BPD - Causes

There is still a great deal of debate concerning the causes of Borderline Personality Disorder. It is perhaps more meaningful to talk of the factors that shape Borderline Personality, about which there is increasing agreement and research. Broadly speaking there are two schools of thought on the processes that lead to the development of BPD.

These models of the development of BPD emphasize the pyschobiological and neurophysiological processes that influence personality. During the first five years of life, and in particular during the first two, a child's brain is still growing and developing at a substantial rate. All the experiences that child has are directly influencing how various parts of the brain develop. Of prime importance in this process is the child's interaction with its mother or primary care giver. Separation from the mother, or poor or negative nurturing (e.g. abuse, violence), can have a dramatic effect on the development on areas of the brain, especially those which handle emotions and social functioning.

It is perhaps this 'hard-wiring' that makes BPD and other PDs resistant to treatment. Whilst the brain is in a state of constant flux throughout adult life, it is harder to change the wiring pattern in later life. However, it is possible to learn to manage the behavioral difficulties that a differently wired brain may produce.

Whilst more is becoming known about what processes influence the development of BPD, far less is known about why certain individuals seem more prone to develop BPD (and other psychiatric problems) than others. It increasingly appears that there may be a genetic predisposition, given an adverse environment, for certain individuals to develop BPD.

Poor nurturing and an adverse environment is not guaranteed to result in a child experiencing psychiatric problems in later life; equally, good nurturing in a positive environment is no guarantee that a child will be free from psychiatric difficulties as an adult. However, a genetic predisposition towards psychiatric problems coupled with poor nurturing is far more likely to result in problems later in life.

There are a small number of clinicians (primarily in the United States) who believe BPD to be a 'neurological illness', most probably a form of epilepsy, that can be treated with medication and talking treatments. Perhaps the most high-profile advocate of this approach is Dr.Leland Heller and more information can be found on his website: www.biologicalunhappiness.com

Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder