Inpatient Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder

The Importance of Treating Personality Disorders

Mental illnesses are still taboo subjects, and many people face harsh judgment and discrimination when they struggle with these conditions. However, the truth is that mental health problems can happen to anyone. There are many different types of mental illnesses, and each one comes with its unique symptoms and challenges, particularly Borderline Personality Disorder or BPD.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex and often misunderstood disorder. Living with BPD can be challenging, but the good news is that there are plenty of effective treatment options available for those suffering from this condition. Inpatient treatment centers are often the best option for individuals with severe BPD symptoms who require round-the-clock medical attention and support.

By choosing the right inpatient treatment center, patients can receive the comprehensive care they need to manage their symptoms and begin on the road to recovery. It is crucial to seek help from trained professionals who have experience in treating personality disorders, as effective treatment can make a significant difference in a person’s life.

Keep reading to learn more about borderline personality disorder, the best inpatient treatment centers for borderline personality disorder, and how Icarus Behavioral Health offers effective programs to help our clients recover and lead amazing lives!

What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

BPD is a mental health condition that affects the way people feel about themselves, interact with others, and manage their emotions. It is a complicated disorder that requires proper diagnosis and treatment.

BPD is often characterized by unstable moods, difficulty managing emotions, and difficulty keeping jobs and relationships. People with this condition may have intense emotional swings and find it difficult to maintain stable relationships. They may also have a deep-rooted fear of abandonment that can lead to erratic behavior, such as self-harm or substance abuse. BPD can also put people at higher risk for depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and self-harm.

What Causes Borderline Personality Disorder?

People diagnosed with BPD may have a history of trauma, neglect, or abuse during childhood, which can cause lasting emotional difficulties. Research suggests that genetics might also play a part in the development of BPD, meaning it may run in families or be associated with other inherited mental health issues.

Additionally, researchers have observed structural and functional changes in the brains of people with BPD. Specifically, the areas related to emotion regulation, impulsivity, aggression, and mood-related brain chemicals have been found to be altered in people with BPD. It is also common for individuals with BPD to experience co-occurring disorders, such as depression or substance abuse. This leads experts to believe that there may be an interplay between genetic or biological factors and the environment.

What are the Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder?

The symptoms of BPD often manifest during the teenage years. Those with BPD will usually have at least five out of nine following symptoms:

• Severe mood swings
• Extreme anger
• Fear of abandonment
• Rapidly changing sense of self
• Feelings of disconnection
• Emptiness
• Self-destructive behavior
• Suicide attempts or self-harming behaviors
• Paranoid thoughts

These symptoms can be challenging to manage and often require the help of a mental health professional to address.

More Details About The Complications of Having BPD

Having an untreated borderline personality disorder can lead to a range of complications that impact various aspects of their lives, including the following:

1. Relationship Issues

People with BPD may struggle to maintain healthy relationships due to their intense emotions and impulse control issues. They might struggle to trust others or feel a strong need for attention or validation. This can cause frequent conflicts with their partners, family members, and friends, and often results in unstable and tumultuous relationships.

2. Mental Health Issues

BPD commonly co-occurs with other mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, substance misuse, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder. In many cases, these conditions can exacerbate the mental health symptoms of BPD, leading to more severe complications.

3. Self-Harm and Suicide

One of the most significant complications of BPD is self-harm and suicide. Those with BPD may experience intense emotional pain that they struggle to cope with. They might resort to self-harm attempts as a way of managing their emotions, which can lead to more severe injuries or death. In addition, those with BPD have a higher risk of attempted or completed suicide.

4. Impulsive Behaviors

People with BPD may engage in impulsive behaviors, such as substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating, and gambling. These behaviors can have serious repercussions, such as legal issues, job losses, and financial problems.

5. Unplanned Pregnancies and STIs

Those with BPD may engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, which can increase their risk of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. These complications can further exacerbate the emotional distress of those with BPD, leading to more severe symptoms.

What To Expect From Inpatient Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment

During inpatient treatment, clinicians create a safe and structured environment where patients can focus entirely on their recovery. Many individuals who enter inpatient treatment may be dealing with suicidal ideation or attempts, acute psychosis or severe depression, and/or acute anxiety or panic. These conditions require 24/7 care and observation to emphasize stability and safety.

Once a patient has been stabilized, their care will often be shifted to partial hospitalization or outpatient care. This type of care involves a similar therapeutic approach but with more flexibility and independence than in inpatient settings.

Long-term inpatient programs are an option in some cases where more integrative and comprehensive treatment is necessary. These programs are designed to provide care to patients for extended periods of time (weeks to months).

To treat borderline personality disorder during this period, individuals will usually receive individual, group, and family therapy. A long-term treatment program is recommended for those that are dealing with significant psychological trauma or ongoing addiction issues, as mental health treatment is going to be crucial. These programs can provide the foundation for lasting mental health stability.

Specific Treatments For Borderline Personality Disorder

Living with BPD can be overwhelming and challenging, but there are various treatments available that can help you get back on track. If you’re looking for an inpatient treatment center for borderline personality disorder, it’s important to ensure that they are qualified professionals and use evidence-based therapies.

This is why Icarus clinicians employ such methods and also use trauma-informed approaches that help our clients achieve the most favorable treatment outcomes. Whether you are able to seek services with us or choose to seek help elsewhere, there are important considerations when choosing BPD care providers.

