The following is a brief summary from our workshop on Borderline Personality Disorder. For a more in-depth conversation about BPD in teens, check out the video above.
May is BPD Awareness Month
May is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Awareness Month. In the spirit of this, we’d like to revisit the amazing workshop conducted last year by our Chief Clinical Officer and licensed marriage and family therapist, Alyson Orcena. Our goal is to empower parents, caregivers, and loved ones with knowledge and hope, breaking down stigma surrounding this often-misunderstood condition.
If you’re the parent of a teen who’s struggling with intense emotions, unstable relationships, or a changing sense of self, you might be wondering whether it’s just part of being a teenager or something more serious. BPD in adolescents can be complex, but with the right support, healing is possible. This video and blog offer clarity, compassion, and practical guidance to help you feel more informed and better prepared to support your teen.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder in Teens?
BPD is a personality disorder defined by struggles with emotion regulation, relationships, and impulsivity. These challenges often arise from a blend of intense emotional sensitivity (can be genetic) and environments that may not fully meet a teen’s unique emotional needs. While about 70% of those with BPD have faced abuse, even the most loving caregivers can find it hard to provide the right support, which may leave teens feeling unheard, intensifying their struggles.
Recognizing Teen BPD Signs and Importance of Early Diagnosis
For teens with BPD, life often feels like an intense emotional rollercoaster characterized by a profound fear of rejection, rapidly changing relationships, and a fragile uncertain sense of identity that goes well beyond the usual challenges of adolescence. It is these internal experiences, rather than outward behaviors such as impulsivity or self-harm, that are most critical for an accurate diagnosis. Research and the DSM-5 indicate that BPD can be reliably identified in adolescents as young as 12, provided that symptoms have been present for at least one year. Early recognition is a beacon of hope, as studies show 85% of individuals achieve significant symptom relief within ten years when supported early.
Teen BPD Treatment Options and Breaking the Stigma
Unfortunately, there is stigma against BPD that casts a shadow. The media and even some professionals unfairly label those with BPD as manipulative or untreatable.In truth, teens with BPD are often profoundly empathetic, craving connection even as their actions may unintentionally push others away. At Evolve, we offer proven treatments like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a cornerstone that nurtures mindfulness, acceptance, and practical skills to help teens find balance and build stronger bonds. Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) also offers hope, especially for those with relational trauma.
BPD Advocacy, Support, and DBT Resources for Teens
If you suspect BPD in your teen, we encourage you to advocate for screenings like the Borderline Personality Feature Scale for Children and connect with DBT-trained clinicians. Misdiagnoses, such as bipolar disorder, are common, as BPD’s rapid mood swings differ from bipolar’s longer episodes. While medications may ease co-occurring issues like depression, DBT remains the heart of BPD care. At Evolve, we’re here to support your family with expertise and care. Together, let’s foster understanding and light the way for teens with BPD.
