Key Highlights
It can be hard for parents to see their young adult struggling with difficult symptoms of BPD and not know the solution.
Understanding where BPD comes from and what the symptoms are plays a huge role in helping young adults heal.
At Optimum Performance Institute, young adults diagnosed with BPD get customized treatment that helps them create independent lives.
BPD Treatment that Creates Independent Young Adults
At OPI, we're all about helping young adults deal with BPD on their own two feet. Our residential treatment centers use evidence-based therapies like DBT and CBT to give young adults the tools they need for their healing mental health journey. With our BPD specialists by their side every step of the way, young adults get tailored support aimed at healing and creating independent young adults. If you think your young adult is struggling with BPD, our treatment programs can help.
Specialized BPD Treatment Centers for Young Adults
OPI provides several levels of care to accommodate the varying needs of young adults. This includes short-term residential programs for acute stabilization, long-term residential care for ongoing support, and intensive outpatient programs. Each level of care helps young adults transition smoothly into greater independence and manage their symptoms effectively.
Borderline Personality Disorder Therapists and Specialists
Our therapists bring a wealth of experience treating BPD, combining clinical expertise with a compassionate, client-centered approach. They are adept at addressing the complex emotional and behavioral challenges associated with BPD, helping young adults develop essential skills for emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
Family-Focused BPD Treatment
At our program, we understand how important families are when a young adult with BPD is working to get better. Our way of treating BPD focuses on helping the person and their family. We explicitly tackle what each family needs by having therapy sessions that include family members and ensuring they're part of the whole treatment journey. This method creates a caring space where everyone can start to heal together, which helps make relationships stronger and supports lasting health.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental disorder marked by instability in relationships, moods, and behavior. It is typically diagnosed in early adulthood, since symptoms in children and teens can be confused with incomplete development and growing personalities.
Borderline personality disorder is a complex mental health issue. It can manifest itself differently through various subtypes and often disguises itself as another mental illness. Young adults who have BPD tend to feel things very deeply and struggle to control these emotions. They often worry about being left alone, don't see themselves clearly, and might act on impulse without thinking ahead.
Do You Think Your Young Adult Has BPD? We're Here to Help
We understand how difficult it is to wonder if your young adult is struggling with BPD due to relationship or behavior problems. We're here to help. Contact us for a free assessment and we'll help you find a healing BPD treatment option for your young adult.
How Many Young Adults Struggle with Borderline Personality Disorder?
BPD usually starts showing up in the teenage years, impacting young adults just beginning to stand on their own two feet.
According to a recent study published in the Diagnostics Journal, rates of BPD in 16-year-olds can be up to 1.4% and in 22-year-olds is 3.2%. BPD can be found in 11% of young people attending outpatient therapy and as many as 50% of young people attending inpatient therapy.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of BPD?
The hallmark BPD symptoms are unstable relationships, extreme fear of rejection or abandonment, and intense emotions. However, many more symptoms may indicate a borderline personality disorder.
To be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, you’ll need to have experienced at least five of the following eight symptoms in a chronic and repetitive pattern.
- Extreme fear of rejection and abandonment, both real and imagined
- Stormy personal relationships swinging from idealization to devaluation
- Unstable self-image
- Inappropriate bouts of intense anger
- Chronic feelings of boredom or emptiness
- Emotional instability, including irritability and anxiety
- Paranoid and dissociative thoughts
- Impulsivity leading to reckless and harmful behavior (including self-destructive behaviors)
These symptoms can make everyday life and getting along with others difficult for young adults because they might feel suddenly feel anxious, sad, or angry. These feelings can last from just a few hours to several days.
Warning Signs Parents Should Not Ignore
It's important for parents to know the warning signs of BPD. The earlier BPD is treated the younger adults can overcome this and other problematic behaviors. Parents should keep an eye out for:
- Quick changes in mood
- Impulsively acting without thinking
- Relationship issues
- Self-harm
- Strong and unpredictable anger
If you notice these warning signs of BPD in your young adult and think your family could benefit from treatment, contact us. We're experts in helping young adults overcome BPD.
