Navigating BPD in Adolescence: Understanding and Coping

I completely understand where you’re coming from! From age 13, I knew something was wrong as I got myself into an extremely emotionally volatile romantic relationship full of mistrust and paranoia about abandonment, along with suicide threats from both sides if either of us expressed a desire to leave. It was around this time I also became interested in psychopathology as a general subject, and when I came across Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in my research, it really resonated with me. I knew I had terrible mood swings, completely unexplainable to the people around me, and I didn’t know who I was. Unfortunately, at the time, I had a really shitty psychologist who just completely invalidated me and gaslit me about it. “You’re a teenager, you can’t have BPD; you’re just looking for a diagnosis.”

She was wrong. Of course, you can have BPD as a teenager—it’s just much harder to clinically diagnose. I’m studying psychology at university as of 2022. In recent more aware circles of psychology, some people recognize that teenagehood itself is a trauma. Emotions swinging, a not yet fully integrated personal identity that can change from friend group to friend group, destructive and selfish behaviors that seem to lack empathy or regard for the law—normal teenagehood is such a crazy experience that it actually diagnostically overlaps with a bunch of Cluster B personality disorders.

Commonality Between BPD and Adolescence

This is why, as a general rule, many psychologists/psychiatrists refrain from diagnosing personality disorders until age 18. However, for those struggling with severe symptomatology, it is undoubtedly best for the client if a personality disorder diagnosis is refrained until age 18. There are just so many variables that teenagehood throws into the mix and unfortunately, BPD and every Cluster B personality disorder are highly stigmatized. It could be genuinely life-ruining if a person were to be misdiagnosed with BPD. That’s on your record forever now, and there are so many hateful people out there who will refuse to know you because of this diagnosis or gaslight your genuine struggles because they think you’re overreacting or attention-seeking. Having BPD and so many uneducated and ignorant professionals who blatantly refuse treatment to those with Cluster B personality disorders.

The Takeaway

In my opinion, it’s best to wait. Focus on your specific symptoms in therapy right now. Tell your psych what you’re experiencing and work on ways to cope. CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) are proven to be fantastic for BPD and many other disorders. Once you’re 18, it will be much easier to request and attain an assessment for a BPD diagnosis to guide your future treatment.

Understanding the Complexity of Teenagehood

It is essential to recognize that adolescence is a complex and tumultuous period where emotions can be incredibly volatile and often not fully understood. The identity crisis, relationship turmoil, and the constant changes in peer groups can make it difficult to differentiate between normal teenage behavior and the symptoms of BPD. It is crucial to approach diagnosis with careful consideration and understanding of the developmental context of adolescence.

Seeking Support and Treatment

While it may be challenging to distinguish between typical teenage experiences and the symptoms of BPD, seeking therapy early on can be beneficial. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are evidence-based treatments that can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. By focusing on symptom management and skill-building, individuals can develop healthier coping mechanisms and improve their relationships and mental health.

Conclusion

It is important to remember that adolescence can be a challenging time, but it is also a period of growth and self-discovery. If you are struggling, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Focusing on symptom management and adopting therapeutic techniques can significantly improve your mental health and quality of life. Once you turn 18, you can revisit the possibility of a BPD diagnosis under the guidance of a qualified mental health professional.