Common misconceptions
Borderline personality disorder is not treatable.
Borderline personality disorder is treatable. Promising therapies have been developed and tested specifically for borderline personality disorder, including dialectical behavior therapy and schema therapy.
Only women have borderline personality disorder.
Although about 75& of the diagnoses of borderline personality disorder are of women, it does affect men as well. Researchers are finding that the actual occurrence of borderline personality disorder is close to even between men and women.
Borderline personality disorder is easy to recognize.
Borderline personality disorder can be difficult to recognize, in part because individuals display different combinations of symptoms. There are nine criteria for borderline personality disorder, of which only five must be met for a diagnosis. So there are many different possible combinations of symptoms. The underlying condition that is shared by people with borderline personality disorder is instability in their self-image and relationships. It is important that borderline personality disorder be diagnosed and treated by a qualified mental health professional.
People with borderline personality disorder have been victims of abuse.
While a disproportionate number of people with borderline personality disorder do report abuse in childhood, many others do not. Conversely, few people who have been abused go on to develop borderline personality disorder. Making any assumptions related to abuse and personality disorders is not helpful, as it can create an unjust stigma and additional stress in an already very difficult situation.