BPD Triggers for Young Adults
BPD triggers in young adults can include feeling rejected, conflict or arguments, fear of abandonment, criticism, intense stress or pressure, social isolation, or being left alone. If your young adult is struggling with BPD triggers and needs help to overcome this or other mental health conditions, we can help.
We Can Help Your Young Adult Overcome the Symptoms of BPD
At OPI, we get how tough it can be for young adults dealing with BPD symptoms and triggers. Our specialized BPD treatment centers for young adults provide a healing, nurturing treatment environment where young people can remove themselves from negative ways of living and start healing. Your family isn't alone in the fight against BPD symptoms—we're here to help your young adult heal BPD.
Causes and Risk Factors of BPD in Young Adults
The causes of BPD in young adults can include genetics, brain abnormalities, childhood trauma, family problems during childhood and heightened or chronic stress.
However, researchers are not sure if there is one exact cause for developing a borderline personality disorder. Some evidence that points to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
SOME OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INCLUDE:
- MRIs show that people with BPD may have a smaller or underdeveloped prefrontal cortex. This area primarily helps regulate behavior, emotions, and self-control.
- MRIs show that those with BPD may have an overactive amygdala, causing more intense emotions and reactions.
- Neurotransmitters (responsible for regulating sleep, learning, and mood) may be lower in young adults struggling with BPD.
SOME OF THE GENETIC AND BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS INCLUDE:
- Social and cultural surroundings
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (Particularly childhood neglect, abandonment, sexual trauma, emotional trauma, or physical abuse.)
- Intense or chronic stress
- Unstable family relationships
- Parent or caregiver with a substance abuse problem
- Parent or caregiver with a mental health issue
What Are Some Effective Therapies and Treatment Options for Young Adults with BPD?
OPI offers some of the most effective and specialized treatment programs for young adults with BPD. Our BPD treatment center includes residential treatment programs and intensive outpatient programs that provide healing therapies for BPD, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation and interpersonal skills, individual and group psychotherapy, and life coaching. OPI also provides educational support, community integration activities, and family involvement to create a holistic treatment approach for young adults who are working on overcoming BPD.
BPD Residential Treatment Centers
Our residential treatment centers focus on empowering young adults to achieve independence through our healing, 24/7, live-in care environment in beautiful California. Integrating personalized treatment plans with our core philosophy of fostering stability, self-awareness, and healthy relationships, we help young adults develop the skills needed for long-term emotional regulation and resilience.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) for BPD
Optimum Performance Institute’s intensive outpatient program (IOP) offers young adults flexible, evidence-based BPD treatment while they maintain their daily lives. Our IOP program includes:
- Individual and group therapy.
- Room and board.
- Strongly focused on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to enhance emotional regulation.
- Interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, was developed as a way to manage the symptoms of borderline personality disorder. BPD teaches young adults the principles of opposites in harmony. This form of therapy teaches skills for mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and finding a middle ground. The success of dialectical behavior therapy is even greater when your family members are included.
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
Not everyone with borderline personality disorder is prescribed medication. There is some evidence that medications that may help young adults. There are several medication options depending on an individual’s symptoms. The most common medications used to treat BPD are antipsychotic medications and mood stabilizers. It’s also common to be prescribed multiple medications to treat BPD and any co-occurring disorders a young adult may be experiencing.
How do I Know if My Young Adult Needs BPD Treatment?
If you think your young adult might be dealing with borderline personality disorder (BPD), OPI is here to help. We know how difficult it can be to find the right treatment center or option for BPD. Contact us and we'll help you find a treatment option that works for your family and helps your young adult create an independent life free of BPD.
What are the Benefits of BPD Treatment at OPI?
We're the experts in helping young adults overcome BPD through our specialized treatment centers. Here are the benefits of choosing BPD treatment at OPI:
- Evidence-Based BPD Therapies: OPI specializes in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which is highly effective for treating BPD. DBT helps young adults develop skills in emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness, and distress tolerance.
