Unstable personal relationships, intense moods, and impulsive and risky behavior are core symptoms of the mental disorder BPD, or borderline personality disorder. BPD is typically diagnosed in early adulthood and thought to decrease in intensity with age, although symptoms may be present earlier in life. While there is no rule against diagnosing BPD before age 18, most medical professionals are hesitant to do so.
Obtaining a diagnosis for a mental disorder can help formulate proper treatment and expedite the recovery process. So why then are medical personnel hesitating to diagnose adolescents or children with BPD? The answer lies in the type of symptoms indicative of the disorder. Many of the symptoms, like unstable self-image and impulsivity, are common in adolescents already. It can be hard to diagnose a mental disorder in children whose brains are still changing and developing.
A study published in Psychiatric Times indicated that of the adolescents that met the criteria for BPD between ages 15 and 18, only 40 percent of them still met the criteria two years later. Not very much research exists yet on adolescent BPD, also making treatment more difficult. Symptoms that may present as BPD symptoms can change and develop into a different type of mental health disorder as a child grows and matures.
That being said, if someone under age 18 is believed to suffer from BPD and maintains the pattern of symptoms for at least a year, he or she may be diagnosed with the disorder. Borderline personality disorder affects moods, emotions, and interpersonal relationships. In order for a diagnosis to be made, at least five of the following BPD symptoms must be observed as a reoccurring and stable pattern, according to the National Institute of Mental Health :.
Symptoms of BPD can be intense and triggered by seemingly innocuous events. Since BPD is defined by a pattern of behavior that is enduring, it is commonly diagnosed in early adulthood. Impulsive behavior can lead to reckless and self-destructive actions, such as erratic driving, substance abuse, violence, risky sexual actions, and even self-harming behavior. If you suspect you are, or a loved one is, at risk for BPD, you should seek help immediately.
