Borderline Personality Disorder and Sexual Abuse

I have pasted RAIN's article on Borderline Personality Disorder below as BPD is one long term effect that some childhood sexual abuse victims experience.

Borderline Personality Disorder | RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network

Borderline Personality Disorder, known as BPD, is one of many possible long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse. Research by the Psychiatric Clinics of North America indicates that 40-to71% of BPD victims reported having been sexually abused when younger.i Adults with BPD are also considerably more likely to be the victim of violence, including rape and other crimes.ii

As defined by the National Institute of Mental Health, BPD “is a serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. This instability often disrupts family and work life, long-term planning, and the individual's sense of self-identity.”iii

Diagnosis of BPD should be made only by a mental health professional. For someone to be diagnosed with any personality disorder, the symptoms must be severe and must go on long enough to cause significant emotional distress or problems functioning in relationships or at work.iv

Symptoms
While each individual's experiences and reactions are unique, there are some common symptoms, includingv:

• Fear of abandonment
• Dramatic and frequent mood swings
• Depression or anxiety experienced in short bursts
• Intense anger (sometimes escalating into physical confrontations)
• Difficulty controlling emotions or impulses
• Impulsive and risky behavior (e.g., substance abuse, unsafe sex, gambling, erratic driving)
• Self harm
• Suicidal thoughts
• 8-10% of patients with BPD commit suicidevi
• Dysfunctional social relations

Treatment Experts at the Mayo Clinic outline the following areas for BPD treatment:

• Psychotherapy
• Psychotherapy is the core treatment for borderline personality disorder. 
• Two types of psychotherapy that have been found effective are:
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was designed specifically to treat borderline personality disorder. Generally done through individual, group and phone counseling, DBT uses a skills-based approach to teach you how to regulate your emotions, tolerate distress and improve relationships.
• Transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) centers on the relationship between you and your therapist — helping you understand the emotions and difficulties that develop in that relationship. You can then use what you have learned in other relationships.

Medications
Medications can not cure BPD, but they can help associated problems, such as depression, impulsivity and anxiety. Medications may include antidepressant, antipsychotic and anti-anxiety medications.

Hospitalization
At times, you may need more intense treatment in a psychiatric hospital or clinic. Hospitalization can also keep you safe from self-injury.

In addition to receiving professional help, it's important for persons with BPD to take good care of themselves:

• Sleep between 6-7 hours every night; try to go to bed at the same time every night
• Eat a balanced diet
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid making situations that could cause anxiety, anger or irritability
• Avoid alcohol, illegal drugs and medication not prescribed

iZanarini MC. Childhood experiences associated with the development of borderline personality disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 2000; 23(1): 89-101.

ii“Borderline Personality Disorder,” National Institute of Mental Health, August 24, 2010: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/borderline-personality-disorder-fact-sheet/index.shtml

iii“Borderline Personality Disorder,” National Institute of Mental Health, August 24, 2010: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/borderline-personality-disorder-fact-sheet/index.shtml

iv“Borderline Personality Disorder,” Mayo Clinic, May 19 2010: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/borderline-personality-disorder/DS00442

v“Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms, “ Mayo Clinic, May 19 2010: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/borderline-personality-disorder/DS00442/DSECTION=symptoms

vi“Borderline Personality Disorder,” National Alliance on Mental Illness: http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm

vii“Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment and drugs,” Mayo Clinic, May 19 2010:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/borderline-personality-disorder/DS00442/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs