A Trauma Informed Approach to Treating Borderline Personality (Repeat)
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Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes and other experts provide insights into borderline personality traits (BPT), advocating for a trauma-informed, strength-based approach to understanding and managing BPT. They emphasize that behaviors associated with BPT, often labeled as symptoms of a disorder, are in fact survival strategies developed in response to past trauma, particularly during childhood. These strategies, while once necessary, can become maladaptive in adulthood, leading to emotional dysregulation, unstable relationships, and a persistent fear of abandonment. Neurological changes, such as alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and brain structure, are linked to childhood trauma and can exacerbate BPT symptoms. However, the brain's ability to heal through neurogenesis offers hope for recovery. Recovery involves developing a stable sense of self, which is often compromised in individuals with BPT due to dysfunctional family dynamics and a lack of secure attachments. Emotional dysregulation is a significant challenge, with individuals often lacking self-soothing techniques and experiencing overwhelming emotions. Strategies for managing BPT include identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities to triggers, developing mindfulness and distress tolerance skills, and creating a safety plan. Co-occurring issues such as PTSD, depression, and addiction are common and can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of BPT. Accurate diagnosis is crucial, as misidentification can lead to inappropriate treatment. The communicative function of BPT behaviors, often expressing a fear of abandonment, needs to be understood. Interventions focus on developing a sense of self through mindfulness, enhancing self-esteem, and setting achievable goals. Techniques like empty chair exercises and psychodrama can help process childhood needs and develop self-care. Cognitive distortions such as projection and personalization need to be challenged, and emotional regulation skills developed. Strengthening vagal tone and maintaining boundaries are important for managing intense emotions. Relationships for individuals with BPT are often intense and unstable, with a history of rejection or caregiver unavailability leading to all-or-nothing thinking. Significant others may experience a loss of self-esteem and doubt their own perspectives due to the controlling behavior of the person with BPT. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help address fears of rejection and negative self-perceptions. Therapeutic strategies include mindfulness, coping skill development, and pharmacological treatments such as Abilify, Depakote, Lamictal, Topamax, and naltrexone to address various symptoms of BPT.
Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes and other experts provide insights into borderline personality traits (BPT), a