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As the use of AI therapy chatbots grows, so do potential dangers<\/p>\n
Can AI help close the mental health gap, or is it doing more harm than good?<\/p>\n
Mental health disorders come in many forms and affect thoughts, emotions and behaviors in complex ways. Conditions like anxiety<\/a>, depression<\/a> and bipolar disorder are among the most frequently diagnosed in the United States, but borderline personality disorder, or BPD, is a less common mental health condition<\/a> that still impacts millions of people.<\/p>\n In fact, some 1.4% of U.S. adults have BPD, according to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health<\/a>\u00a0(NIMH). However, some research suggests the true prevalence may be much higher due to underdiagnosis and the stigma surrounding personality disorders.<\/p>\n Here’s what BPD is, what causes it, how it is treated and why there is hope.<\/p>\n What is borderline personality disorder? Symptoms of BPD?<\/p>\n Borderline personality disorder is a complex mental health condition “characterized by a persistent instability in mood, behavior and self-image,” explains Amanda Darnley, a clinical psychologist based in Philadelphia. People with BPD \u201cfeel things deeply and intensely,\u201d she explains, which makes emotional regulation a significant challenge.<\/p>\n It can lead to a range of symptoms and unwanted outcomes, including unstable relationships, intense anger, chronic feelings of emptiness, stress-related paranoia or dissociation<\/a> and self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse<\/a>, reckless driving or self-harm. \u201cSudden mood swings, fear of abandonment and impulsive behaviors are also common,\u201d adds Jimmy Noorlander, LCSW, a clinical social worker at Deseret Counseling in Utah. \u201cIt\u2019s also important to note that symptoms can vary in severity and may look different from person to person.\u201d<\/p>\n BPD can severely impact day-to-day functioning and often places intense strain on personal relationships. For instance, someone with BPD might have an overwhelming reaction to something like a canceled plan and feel devastated, rejected and question the entire relationship.<\/p>\n Diagnosing BPD involves a comprehensive psychological evaluation by a licensed mental health professional. While such evaluations can happen at most any age, diagnosis typically occurs in individuals over the age of 18, since many symptoms can overlap with normal adolescent development<\/a>.<\/p>\n