What is a distinguishing symptom of Borderline Personality Disorder?

A distinguishing symptom of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is the presence of intense interpersonal relationships. Individuals with BPD often experience relationships that are highly unstable and can alternate between extreme closeness and intense conflict. This pattern is characterized by a fear of abandonment, which leads to efforts to establish and maintain relationships, often resulting in tumultuous dynamics.

The intense nature of these relationships reflects the emotional dysregulation commonly found in BPD, causing individuals to perceive their relationships in black-and-white terms, sometimes viewing others as either entirely good or entirely bad. This can lead to rapid shifts in their feelings towards others and can cause significant distress in their interpersonal interactions.

In contrast, symptoms such as depressed mood may be present in BPD but are not unique to the disorder. Excessive self-confidence is not characteristic of BPD; instead, these individuals often struggle with self-image and self-esteem issues. Consistent emotional stability is contrary to the emotional volatility associated with BPD, as those affected typically experience intense and fluctuating emotions.