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Do you know someone with borderline personality disorder or one of the many other mental disorders? The odds are that the answer is yes even if you don’t know it. Each individual who has borderline personality disorder may display all of the common signs and symptoms, some of these but not others, or even no symptoms at all at times. According to the DSM, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), the diagnostic bible for mental disorders, a diagnosis of BPD can only be made if an individual displays at least 5 of the many common symptoms associated with this disorder.

Some of the signs and symptoms of borderline personalty disorder can mimic other mental disorders, and an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment. Some signs and symptoms to watch for include:

• Behavior that is impulsive, and which can be extreme or dangerous at times.
• Anger management and control problems.
• Frequently feeling empty or bored.
• Moods that can change quickly and which can be very intense.
• Close relationships with friends and family that can be tumultuous and stormy.
• Abandonment issues, with reactions that my be seen as extreme when real or perceived abandonment is experienced.
• A distorted self image or a sense of self that is inflated and out of context.
• Self harm, suicidal thoughts, self destructive or suicidal behaviors and actions.
• Paranoia symptoms when the individual is under a lot of stress.
• Dissociative symptoms, seeming out of touch with reality.

If you or someone you care about displays any of the signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder, or any other mental disorders, then help and proper treatment is needed.