Is Borderline Personality Disorder Rooted In Trauma?

More common in women

BPD is more commonly diagnosed in women; however, many mental health specialists believe that the frequency of development might be the same between men and women. The apparent difference is more likely to arise as women appear more willing to seek mental health help. Also, the different ways this ailment presents itself might make it more likely for men with BPD to be diagnosed with antisocial or narcissistic personality disorder instead.

Traumatic experiences

Early traumas often trigger the evolution of many characteristics seen within BPD, like emotional dysregulation, self-destructive behaviors, and instability. Traumatic events have a central role when it comes to impairing a person’s ability to symbolize and mentalize emotions, especially in the early stages of life.



Adverse experiences in a person’s childhood include physical and emotional trauma, exposure to poverty, and parental mental illness. Even the trauma a child faces in their preschool years can impact their development and result in borderline personality features.

Risk factors for childhood BPD onset

There is a rather significant correlation between BPD and childhood sexual abuse, physical and verbal abuse, neglect, and bullying. The effect of neglect and physical trauma can affect many different aspects of a child’s personality, such as identity diffusion, affective dysregulation, self-harm, and disturbed relationships. Researchers have found that people with BPD have much higher levels of neuroticism and lower levels of agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion.

There is also a chance for BPD to develop in adulthood due to repeated and prolonged traumas caused by intimate partners. It starts off as CPTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder), which has many overlapping symptoms with BPD; however, research on this matter is still scarce.

We can help you manage borderline personality disorder

BPD can make you feel incredibly isolated. People around you might find it difficult to empathize with your emotions, especially when they don’t experience feelings at the same depth as you. Oasis Of Hope has compassionate mental health practitioners who can provide you with a safe space to discuss your feelings and learn better ways to cope with your emotions.

We also provide behavioral health care, addiction treatment, and substance abuse treatment services.



Contact us to book an appointment today!