Borderline Personality Disorder For Dummies

by Elliott, Charles H.; Smith, Laura L.

• ISBN13: 9780470466537
• ISBN10: 0470466537
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-07-27
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Your clear, compassionate guide to managing BPD - and living wellLooking for straightforward information on Borderline Personality Disorder? This easy-to-understand guide helps those who have BPD develop strategies for breaking the destructive cycle. This book also aids loved ones in accepting the disorder and offering support. Inside you'll find authoritative details on the causes of BPD and proven treatments, as well as advice on working with therapists, managing symptoms, and enjoying a full life.Review the basics of BPD - discover the symptoms of BPD and the related emotional problems, as well as the cultural, biological, and psychological causes of the diseaseUnderstand what goes wrong - explore impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, identity problems, relationship conflicts, black-and-white thinking, and difficulties in perception; and identify the areas where you may need helpMake the choice to change - find the right care provider, overcome common obstacles to change, set realistic goals, and improve your physical and emotional stateEvaluate treatments for BPD - learn about the current treatments that really work and develop a plan for addressing the core symptoms of BPDIf someone you love has BPD - see how to identify triggers, handle emotional upheavals, set clear boundaries, and encourage your loved one to seek therapyOpen the book and find:The major characteristics of BPDWho gets BPD - and whyRecent treatment advancesIlluminating case studiesStrategies for calming emotions and staying in controlA discussion of medication optionsWays to stay healthy during treatmentTips for explaining BPD to othersHelp for parents whose child exhibits symptomsTreatment options that work and those you should avoid

Author Biography

Charles H. Elliott, PhD, and Laura L. Smith, PhD, are clinical psychologists who specialize in training mental health professionals in the treatment of adolescents and adults with personality disorders, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, anger, and depression. They are the coauthors of Depression For Dummies, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder For Dummies, and Overcoming Anxiety For Dummies.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Mapping the Boundaries of Borderline Personality Disorder

Exploring Borderline Personality Disorder

Defi ning Personality to Understand BPD

Describing BPD

Who Gets BPD and Why?

Taking Note of the Major BPD Symptoms

Sensation Seeking and Self-Harm: The Impulsivity of BPD

Explosive Feelings and Moods

Missing Persons: Identity Problems and BPD

Perceiving, Understanding, and Relating to Others

BPD and Extreme Thinking

Slipping Away from Reality

Making the Choice to Change

Preparing to Conquer BPD

Breaking Through Barriers to Change

Explaining BPD to Others

Taking Care of Yourself

Treatments for BPD

Inhibiting Impulsivity

Calming the Storms Within

Creating an Identity

Putting Yourself in Other People's Shoes

Finding Shades of Gray: Changing Problematic Core Beliefs

Considering Medication for BPD

Advice for People Who Care

What to Do When Your Partner Has BPD

Befriending People with BPD

Parenting Children at Risk for BPD

Advice for Adult Children of BPD Parents

Advice for Therapists of People with BPD

The Part of Tens

Ten Quick Ways to Settle Down

Ten Ways to Say You're Sorry

Ten Things You Shouldn't Do

Appendixes

Resources for You

Forms to Help You Battle BPD

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.