Understanding Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Borderline Personality Disorder affects approximately 2% of the population, with an estimated 75% of those diagnosed being women. There are different subtypes of BPD, and one such type is Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder.
Those who have this subtype of BPD display different characteristics than the classic symptoms associated with BPD. Quieter behavior patterns are often misunderstood or missed by friends and family members, making the diagnosis of Quiet BPD challenging.
In this article, we will delve into the definition, causes, diagnosis, symptoms, and impact of Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder.
Definition and Characteristics of Quiet BPD
Quiet BPD, also known as Discouraged Borderline Personality Disorder, is a subtype of BPD that is not as readily noticeable as the classic forms of BPD. This term is often used to describe individuals who may not lash out or act out as the more stereotypical versions of BPD.
Typically, individuals who have this subtype of BPD experience extreme emotional challenges, such as difficulty regulating their emotions and intense interpersonal relationships that are often unstable.
Diagnosis and Symptoms of Quiet BPD
A diagnosis of Quiet BPD requires meeting the same DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for BPD, including mood disturbances, difficulty in relationships, and impulsivity. Individuals with Quiet BPD exhibit different symptoms compared to classic BPD, such as internalizing their feelings, becoming self-deprecating, and being overly critical of their behavior, sometimes going unnoticed by family members or loved ones.
Symptoms of Quiet BPD are similar to classic BPD, such as fear of abandonment, unstable sense of self, and mood swing changes. However, the presentation can be different, and therefore the symptoms are often missed or misdiagnosed.
Differences Between BPD and Quiet BPD
The main difference between BPD and Quiet BPD is in the way in which individuals express their emotions. Individuals with BPD often express their emotions through acting out, while those with Quiet BPD are more likely to act in.
This makes it more difficult to diagnose Quiet BPD, as the symptoms are not as noticeable as in the case of classic BPD. Overall, the emotional intensity of BPD is a shared characteristic, whether it is expressed outwardly or inwardly.
Causes of Quiet BPD
While the causes of BPD are unclear, it is believed that a combination of emotional abuse, trauma, environment, predisposition, psychosocial influences, and neurobiological factors play a role in the development of this personality disorder. Emotional abuse, childhood trauma, and neglect have all been linked to BPD.
Parents or caregivers who are emotionally unavailable, lack responsiveness, are neglectful, or criticize excessively, may contribute to the development of Quiet BPD.
Impact of Quiet BPD on Quality of Life
The impact of Quiet BPD on an individual’s quality of life can be profound. Individuals may feel isolated in life, hampering their ability to form healthy relationships.
Quiet BPD symptoms can contribute to risky behavior, negative thought patterns, mental health issues, and may negatively impact career goals, creating confusion for the individual who often tries to function in a state of disconnect and overwhelm. In conclusion, Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder is a subtype of BPD that presents differently from classic BPD.
Understanding the symptoms and causes of this subtype can help individuals seek help and find the treatments they need. While the emotional intensity of BPD is shared regardless of presentation, the way people express their emotions is the defining difference.
If you identify with the symptoms listed above, seeking professional help is the first step in managing this challenging personality disorder.
Treatment for Quiet BPD
Borderline Personality Disorder can be a lifelong illness if not treated effectively and appropriately. Traditional therapy approaches to treat BPD have been subjected to considerable criticism and scrutiny.
However, in recent years, advances in research have gifted us with an array of therapeutic options that cater to the various needs of individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. This article will discuss the treatment options available for Quiet BPD, their efficacy, and potential limitations.
Overview of Therapeutic Options
Psychotherapy is the treatment of choice for individuals with Quiet BPD. There are various types of psychotherapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mentalization-based therapy (MBT), transference-focused therapy (TFT), and schema therapy.
Medical interventions in the form of medication are not typically indicated for the treatment of personality disorders, including Quiet BPD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to modify thought patterns and change behavior by identifying negative thoughts and teaching thought replacement. It is a talk therapy that targets dysfunctional thoughts and self-defeating beliefs to diminish problematic behaviors, such as self-harm, impulsivity, and substance abuse.
CBT is one of the most empirically validated treatments for BPD; however, it may not be suitable for individuals with quiet BPD when the internalized struggle is not explicitly presented.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectal behavior therapy is based on the concept of both accepting the patient as they are while simultaneously striving for the development of the best version of themselves. It is a structured approach that focuses on mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and coping strategies.
By integrating the above components, individuals with Quiet BPD are able to develop skills to improve functioning and reduce symptoms.
Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT)
Mentalization-based therapy is a psychodynamic approach that targets the difficulties individuals with BPD face in examining their thoughts, emotions, and causal relationships over time. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and consideration of others’ perspectives.
MBT typically comprises of individual therapy sessions to promote self-reflection and understanding of self.
Transference-Focused Therapy (TFT)
Transference-focused therapy is a psychodynamic therapy approach for individuals with BPD that emphasizes that BPD is a disorder of relationships. It aims to identify thought patterns and behaviors that affect the quality of interpersonal interactions by focusing on the transference (transfer of a client’s emotions from past experiences onto interactions with a therapist) in the therapeutic relationship.
TFT has been shown to improve symptoms related to BPD, as well as social adaptation, self-esteem, and overall level of functioning.
Schema Therapy
Schema therapy is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and address unique schemas, or long-standing negative emotional patterns acquired in childhood that generate distress, interfere with daily functioning, and promote harmful behavior. Schema therapy is particularly useful for individuals with Quiet BPD who struggle with intimacy needs and perceived abandonment.
Medical Intervention for Quiet BPD
Medical intervention is not indicated for the management of personality disorders because no evidence-based or FDA-approved pharmacological treatments are available. However, medications such as mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and antidepressants can be prescribed as an adjunct to psychotherapies for target symptoms such as depression, anxiety, agitation, or sleep problems.
In conclusion, psychotherapy is the recommended primary treatment option for individuals with Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder, and the various therapeutic options allow for customized care that caters to the needs of the individual. Although no single approach is suitable for everyone, therapeutic interventions such as CBT, DBT, MBT, TFT, and
Schema Therapy are among the most promising in preventing long-term distress and improving life satisfaction.
Coupling psychotherapy with appropriate medication to treat comorbidities and target symptoms can also be essential to help alleviate overall functioning, improve quality of life, and reduce the impact of quiet BPD. In conclusion, Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder is a subtype of BPD with symptoms that are often missed or misdiagnosed, making treatment challenging.
However, psychotherapy has proven to be effective, with various approaches available to cater to the individual’s needs. Seeking professional help can be the first step in better managing this disorder, improving quality of life andreducing long-term distress.
Here are a few common FAQs surrounding Quiet BPD:
1. What are the key features and symptoms of Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder?
Quiet BPD is characterized by implicit suffering, such as feelings of abandonment, extreme mood swings, and unstable relationships. 2.
How can Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder be diagnosed? Diagnosis of Quiet BPD is made using the same DSM-5 criteria as BPD, but with subtle distinctions that include secretive or self-deprecating behavior.
3. What are some common treatments available for Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder?
Psychotherapeutic interventions tailored to the individual, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mentalization-based therapy, transference-focused therapy, and schema therapy are considered the most promising treatment options. 4.
Can medications help treat Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder? While no FDA-approved medication exists, mood stabilizers and antidepressants are often prescribed as adjuncts to psychotherapy to target symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, and sleep problems.
5. Can Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder be cured?
While there is no cure for Quiet BPD, early interventions aimed at reducing distress and improving life satisfaction and functioning can prevent long-term damage. With proper care, individuals could learn a range of skills to cope with the disorder and lead a fulfilling life.