What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): Characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Individuals with NPD often exhibit grandiose behavior, an excessive sense of entitlement, and a preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success or power.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Traits

Compulsive–Obsessive Traits: A personality pattern marked by preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control. These individuals may struggle with flexibility, struggle to delegate tasks, and become overly focused on rules and organization.

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): Formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, DID is a complex dissociative condition where an individual experiences two or more distinct identities or personality states. These identities may have their own behaviors, memories, and preferences. DID is often associated with severe, repeated trauma or abuse during childhood.

1. Comprehensive Treatment Options

Athena Behavioral Health offers a wide range of evidence-based treatments for personality disorders. Our team of experienced professionals develops personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs. We follow a holistic approach combining therapy, medication management, and supportive services to promote long-term recovery.

2. Symptom Management and Therapies

We specialize in treating a variety of symptoms including emotional instability, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive traits, narcissistic patterns, and emotional dysregulation. Our programs include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Group therapy and skills training

These therapies help address underlying causes and build healthier coping mechanisms.

3. Supportive, Non-Judgmental Environment

At Athena Behavioral Health, we understand that seeking treatment for a personality disorder can feel overwhelming. We create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. Our compassionate team listens, guides, and equips you with tools for personal growth and recovery.

Pharmacotherapy

Although no medication is approved specifically for BPD, several drugs can help reduce symptoms such as mood swings, depression, anxiety, and impulsivity.

Commonly used medications include:

• Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs): Help reduce depressive states and anxiety.
• Mood stabilizers: Assist in controlling mood swings and impulsive behavior.
• Antipsychotics: May help with emotional instability, paranoia, or dissociative symptoms.

Psychotherapy for BPD

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): An empirically supported form of CBT designed specifically for BPD. DBT teaches healthier ways of coping through four core skill modules:

• Core Mindfulness
• Distress Tolerance
• Interpersonal Effectiveness
• Emotion Regulation

These skills are delivered via individual therapy, group sessions, and coaching, and have proven highly effective in reducing self-harm and emotional instability.

Schema Therapy

Schema therapy helps clients understand and change deeply rooted patterns—called Early Maladaptive Schemas—that arise from unmet emotional needs and early adverse experiences.

The goal is to move clients from self-destructive schemas into healthier patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Schema therapy nurtures the “vulnerable child” mode, sets limits on angry or impulsive modes, and challenges the harsh “punitive parent” inner voice.

Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT)

Mentalization-Based Therapy focuses on improving a person’s capacity to understand their own and others’ thoughts, feelings, and intentions.

Mentalization was first described as the ability to make sense of ourselves and others in terms of internal mental states. MBT enhances this capacity, helping individuals with BPD respond more thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively to emotional triggers.