Borderline personality disorder

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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Borderline personality disorder can damage many areas of your life. Interpersonal relationships, jobs, school, social activities and self-image all can be negatively affected. Repeated job losses and broken marriages are common. Self-injury, such as cutting or burning, can result in scarring and frequent hospitalizations. Suicide rates among people with BPD are very high, reaching 10 percent to 15 percent.

In addition, you may have other mental health problems, including:

  • Depression
  • Substance abuse
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Other personality disorders

Because of risky, impulsive behavior, you are also more vulnerable to unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, motor vehicle accidents and physical fights. You may also be involved in abusive relationships, either as the abuser or the abused.

DS00442

May 14, 2008

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