What is borderline personality disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterised by pervasive instability in emotions, self-image, and interpersonal relationships, alongside intense fear of abandonment and impulsive behaviour. It often develops in the context of trauma and attachment disruption. Despite its name, BPD is a highly treatable condition — dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) has strong evidence and produces significant, lasting improvement for many people.

What treatments have the best evidence for BPD?

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is the most evidenced psychological treatment, specifically designed to address emotional dysregulation and build tolerance for distress. Schema therapy and mentalisation-based therapy (MBT) also have good evidence. These are structured, specialist psychological approaches — not all therapists are trained to deliver them. Self-referring or GP referral to a service with specific BPD expertise is important.

Can complementary therapies support BPD treatment?

Body-based and mindfulness approaches may support the emotional regulation skills being developed in psychological treatment. Yoga, somatic therapy, and trauma-informed mindfulness can develop interoceptive awareness and embodied self-regulation. These are most effective when the person already has a stable therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional. Any complementary work should be trauma-informed and proceed at the individual's pace.

How should complementary practitioners approach working with BPD?

Relational consistency, transparency about what sessions involve, and clear, boundaried working agreements are important. Sudden endings or perceived rejection can be very activating. Avoid improvising or introducing unexpected elements. Trauma-informed training is essential. Communicate with the mental health care team where consent is given — coordinated care produces better outcomes.

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Borderline personality disorder

A mental health disorder that impacts the way you think and feel about yourself.

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Reviewed by Dr. Ava Gardner · Integrative Medicine Researcher26 March 2026Emerging evidence

Quick answer

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) involves intense emotional experiences, unstable relationships, fear of abandonment, and identity uncertainty. Evidence-based therapies including DBT and schema therapy show strong outcomes; somatic and creative therapies complement psychological treatment.

Do any of these feel familiar?

Borderline personality disorder is most commonly experienced as a pervasive instability of emotions, identity, and relationships
Many people describe emotional experiences as more intense than those of others — a compliment can feel elating; a perceived rejection can feel catastrophic
The fear of abandonment is a central feature: many people describe going to extreme lengths to avoid perceived desertion
Identity — a stable sense of who one is, what one believes, what one wants — can feel unstable or absent
Impulsive behaviours, intense but unstable relationships, and periods of dissociation or emptiness are common experiences

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Related Conditions

Anxiety

Depression

PTSD

Trauma

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