- Healing Live-In Residential Treatment Centers for BPD: Our healing live-in residential treatment centers offer a safe and supportive environment for young adults seeking to overcome BPD symptoms and establish a path toward an independent life.
- Comprehensive Care: The institute offers individual and group psychotherapy, family therapy, life coaching, and educational support. This holistic approach addresses all aspects of a young adult’s well-being are addressed.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Each young adult receives a tailored treatment plan considering their unique symptoms, circumstances, and goals. This personalized care is crucial for effective treatment and long-term recovery.
- Community Integration: OPI emphasizes the real-world application of skills through community integration activities. These include weekly recreational and cultural outings, volunteer opportunities, and employment support, helping young adults build independence and resilience.
- Family Involvement: OPI recognizes the importance of family support and involves family members in the treatment process, providing education and counseling to enhance your young adult's support system.
- Expert Clinical Team: OPI’s team consists of experienced therapists and specialists dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care. The team includes psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed therapists collaborating to ensure comprehensive treatment.
Navigating the BPD Treatment Process at OPI
We're here to help your young adult overcome BPD and we'll walk you through the easy steps of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for BPD. Contact us today to get your healing journey started!
Assessment
- Initial Contact: Prospective clients or their families contact OPI for information and to discuss their specific needs.
- Assessment: An initial assessment is conducted to understand a young adult's history, symptoms, and challenges. This helps determine the program’s sustainability.
- Intake Process: Once deemed suitable, the young adult undergoes a detailed intake process, which includes filling out necessary forms and initial evaluations by clinical staff.
Diagnosis
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Upon admission, a team of mental health professionals, including psychologists and psychiatrists, conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation.
- Psychiatric Assessment: This includes a psychiatric evaluation to identify any co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders.
- Individualized Diagnosis: Based on the evaluations, a detailed diagnosis is made, considering the specific BPD subtypes and any other mental health issues.
Treatment
- Personalized Treatment Plan: A tailored treatment plan focusing on a young adult's unique needs and goals and includes various therapeutic modalities and interventions.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is a core component of the treatment, teaching skills in emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness, and distress tolerance.
- Individual and Group Therapy: Regular individual and group therapy sessions help address specific issues and provide peer support.
- Family Involvement: Family therapy and education are integral parts of the process, helping families effectively support their loved ones.
- Life Skills and Community Integration: Programs include life coaching, educational support, and community integration activities to promote independence and real-world application of skills.
- Ongoing Support: Continuous monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan ensure it remains effective. Regular follow-up sessions help track progress and make necessary modifications.
Types of BPD We Treat
At OPI, we offer help to young adults dealing with borderline personality disorder (BPD), no matter the type. BPD is a tricky and very personal mental health issue, but our treatment plans are made to meet the special needs and hurdles each person faces.
For those who have a certain kind of BPD or show different symptoms together, our wide-ranging treatment approach can help them better handle symptoms, improving how emotions are controlled, and improve overall mental well-being better. With a team skilled in helping people across all kinds of BPD situations, we're dedicated to giving care that's both understanding and tailored to each individual.
We help young adults struggling with the four subtypes of borderline personality disorder, each with its own distinct patterns.
- Discouraged borderline personality disorder
- Impulsive borderline personality disorder
- Petulant borderline
- Self-destructive borderline
Not all young people with BPD will fit into one of these four subtypes, while some fit into multiple subtypes. You may fit into one of the subtypes at a certain point in life, while later you might fit into another.
Contact Us to Help Your Young Adult Heal Their BPD
At Optimum Performance Institute (OPI), we are committed to providing compassionate and effective care for young adults struggling with BPD. Contact us and we'll help you find a treatment for any type of BPD that your young adult is struggling with so they can create an independent future.
What are the Long-Term Effects of Untreated BPD for Young Adults?
Untreated borderline personality disorder (BPD) can lead to chronic emotional instability, increased risk of other mental disorders, suicidal behavior, unstable relationships, isolation, academic and occupational challenges, substance abuse, health complications from self-harm, and an overall reduced quality of life for young adults.
- Chronic Emotional Instability: Untreated BPD can result in ongoing emotional turbulence, including intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety.
- Increased Risk of Other Mental Disorders: There may be a higher likelihood of young adults developing co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse if BPD goes untreated.
- Suicidal Behavior and Self-Harm: Persistent emotional pain from BPD can lead to an increased risk of suicide attempts in young adults.
- Unstable Relationships: Untreated BPD often leads to tumultuous relationships in young adults, characterized by cycles of idealization and devaluation, causing repeated conflicts and breakups.
- Isolation and Loneliness: Fear of abandonment and trust issues can result in social withdrawal and isolation, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and hopelessness in young adults.
- Academic and Occupational Challenges: Emotional dysregulation and impulsivity can interfere with young adults’ academic performance and career development, making it difficult to maintain steady employment and achieve educational goals.
- Substance Abuse: There is a high prevalence of substance abuse among individuals with untreated BPD, leading to additional health problems and exacerbating emotional instability for young adults.
- Health Complications from Self-Harm: Chronic self-injurious behaviors can result in serious physical health complications and increase the risk of accidental death in young adults with BPD.
Stories of BPD Healing from OPI
Our residential treatment centers and healing BPD treatment options have helped young adults heal and become strong, independent adults. Here are some of the stories from families and young adults we've helped overcome BPD.
Contact Us to Start to Start the Healing Journey
At Optimum Performance Institute (OPI), we're experts in helping young adults overcome and heal borderline personality disorder (BPD). Through a comprehensive treatment approach that includes individual and group psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), life coaching, residential treatment centers, and community integration, OPI addresses the specific needs of each BPD subtype. We're here to help your young adult and family start a healthy independent life free of BPD.
Borderline Personality Disorder FAQ
Helping a young adult who has borderline personality disorder (BPD) can be tough, but it's really important. Parents can learn more about BPD, listen to their young adults without being judgmental, and seek treatment as soon as possible when they see symptoms and signs of BPD.
When talking to a young adult who's dealing with borderline personality disorder (BPD), it can help to listen carefully, make sure they know their feelings are valid, and avoid judging or criticizing them. By showing empathy, being understanding, and patient, you can create a space where communication flows better.
Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are two different kinds of mental health issues. With Bipolar disorder, a young adult can go through big ups and downs in their mood, swinging from high to low feelings. On the other hand, BPD makes young people have a hard time managing their emotions, worry a lot about being left alone, and struggle with who they are and how they get along with others.
When it comes to dealing with borderline personality disorder (BPD), therapies like DBT or treatment centers like residential treatment programs can be good options for young adults who need to learn important skills to challenge BPD. If you think BPD treatment could help your young adult, contact us and we'll help you find the most effective treatment option that will help your young adult heal.
Talking to a young adult who has borderline personality disorder (BPD) about getting help might be tough. When you chat with them, showing understanding and care is important. You should also share details on ways they can get treatment and highlight how much their health and future matter.
While borderline personality disorder might not be “curable,” young adults can treat and manage the symptoms of it. Several forms of therapy that have been effective in treating BPD. If your symptoms are mild and non-interruptive, you can probably address BPD symptoms in outpatient therapy. If you’re like the many young adults whose BPD symptoms have impeded their relationships and their progress in life, you may need to use some of the following treatment options in a more intense residential treatment setting.
More Questions About BPD Treatment?
At Optimum Performance Institute (OPI), we're experts in helping young adults overcome and heal borderline personality disorder (BPD). Through a comprehensive treatment approach that includes individual and group psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), life coaching, residential treatment centers, and community integration, OPI addresses the specific needs of each BPD subtype. We're here to help your young adult and family start a healthy independent life free of BPD.