Latest news with #AmandaDarnley
USA Today
10-08-2025
- Health
- USA Today
3 key therapies that treat borderline personality disorder
Mental health disorders come in many forms and affect thoughts, emotions and behaviors in complex ways. Conditions like anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder are among the most frequently diagnosed in the United States, but borderline personality disorder, or BPD, is a less common mental health condition that still impacts millions of people. In fact, some 1.4% of U.S. adults have BPD, according to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). However, some research suggests the true prevalence may be much higher due to underdiagnosis and the stigma surrounding personality disorders. Here's what BPD is, what causes it, how it is treated and why there is hope. What is borderline personality disorder? Symptoms of BPD? Borderline personality disorder is a complex mental health condition "characterized by a persistent instability in mood, behavior and self-image," explains Amanda Darnley, a clinical psychologist based in Philadelphia. People with BPD 'feel things deeply and intensely,' she explains, which makes emotional regulation a significant challenge. It can lead to a range of symptoms and unwanted outcomes, including unstable relationships, intense anger, chronic feelings of emptiness, stress-related paranoia or dissociation and self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, reckless driving or self-harm. 'Sudden mood swings, fear of abandonment and impulsive behaviors are also common,' adds Jimmy Noorlander, LCSW, a clinical social worker at Deseret Counseling in Utah. 'It's also important to note that symptoms can vary in severity and may look different from person to person.' BPD can severely impact day-to-day functioning and often places intense strain on personal relationships. For instance, someone with BPD might have an overwhelming reaction to something like a canceled plan and feel devastated, rejected and question the entire relationship. Diagnosing BPD involves a comprehensive psychological evaluation by a licensed mental health professional. While such evaluations can happen at most any age, diagnosis typically occurs in individuals over the age of 18, since many symptoms can overlap with normal adolescent development. What is dissociative identity disorder? What to know about 'DID' What is the cause of borderline personality disorder? While "the exact causes of BPD are multifactorial and not fully understood," explains Amber McGregor, a doctor of education and the clinical director of 1st Priority Institute for Better Living in Colorado, "BPD is often linked to a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors and neurological differences in emotional regulation." For example, a highly sensitive child with a naturally reactive temperament may do well in a nurturing environment but could be at higher risk for BPD if raised in 'invalidating environments, where emotions are criticized, ignored, ridiculed or even punished,' says Darnley. These kinds of environments can impair the development of healthy coping strategies. Childhood trauma or abuse is also commonly reported among people diagnosed with BPD. Genetics play a significant role as well, as research shows that heritable factors account for about 40% to 60% of a person's risk for developing BPD. Indeed, the NIMH notes that those with a close family member who has BPD may be at increased risk themselves. Neurological differences may also contribute. 'People with BPD may have functional changes in brain areas that control impulses and regulate emotions,' McGregor explains. However, she says that much is still unknown about how – or if – these differences directly influence symptoms. In case you missed: He developed 'dissociative amnesia' after a rape. What is that? How is borderline personality disorder treated? There are proven, effective treatment options available to people with BPD. The cornerstone of BPD treatment is psychotherapy, particularly dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) as it's a method specifically developed for BPD. 'This treatment teaches strategies for regulating emotions, ways to tolerate distress and skills necessary for healthy relationships,' says Darnley. Other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and schema therapy, can also be helpful in addressing unhelpful thought patterns and unresolved childhood experiences, adds Noorlander. While medication is not the primary treatment for BPD, a therapist may prescribe antidepressants, mood stabilizers or antipsychotics to help a patient manage symptoms like depression, anxiety or impulsivity. Also important is having "a strong support system," notes Noorlander, which includes family, friends and peer support groups helping individuals with BPD feel understood, connected and encouraged in their journey toward recovery. 'Living with borderline personality disorder can be incredibly challenging, but it's important to know that recovery is not only possible – it's common,' offers McGregor. 'With the right treatment, support and self-compassion, many individuals with BPD go on to build healthy relationships, develop emotional stability and lead fulfilling, meaningful lives.'
USA Today
23-04-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Not everyone who experiences severe trauma develops PTSD. But here's why many people do.
