Independent Living Skills

Independent Living Skills For Young Adults

While the independent living skills required to make it through everyday life are second nature to many, no one is merely born with all of them. For most of us, we pick up on these skills as we grow up. During our formative childhood years, we model ourselves after parents and caregivers. For some, inconsistencies…

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What’s The Difference Between Borderline Personality Disorder And Bipolar Disorder?

BPD vs Bipolar: Is Bipolar a Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is commonly confused with bipolar disorder. Although they do share some similarities, they are very different disorders. BPD is considered an Axis II diagnosis as a personality disorder while bipolar disorder is considered a clinical syndrome, therefore classifying it as Axis I. The confusion may also partly be due to the…

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Long-Term Outlook for Young Adults With Borderline Personality Disorder

A diagnosis of borderline personality disorder in young adults, commonly known as BPD, may seem like a crushing blow for any parent to hear. Fortunately, there are many treatment options, and if managed correctly, the prognosis is positive. The disorder is often diagnosed in young adulthood, and symptoms often taper off later in life. While…

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What Are the Root Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder?

Root Causes of BPD

Borderline personality disorder, or BPD, is a mental disorder classified by unstable moods, difficulties with interpersonal relationships, and volatile and impulsive behavior, and it is typically diagnosed in early adulthood. Researchers are not positive exactly what causes borderline personality disorder at this point, but early evidence points to a high likelihood of a combination of…

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Impulsive Borderline Personality Disorder

Impulsive Borderline Personality Disorder - Treatment for Young Adults

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness. It is diagnosed in women much more frequently than men (the ratio is about 3:1). The gender discrepancy in the disorder has been the subject of many scholarly papers and in-depth articles. Some attribute this difference between women and men in regard to the diagnosis to…

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Help for Young Adults With Asperger’s

bad friends Copy

Many people wonder why young adults with Asperger’s often struggle when it is time to transition to adulthood and independent living.  Is it due to difficulties in the social world? Rigid thinking style? Challenges with day-to-day independent living skills? At OPI, we believe that it is a combination of all three. We have been successful…

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Borderline Personality Disorder Questions and Treatment Approaches

Borderline Personality Disorder Questions, Answers & How to Find Treatment

When the phone rings in our Admissions Department, it may be a call from someone wanting information about or admittance to our Optimum Performance Institute. But in the case of our OPI Intensive program for men and women with BPD, that call is often made by someone seeking answers to our most frequently asked borderline…

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Denim Day: Make a social statement with your fashion statement

Denim Day 2017

This year, Denim Day is Wednesday, April 26. Grab your denim and help support the sexual violence prevention education campaign. Why denim you ask? Denim Day grew out of an Italian Supreme Court decision that overturned a rape conviction because the victim wore tight jeans. The Italian Supreme Court claimed that because the victim was wearing…

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Keep Calm and Hop On!

Easter at OPI

Baskets, candy, egg hunts, and bunnies must mean one thing… Easter is around the corner! This year, the Extracurricular Activities Department coordinated eggs-traordinary Easter festivities for participants and staff to enjoy throughout the week.  The Easter bunny came early and helped fill over 400 eggs for two fun filled Egg Hunts.  Friendly competition, laughter, and…

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Practice What You Preach – Using DBT in Real Life

Using DBT in real life

Storm of the Year was no joke.  A few week ago while I headed from Ventura County to Orange County for a networking event. A commute that would normally take an hour and a half took over 3 hours as the relentless rain kept beating down. Knowing that the weather was going to be this…

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Help for College Students with Borderline Personality Disorder

Help for college students with borderline personality disorder

Most students want a quality education but quickly discover that earning a college degree can be tough. College applications are grueling and finding classes that fit your schedule & interest can be frustrating. Then, once the semester starts, keeping your attention on books instead of friends can be a struggle. For college students with borderline…

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Spread The Love!

OPI Valentines Day Activities

Here at OPI, Valentine’s Day is all about spreading love and joy to others!  We believe February 14th is a day to emphasize how important friendships, happiness, and of course tasty candy is to all us.  This year the Extracurricular Activities Department created treats for both participants and staff to enjoy on this joyful day. …

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