Some young people may develop BPD symptoms ( see 'what is BPD?' page),such as impulsive behavior, mood shifts and extreme anger, but these are more 'normal teenage stages' and will eventually stop. Other causes of these behaviors may come from external events such as a divorce, death of someone close or other stressful situations, and may be alleviated over time.

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If however, the symptoms are persistent and have lasted for 1yr+, then there is a possibility that BPD could be the cause and I would recommend seeking professional advice and raising the subject of a Borderline Personality Disorder assessment being done if you feel that it could help.













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Due to the developing personality and teenage experimentation, many doctor's are weary of giving a BPD diagnosis until after the age of 18yrs. However, experts agree that as long as the adolescent has been evaluated carefully, a diagnosis of BPD could be helpful in allowing early intervention and for appropriate treatment to be given.



Early Intervention approach to BPD aims to help young people with some or many of the BPD traits, before problems become established. It is also usual for people with BPD to have other mental health, social and educational issues at the same time and these problems can then also be addressed.



In the community BPD is estimated to affect about 3% of adolescents, in clinical settings it is higher, ranging between 11% (of adolescent outpatients) to 49% (of adolescent inpatients).



While remission of the BPD diagnosis is common in the transition to adulthood, this does not necessarily imply full recovery - there is often a need for ongoing support even when a young person no longer meets diagnostic criteria.



Higher levels of BPD symptoms in early adolescence are predictive of increased risk of a diagnosis of BPD in adulthood, developing Axis I disorders, experiencing significant interpersonal problems, distress and reduced quality of life through the 20's and 30's, so therefore it is vital that if you suspect that something is wrong to talk to your doctor.

BPD in Adolescents.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​