Not everyone who experiences severe trauma develops PTSD. But here's why many people do. Show Caption Hide Caption Study: Putting down your phone could improve mental health A new study published in PNAS Nexus suggests that taking a break from mobile internet can significantly boost mental health, well-being, and focus. Fox - 5 NY Trauma comes in many forms. Natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes can certainly be difficult life-altering events. Being diagnosed with a chronic condition or terminal illness can be incredibly distressing as well. But research shows that human-caused trauma such as violent altercations, physical or sexual abuse, bullying, neglect or acts of terrorism or war usually have the greatest psychological impact and the longest-lasting traumatic effects. Such impact and effects can have a range of outcomes. For instance, especially shocking or distressing trauma can directly affect our relationships, career and feelings of self-worth. Trauma can also greatly affect our mental health and lead to diagnoses such as social anxiety, depression, acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Here's what PTSD is, what causes it and how it's usually treated. What does PTSD mean? PTSD is a psychiatric condition that can affect anyone at any age and is usually tied to a person who has witnessed or experienced a traumatic event or series of traumatic events. While trauma impacts every person differently, "PTSD affects millions of people worldwide and is more common than many realize," says Amber McGregor, a doctor of education who helps patients with PTSD and the clinical director of 1st Priority Institute for Better Living in Colorado. Indeed, some 6% of the U.S. population will have PTSD at some point in their life, per the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Such people can experience a range of symptoms that often start within the first three months after a traumatic event, though sometimes won't manifest until years later. "The after-effect of trauma can impact the mind, body and emotions in different ways and can make it difficult for someone who has experienced the trauma to feel safe or at ease, even long after the event has ended," says Amanda Darnley, a psychologist based in Philadelphia who treats people with PTSD. To become diagnosed with PTSD, a person must have symptoms for longer than a month, and the symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with aspects of everyday life, per the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). PTSD symptoms commonly include intrusive thoughts and memories, distressing dreams or nightmares, upsetting flashbacks, avoidance of places and people that are reminiscent of a person or event, being easily startled, difficulty sleeping and concentration, irritability and aggressive behavior and feeling socially detached, numb or emotionally withdrawn from family and friends. Such symptoms "can range from mild interference in daily life to severe and debilitating distress — depending on the person and the intensity or duration of the trauma they experienced," says Jimmy Noorlander, LCSW, a clinical social worker at Deseret Counseling in Utah. In case you missed: Trauma isn't just psychological. It can impact your body too. What causes PTSD? Any number of traumatic events can cause PTSD. These may include experiencing trauma in the form of firsthand abuse, sexual assault, military combat or being in a car accident, says Darnley. But witnessing abuse or scenes of trauma such as graphic violence or scenes of warfare, terrorism or death can also cause PTSD. Sometimes even learning that a relative or close friend has experienced severe trauma can cause PTSD in the person learning of the event, per the NIMH. "Really any overwhelming experience that shakes a person's sense of safety and control can lead to the development of PTSD," says Noorlander. At the same time, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notes that most people who experience a traumatic event, will not develop PTSD. "Everyone processes trauma differently and some people are certainly more likely to develop PTSD than others," says Darnley. "Factors like personal reliance, social support and a mental health history can influence how someone responds to traumatic events." Noted: CBT is one of the most popular psychotherapies. Here's why – and why it might be right for you. How is PTSD commonly treated? Regardless of what's caused PTSD to develop, the condition is commonly treated through various forms of psychotherapy. "Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is specifically a trauma-focused therapy," says McGregor. Noorlander says that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be very useful in treating trauma and helping the person process and heal from the traumatic event. "Prolonged exposure therapy and narrative exposure therapy are also commonly recommended for treating PTSD," says Darnley. In addition to psychotherapies, she adds that social support, breathing techniques, relaxation strategies and physical exercise can also be helpful in reducing symptoms associated with PTSD. "And medication that treats PTSD symptoms can be recommended in some cases," adds McGregor. "With the right support," says Noorlander, "many people with PTSD are able to recover or manage their symptoms and go on to lead meaningful, productive and joyful lives."
