Borderline Personality Disorder: Where Does BPD Come From?

Borderline personality disorder (otherwise known as BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by unstable moods and behaviors, which impact daily functioning and relationships. Individuals who have this disorder will experience frequent episodes of intense anger, anxiety, and depression that can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

If you or someone you know has BPD, it is important to understand its origins for effective management and treatment. ^[1]

What Causes BPD?

Experts believe that BPD is caused by a variety of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. With that being said, it is important to note that every case of BPD is different. Some individuals may tick all of the boxes for BPD but have no symptoms. On the other hand, an individual may only tick one of the boxes and develop the condition at a young age. More so, the severity of BPD can differ between individuals.

Genetic Causes of BPD

BPD runs in families, meaning that your chances of having this condition increase greatly if someone in your bloodline has it. This suggests a genetic predisposition.

To be more specific, studies have shown that BPD has a heritability rate of roughly 46%, showing that genetics play a massive role in the development of the disorder. Additionally, certain temperamental characteristics, including emotional sensitivity and impulsivity, may also be inherited from your family members. ^[1]

Research into this topic has identified a number of genetic markers that are closely related to an increased risk of developing BPD. Two genes in particular, namely DPYD and PKP4, are linked to a higher likelihood of the condition. Interestingly, the same genes are also associated with an increased risk of other mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Environmental Causes of BPD

Environmental factors also play a significant role in the development of BPD. This means that an individual’s upbringing, past experiences, and current situation all have an impact on their overall mental state of mind.

Any childhood trauma, such as emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, can lead to BPD. It is believed that constant criticism, rejection, and invalidation are triggers for the condition. Physical abuse leads to feelings of fear, helplessness, and instability, all of which are closely linked to BPD. ^[3]

Parenting Styles

The parenting style with which a child is brought up is believed to be pivotal in their likelihood of developing this condition. If a parent is harsh, dismissive, and emotionally unavailable, the child is more likely to develop emotional instability themselves, which will cause them to find difficulty in managing their feelings and thoughts. More so, an inconsistent parenting style will lead to feelings of insecurity and a fear of abandonment.

Research shows that children who struggle with these emotions throughout their formative years (between the ages of 0 and 8) are more likely to develop BPD. With that being said, trauma that occurs later on in life can also lead to the condition – it is just less likely.

Peer Relationships

Studies show that individuals who experience bullying during childhood and adolescence are more likely to develop BPD. This is a result of low self-esteem caused by years of feeling rejected by their peers.

Feelings of loneliness and isolation are also linked to the condition, as well as a number of additional mental health disorders, such as depression and chronic anxiety. This is why it is so important for younger children and teenagers to have access to a strong support system.

Life Events

Finally, stressful life events can trigger BPD in individuals of all ages. This includes prolonged exposure to stressful situations, such as living in an unstable environment or experiencing abuse of any kind. The loss of a loved one or the end of a significant relationship can also trigger or exacerbate symptoms of BPD.

Neurobiological Causes of BPD

The final component of an individual that determines their chances of developing BPD is their neurobiological formation. This essentially refers to their brain structure.

Brain Structure and Function

The Amygdala, the part of the brain that processes emotions, is typically hyperactive in individuals who have BPD, leading to a heightened emotional response. Additionally, the prefrontal cortex (which is responsible for regulating impulses and emotions) is less active in BPD patients. This leads to impulsivity and emotional instability. Finally, the hippocampus (which manages memory and stress regulation) seems to have reduced volume in individuals with the disorder.

Neurotransmitters

Individuals with BPD show signs of altered serotonin levels. This is a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation. Low serotonin levels contribute to heightened emotions, such as depression, aggression, and difficulty in controlling destructive urges. The dysregulation of dopamine, which affects an individual’s motivation, is also closely linked to the development of BPD. ^[2]

The Role of Emotional Dysregulation in the Development of BPD

Emotional dysregulation is very closely linked to BPD. Essentially, this refers to an individual’s inability to manage and respond to their emotions in a typical or socially accepted manner. In other words, their response to certain situations is often disproportionate or excessive.

Anyone who has BPD also struggles with emotional dysregulation. To be more specific, emotional dysregulation refers to the behavioral issues that correspond with the condition.

Features of Emotional Dysregulation

• Intense emotions: Emotional dysregulation means that the individual will experience their feelings more intensely than others. Often, this becomes overwhelming and stressful, which heightens their emotions even further and creates a vicious cycle.
• Severe and rapid mood swings: Emotional dysregulation causes the person’s emotional state to shift quickly and unpredictably. Again, this is stressful for the individual, as they often can’t pinpoint why their emotions have shifted in the first place.
• Difficulty regulating emotions: The individual will also struggle to control their emotional reactions. This can lead to prolonged bouts of emotional pain, as it can sometimes take days for their emotional state to return to baseline. ^[2]

Sociocultural Influences on BPD

As we’ve established, individuals with BPD struggle to manage and control their emotions. However, like all of us, they are frequently exposed to stressful situations, magnifying their feelings and highlighting their emotional differences and responses.

Sociocultural influences have a massive impact on individuals who struggle with BPD, as well as their emotional state.

Cultural Representations

When it comes to emotions and relationships, different cultures have different norms and expectations. For this reason, the manner in which individuals with BPD act can be perceived differently by the various cultures.

For example, if they are going through a bout of depression or intense anger, certain cultures would be more accepting of their emotions, whereas others may struggle to understand their behavior. Additionally, gender roles usually determine what is ‘acceptable’ behavior for both men and women in a particular culture.

Why Is It Important to Know the Origin of BPD?

If you or someone that you know has BPD, it is crucial that you understand the various causes of the condition. By knowing its origin, you can make informed decisions when it comes to treatment approaches and management strategies.

Below, we will go into a bit more depth in regards to the benefits of understanding the origin of BPD:

• Effective treatment: Knowing the specific cause behind a case of BPD will help determine the appropriate options. Not all individuals are the same, meaning that their treatment plans will need to be personalized for increased effectiveness.There are specific methods of behavioral therapy for patients who have a history of trauma. This includes dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Prevention strategies: Prevention is always better than treatment. If you know that your family has a history of BPD, it is crucial that you know which symptoms and signs to look out for. Also, you can proactively avoid situations (and people) that cause you increased stress.
• Reducing stigma: Unfortunately, individuals who struggle with BPD also have to deal with the stigma that surrounds their condition. By understanding the origins of BPD and spreading awareness, we can foster empathy and understanding for those with the condition.
• Support and understanding: BPD is far more common than you may think. However, many cases of BPD go undiagnosed, which is problematic for a number of reasons. Often, an individual is simply labeled as badly behaved or described as having anger issues. However, they may actually be dealing with a recognized mental disorder that severely impacts all aspects of their lives.

By knowing what symptoms to look out for, families and friends will be able to better understand their loved ones and the reasoning behind their actions. More so, they will be able to act appropriately and provide the individual with a strong support system. ^[4]