 years old. According to the DSM-V, people with AvPD will experience four or more of the following symptoms by early adulthood:

• Avoids work tasks that involve social interaction due to fears of criticism or rejection
• Unwilling to get involved with people unless they are sure of being liked
• Refrains from intimate relationships due to the fear of being shamed
• Preoccupied with being criticized in everyday social situations
• Shows inhibition in new interpersonal situations because they feel inadequate
• Views themselves as socially inept or inferior to others
• Unwilling to participate in new activities that might lead to feelings of embarrassment

How AvPD Affects an Individual’s Life

A person with avoidant personality disorder has difficulty functioning in everyday life, which can limit success, learning, and new relationships. AvPD can manifest in your life in the following ways:

•     Daily life: If you have AvPD, you might avoid everyday social interactions and any activities that involve interacting with others.
•     Relationships: Someone with AvPD struggles to make new friendships or relationships. They might frequently decline invitations to events. As a result of having trouble communicating, maintaining close relationships can also be challenging.
•     Overall well-being: Avoidant personality disorder can affect an individual’s ability to grow and learn. They might avoid taking a class because they fear receiving negative feedback. In the workplace, one might decline a promotion because they feel unworthy.

Treatment Options for Avoidant Personality Disorder

As difficult as avoidant personality disorder can be, there is hope in therapies like CBT, DBT, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Medications—antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics—are also effective in helping manage the anxiety and depression that often comes with AvPD.

Therapy

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Medication

While no medications are prescribed specifically for AvPD, antidepressants, certain mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Examples include paroxetine, sertraline, and gabapentin.

Getting Help with Avoidant Personality Disorder in Newport Beach

So, if you or someone you hold dear finds themselves managing Avoidant Personality Disorder, take heart! With understanding, support, and a help from a mental health facility Newport Beach like Lido Wellness Center, one can learn to manage the shadows of AvPD and embrace a life of connection and self-acceptance. Want to talk more? Call us at: 949-541-8466.

Sociopath is no longer an official diagnosis. The better term is antisocial personality disorder. Yes, it’s a bit of a mouthful, which is likely why you will hear people using sociopath in common culture. So, we are going to talk about what a sociopath is, but we will be calling it ASPD. For the purposes of this article, sociopath and antisocial personality disorder or ASPD will be used interchangeably.

*Note: the stigma around the term “sociopath” in culture is strong. When discussing a person with a mental health disorder, it is important to avoid describing anyone displaying violent or manipulative behavior as “sociopaths” or “psychopaths.”

Whatever you call it, ASPD is a complex mental health personality disorder that, on the surface, looks like a complete disregard for societal norms and the rights of others.

We will dive deeper into ASPD and consider the causes, signs, dangers, and treatment options. The goal is always to find the best path to health for anyone struggling with a mental health disorder like antisocial personality disorder.

ASPD: Definition, Causes, and Signs

The term “sociopath” is taken from two Latin words. Socio means “ally,” but we can see it as stepping in for society. Path means suffering. A sociopath causes suffering to society.

When people suspect ASPD (or sociopathy), it’s usually because they see a lack of empathy, alongside impulsivity and manipulative behavior in a person. There may be consistent irresponsibility and a lack of guilt or shame for the actions that have caused harm. They seem like they don’t care about right and wrong (no conscience), and their actions are proof.

The causes of sociopathy are complex and not fully understood. They likely include genetic factors—such as a family history of antisocial personality disorder or other mental health disorders—and environmental influences, like childhood trauma or neglect.

Signs of ASPD

Antisocial Personality Disorder can pose significant dangers, particularly in close relationships. Some symptoms are not particularly dangerous on their own. Still, with a lack of remorse combined with aggression and impulsivity, a person can show a wide range of manipulation, verbal abuse, and even physical violence.

A person with ASDP may have difficulty forming genuine emotional connections. In a broader societal context, their disregard for laws and social etiquette can lead to conflicts with authority and potential legal issues.

Substance abuse is common among people with ASDP. The combination of symptoms creates a personality willing to explore illicit substances. Then on the other side, many drugs worsen aggression and impulsivity, which can create a volatile situation.

Identifying a person with ASDP can be challenging, as they often blend into society quite effectively. However, a pattern of deceitful behavior, persistent lying, exploiting others, violating social norms, and showing no guilt or remorse for such actions may suggest sociopathic tendencies.

Exploring Treatment Options for Sociopathy

Treating sociopathy is challenging but not impossible. While there’s no ‘cure,’ professional help can provide tools to manage the disorder and mitigate its impacts.

It might be a challenging prospect to get help for someone with ASPD. They are often unwilling or have little to no motivation to change their behaviors. But there is hope.

There are several approaches to the treatment and management of ASPD. It’s important to note that treatment should be individualized and conducted by qualified mental health professionals.