An effective behavioral health residential treatment center should use some or all of the following types of therapy:

Dialectical behavior Therapy

One of the most widely sought-after treatments for BPD is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This evidence-based approach is rooted in a skills-based approach that teaches individuals to practice healthy coping skills when handling their emotions, improve relationships with others, and help clients develop practical strategies to tolerate distress. DBT is particularly effective for those struggling with suicidal thoughts, impulsive behavior, and self-harm.

This type of therapy involves both individual and group sessions where you learn skills such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance. The skills you acquire through DBT will help you manage your day-to-day life with greater ease, leading to a greater sense of control and stability.

Schema Focused Therapy

Another form of therapy that is effective for treating BPD is Schema Focused Therapy. This approach is particularly beneficial for those who have struggled with negative patterns and deep-seated issues. Schema therapy seeks to identify what underlying needs have not been met and then works to replace those old patterns with new, healthy ones.

Usually, schema-focused therapy is a long-term approach, which means you will need to commit yourself fully to the process. But rest assured, this therapy has been scientifically proven to result in positive outcomes in people with BPD.

Mentalization-Based Treatment

Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT), a type of psychodynamic therapy, is yet another option available for people with BPD. This therapy focuses on helping you understand your core feelings and make sense of them in a given moment. By doing so, you will be able to take an alternate perspective, which will help you in how you relate to yourself and others.

This approach encourages self-awareness, and it will help you control your impulses and make better decisions. MBT is typically in-depth and long-term, resulting in a significant skill set that you can use for the rest of your life.

Systems Training For Emotional Predictability and Problem-Solving (STEPPS)

Systems training for emotional predictability and problem-solving (STEPPS) is an evidence-based treatment method that encourages family participation in the treatment process over 20 weeks. This treatment is designed to help individuals understand and manage their emotions, as well as improve their problem-solving skills.

It consists of group therapy sessions led by a trained therapist and can be supplemented with individual therapy sessions as needed. STEPPS has been shown to be an effective treatment for individuals with BPD, with significant improvements in emotional regulation and interpersonal functioning.

Medication For Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment

While therapy is often the primary mode of treatment for BPD, medications may also play a significant role in addressing the symptoms associated with this condition.

• Antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety medications are all commonly used to address various symptoms associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
• Antidepressants work by regulating serotonin levels, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and impulsivity.
• Antipsychotics, on the other hand, are often prescribed to address aggression, hallucinations, and paranoia.
• Mood stabilizers, such as lithium, are useful in regulating mood swings and lessening impulsive behavior and are commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, which has been associated with BPD.

Finally, anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and agitation, although they should not be used long-term due to their addictive potential.

Transference Focused Psychotherapy

Transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) is another treatment option for individuals with BPD. This therapy applies insights from the therapist/client relationship to ongoing situations. Through TFP, individuals are able to explore their thoughts and emotions in a safe and supportive environment.

The focus is on managing emotions and improving relationships. With regular sessions and adequate support, individuals with BPD can become less reactive to everyday situations and better able to manage their emotions.

The Importance of Family Involvement in The BPD Treatment Process

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental illness that can have a significant impact on an individual’s personal and professional life. It can also affect family members, friends, and co-workers. Family members can play an important role in supporting their loved one with BPD.

One of the first steps they should take if they want to help is to educate themselves about BPD and the DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) model, in addition to participating in family therapy. The DBT model is designed to help individuals with BPD to learn new skills and behaviors that can improve their quality of life.

Family therapy can help to manage BPD symptoms and improve family functioning. Sessions help to identify negative cycles that worsen symptoms and learn better coping strategies. One of the main focuses is on learning new communication skills, managing emotions, problem-solving, and coping strategies.

Family members can learn how to support their loved ones with BPD and manage their own emotions and reactions. Family members can become an integral part of the BPD treatment process and learn how to recognize early warning signs of a crisis.

Who Needs Inpatient Treatment For Borderline Personality Disorder?

Inpatient mental health treatment for BPD generally occurs due to the risk of harm. This may be the case if someone with BPD experiences suicidal or homicidal thoughts engages in self-harm behaviors, or is struggling to function in their daily life due to their symptoms. Inpatient treatment can provide 24-hour support and monitoring to help manage these risks and promote safety.

The length of inpatient hospitalization typically ranges from days to weeks. The duration of treatment depends on the individual’s needs and progress in treatment. Inpatient treatment for BPD generally involves medication management, therapy (both individual and group), and a focus on improving coping skills and emotion regulation.

Voluntary hospitalization occurs when the patient acknowledges that more help than outpatient treatment can provide is needed. This may happen if someone with BPD is struggling to manage their symptoms or if their outpatient treatment is not effective. By voluntarily entering inpatient treatment, the individual can receive more intensive care and support to help manage their symptoms.

Involuntary Hospitalization

Involuntary hospitalization happens when a patient is not willing to enter the hospital, but it is deemed necessary by their healthcare providers for safety reasons (such as intent to commit suicide).

In these cases, the individual may be placed under a hold or a psychiatric evaluation to determine the most appropriate level of care. While involuntary hospitalization can be challenging, it is important to prioritize safety and provide the necessary support to help manage BPD symptoms.

Our Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment: Residential and Effective

Borderline personality disorder can be a challenging condition to live with, but with the right support and tools, it is possible to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. Seeking help from the mental health professionals at Icarus, incorporating exercise and healthy eating into your routine, and practicing mindfulness meditation or yoga can be helpful in managing your BPD symptoms.

Remember, you are not alone, and there is support available to help you in your recovery process.

Contact Icarus Behavioral Health to get help at our BPD treatment center, all calls to our facility are confidential, so please reach out now to get options for effective recovery!