The Link Between Borderline Personality and Violence

The Link Between Borderline Personality and Violence BPD Living With BPD Print The Link Between Borderline Personality and Violence By Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. Learn about our editorial policy Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Reviewed by Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW on July 28, 2019 facebook twitter instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, author of the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do, and a highly sought-after speaker. Learn about our Wellness Board Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on September 19, 2019 NoSystem Images / Getty Images More in BPD Living With BPD Diagnosis Treatment Related Conditions Borderline personality disorder (BPD)  is a complex mental illness that affects both men and women. Along with strong emotions and feelings, people with BPD can also experience intense anger, known as borderline rage. If you have a family member or loved one who has BPD, its important to understand how violence relates to BPD and how it can be handled.?? Prevalence of Violence in People With BPD There is research demonstrating that both men and women who have committed violent acts have elevated rates of borderline personality disorder compared to the general population. However, this does not necessarily mean that a diagnosis is associated with an increased risk of violence. Impulsive behavior, which includes physical aggression, is one of the diagnostic criteria for BPD, even though someone can meet criteria for the disorder without demonstrating this symptom.?? A large 2016 study in the U.K. found that BPD alone did not suggest a tendency for violence, but did show that those with BPD are more likely to have comorbidities, associated conditions such as anxiety, antisocial personality disorder, and substance abuse which do raise the risk of violence. A systematic search of studies that year confirmed the same finding, with a lack of evidence that BPD alone increases violent behavior.?? There are several reasons why people with BPD are more likely to be violent in their relationships. First, people with BPD are often victims of violence themselves, such as through  child abuse. While its not true for all people, many people with BPD may have learned to use aggression to deal with strong emotions because adults modeled that behavior for them when they were young.?? In addition, people with BPD often experience an unstable sense of self and difficulty trusting others in interpersonal relationships. They may experience very strong emotions if they believe they are being rejected or abandoned; this is known as rejection sensitivity or abandonment sensitivity. These intense feelings of rejection can sometimes lead to aggressive behaviors.?? Finally, people with BPD often have difficulties with impulsive behaviors. When they are experiencing  strong emotions that are typical of the disorder, they may do things without thinking about the consequences. If they engage in violence, it is usually not planned. It is an impulsive act done in the heat of the moment.?? Will My Loved One Be Violent? The information above only provides general information about the link between borderline personality disorder and violence; it is not possible to predict whether one particular individual with BPD will be violent. If your loved one has not shown any violent tendencies or aggression, it is quite possible that she wont be violent. Many individuals with BPD never commit any aggressive acts during their lives. On the other hand, if you are feeling threatened, even if no violence has occurred in your relationship, you should take that seriously. If you already feel unsafe, it is possible the situation could escalate to the point of violence. You should consider getting yourself to a safe place away from that loved one, whether that means getting a hotel or staying with friends. Its important that you are safe before trying to help your friend or family member get help.?? Once you are secure, your best bet is for both of you to seek  professional help  through therapy with a therapist specializing in BPD. This may help you figure out whether the relationship can be improved and may prevent violence from happening in the future. Therapy can also help you decide whether this is a relationship worth saving. The therapist can also recommend a course of treatment to help your loved one get on the path to recovery.?? Preparing Ahead When You Have BPD Having a diagnosis of BPD not only may increase the risk of violence against others but against self. Self-harm is a common issue for many individuals living with BPD. Some therapists recommend that people fill out a safety plan for borderline personality disorder. This safety plan can be helpful not only in preparing for possible violent or suicidal thoughts but can help you identify triggers in your daily life.?? Striking Statistics About Borderline Personality Disorder in the U.S.