1. Psychotherapy: This is often a central component of treatment. Various forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), may be used. The goal is to help the individual develop coping skills, learn to manage impulsivity and understand the impact of their behavior on others. CBT can help a person with antisocial personality disorder understand the consequences of their behavior and develop healthier ways of relating to others.
2. Group Therapy: Sometimes, therapy is more effective in a group setting. Group therapy can provide a space for individuals with ASPD to interact with others with similar issues, sometimes making them more open to feedback and self-reflection.
3. Medication: While no medications are specifically approved for treating ASPD, certain medications may be used to manage symptoms or co-occurring disorders. For example, mood stabilizers or antipsychotic medications might be used if the person has difficulty controlling aggression. Antidepressants may be used if the individual also has symptoms of depression.
4. Substance Abuse Treatment: Because there is a high co-occurrence rate between ASPD and substance use disorders, treating any underlying substance abuse is often an important part of the management of ASPD. This can include detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, and counseling.

ASPD Treatment in Newport Beach

The best outcome for ASPD comes with consistent, long-term engagement with a person’s treatment plan. Motivation is an important factor for treating any mental health issue, so if you or your loved one suffering from ASPD chooses to ask for help, this is a positive first step.

Do you want to chat about ASPD with one of our mental health professionals? We are available to answer questions and offer guidance on your path to wellness. Call today: 949-503-9655.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a relatively common mental health condition that produces symptoms of impulsive behavior, cognitive distortions, and intense relationships with others. In addition to these symptoms, people with BPD also struggle with emotional dysregulation, which makes it challenging to manage their emotions and feelings when exposed to particular triggers.

Emotional dysregulation refers to a person’s inability to manage or control their emotional responses to different situations. This might involve experiencing extreme fluctuations in mood or having emotional reactions that are disproportionate to the situation at hand. Emotional dysregulation can be characterized by frequent, intense mood swings, impulsivity triggered by emotional events, and difficulty calming down when upset.

BPD and Dysregulation: What’s the Difference?

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and emotional dysregulation are different in that BPD is a specific, diagnosable psychiatric disorder, while emotional dysregulation is a symptom or a psychological phenomenon that can occur in various mental health conditions, including but not limited to BPD.

People with BPD often have a pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect (emotions), along with marked impulsivity.

Emotional dysregulation – the inability to manage or control emotional responses – is one key characteristics of BPD. However, BPD also involves other symptoms, such as fear of abandonment, identity disturbances, chronic feelings of emptiness, and recurrent suicidal behavior or self-harming.

Emotional dysregulation is not a diagnosis in itself. It is an issue that can be present in many different mental health conditions, including BPD, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), among others.

It’s essentially a difficulty in managing, processing, or responding to emotional experiences.

Causes of Emotional Dysregulation?

Childhood Trauma

Unfortunately, childhood trauma often leads to psychological impairments in adulthood, such as emotional dysregulation. This issue is generally because this early-stage trauma can often interrupt our development of self-control and emotional liability, making it more challenging to control our emotions in the future.

Insecure Attachment Styles

Insecure attachment is a behavioral pattern defined by distrust in our relationships. Today, leading research has shown that those struggling with insecure attachment styles often struggle to create healthy interpersonal relationships with others, due to an inability to control their emotions.

Enhancing the Difficulties

Here’s why this combination of BPD and emotional dysregulation is particularly challenging:

1. Persistent and intense emotions: People with BPD often experience emotional dysregulation, which means their emotions are more intense, fluctuate more frequently, and last longer than those without BPD. This can make it extremely difficult for them to manage daily life and maintain stable relationships.
2. Impulsive behaviors: The emotional instability can lead to impulsive, risky behaviors. Substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating, or self-harm as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions can all become a problem for a person with BPD and emotional dysregulation.
3. Interpersonal relationships: The combination of BPD and emotional dysregulation can lead to a pattern of unstable relationships. Intense emotions can trigger fear of abandonment or rejection, leading to conflict and frequent changes in feelings towards others.
4. Mental health risks: This combination significantly increases the risk of other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders. It also increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
5. Challenges in treatment: BPD and emotional dysregulation can make it difficult for people to engage in and benefit from treatment. They may have a hard time trusting therapists, maintaining the motivation for treatment, or applying the coping skills they learn in therapy.
6. Chronic feelings of emptiness: Individuals with BPD often report chronic feelings of emptiness or boredom, which can be a source of great distress.

Treatment for BPD and Emotional Dysregulation

While living life with emotional dysregulation can be tremendously challenging, you must understand that there will always be a glimmer of hope if you are willing to take it. Today, treatments, such as Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), are tremendously effective at treating several conditions, including BPD and emotional dysregulation.

This modern treatment is a form of talk therapy that practitioners have specially adapted for individuals currently struggling with intense and powerful emotions. One of the core ways that DBT stands out is that it places its core focus on helping people understand the reality of their feelings and behaviors. After this period of acceptance, they can work with their therapist to manage these uncontrollable emotions, leading to a better quality of life.

With DBT, you no longer have to live a life where you take a back seat to emotional outbursts, aggression, or avoidance. Instead, you can learn to understand your triggers and work on developing new skills that make it much easier to regulate your emotions.

Getting Help for BPD in Newport Beach

If you want to talk to someone about your options for IOP treatment in Newport Beach for BPD or to get guidance for yourself or a loved one, call Lido Wellness today. Our experienced team is ready to help you understand your options and give you the help you need for the next step in your journey.