6 Borderline Personality Disorder Myths Debunked by Experts
At Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness, our Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program has dedicated years to understanding, treating, and supporting individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). To provide deeper insights, we spoke with Abby E. Ingber, Executive Director of the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEA-BPD). She offers expert perspectives on some of the most common myths about BPD.
Myth 1: BPD is Untreatable
Contrary to outdated beliefs, Borderline Personality Disorder is absolutely treatable. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, has proven remarkably effective. DBT helps individuals develop emotional regulation and mindfulness skills, improve interpersonal relationships, and create meaningful life changes.
When we spoke with Ms. Ingber, she was clear that this myth is harmful and incorrect. “It’s important to dispel the myth that BPD is untreatable, as this only perpetuates the stigma,” says Ms. Ingber. “With the right therapies, like Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and compassionate support, individuals with BPD can achieve meaningful recovery and lead fulfilling lives.”
Gladstone’s DBT program has had a lot of success in treating BPD. Our data shows that our clients had a 98% reduction in psychiatric hospitalizations after a year in our program. We also found a substantial reduction in emotional dysregulation through data we collected using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation (DERS) scale. Upon admission to the program, the average DERS score was 111.3. And the average DERS score at termination was 86.27, a reduction of 25.03 points. The DERS does not give cut off scores. However, research has shown that a score of 111.3 is closely correlated with severe mental health symptoms and placements in higher levels of care. A score of 86.27 is correlated with mild symptoms and mental health needs that can be met within the community.
Myth 2: People with Borderline Personality Disorder are Manipulative and Just Want Attention
This is one of the more demoralizing BPD myths. Our clients are often accused by friends and family of trying to manipulate them when they are simply doing the best they can. What might appear as “manipulation” to some is typically a desperate attempt to manage overwhelming emotional distress. Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder are not choosing to be difficult. They are struggling to cope with intense emotional experiences that feel unmanageable.
“It’s crucial to recognize that labeling individuals with BPD as manipulative oversimplifies their struggles and invalidates their pain,” says Ms. Ingber. “Their actions often reflect desperate efforts to cope with intense emotions and a profound fear of abandonment rather than deliberate attempts to seek attention.”
Myth 3: Adolescents Under 18 Can’t Be Diagnosed with BPD
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) is the book that mental health professionals use to diagnose mental disorders. The DSM has no age-specific criteria for diagnosing Borderline Personality Disorder except that the symptoms must start no later than early adulthood. Despite this fact, many clinicians and individuals still believe that adolescents under age 18 can’t be given the diagnosis.
“The misconception that adolescents under 18 can’t be diagnosed with BPD denies them the opportunity for early intervention,” Ingber explains. “When symptoms are persistent and impairing, diagnosing BPD in young people can pave the way for effective treatment and better long-term outcomes.”
At the DBT Program at Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness, we treat adolescents age 14 and older, and their families. We offer comprehensive DBT for adolescents. This includes individual therapy, family therapy, group skills training, parent coaching sessions, between-session phone coaching, and the clinicians’ DBT consultation team.
Myth 4: Only Women Can Have Borderline Personality Disorder
Historically more women have been diagnosed with BPD. However, current research suggests this disparity might result from a diagnostic or sampling bias rather than actual prevalence. Men experience BPD at similar rates, though symptoms might manifest differently.
Myth 5: When People with BPD Threaten Suicide, It Isn’t Serious
Our DBT program emphasizes that every suicidal statement must be taken seriously. Individuals with BPD have significantly higher suicide rates compared to the general population, and we never dismiss suicidal ideation as mere attention-seeking behavior.
Myth 6: People with BPD are Dangerous
Ingber directly addresses this misconception. “The stereotype that people with BPD are dangerous is both unfounded and stigmatizing. In reality, individuals with BPD are far more likely to harm themselves than others and deserve compassion and support, not fear and judgment.”
Abby Ingber summarizes our outlook perfectly. “Misconceptions about Borderline Personality Disorder only serve to deepen the stigma and isolation faced by those living with it. By promoting understanding and providing evidence-based support, we can foster empathy and help individuals thrive.”
At Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness, we are committed to compassionate, evidence-based care. Understanding is the first step toward healing.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one has Borderline Personality Disorder, or another problem with severe emotional dysregulation, help is available. Contact us today to get started with DBT therapy, or any of our mental health services. Your mental health matters!