Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) test

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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  How is BPD diagnosed?

  Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional after a thorough assessment of your symptoms, lifestyle, and health history. Your Talkspace provider will conduct a borderline personality disorder screening to provide a full diagnosis using the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-5.

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  Is online therapy an effective treatment option for BPD?

  Online therapy is an effective treatment for BPD as long as your therapist or mental health provider has experience and training in this condition. BPD is often treated with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Psychodynamic therapy. Medication is typically not the primary treatment for BPD, but you may be prescribed medication to address specific symptoms.

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  How do you get tested for BPD?

  You can get tested for BPD by participating in an interview with a mental health provider. Keep in mind that:

  • There is no single test to determine definitively if you have BPD, but a mental health provider may use screening tools to assess your symptoms.     
  • Borderline Personality Disorder often occurs with other mental health disorders such as eating disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder. 
  • Symptoms of BPD may overlap with other mental health conditions. It is also important to visit your primary care doctor to rule out any underlying physical conditions that could be impacting your mood and behavior.  
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  How long does a BPD diagnosis take?

  A BPD diagnosis may be given after one session or several sessions with a mental health provider, depending on how long it takes for your clinician to conduct a thorough assessment. If your symptoms indicate other conditions, or you have underlying medical concerns such as a previous head injury or concussion, your mental health provider may refer you to a specialist or another medical professional for additional information.

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  What happens if BPD is left untreated?

  If BPD is left untreated, those with the condition will continue to experience mood swings, poor self-image, an increased risk of self-harm, unstable relationships, and destructive behavior. People with BPD who do not receive treatment are more likely to develop other chronic medical and mental health conditions.

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  Will my BPD ever go away?

  Borderline Personality Disorder is known for being difficult to treat. While BPD may not go away, it can be managed. There are new evidence-based treatments that have been shown to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with the disorder.