TREATING EUPD / BPD WITH DBT

Treating EUPD/BPD with DBT

In the world of therapy, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Finding the proper treatment for somebody suffering from mental health involves knowing the individual and their unique needs.

Often, those diagnosed with more complex mental health conditions such as Emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), otherwise known as borderline personality disorder (BPD), struggle with associated stigma.

Around 7 in every 1,000 people in the U.K. have EUPD, and the mental health disorder is widely misunderstood, even by some health professionals. Luckily, the recognition for EUPD/BPD to be destigmatised and treated as a ‘real’ mental health condition rather than a ‘personality disorder’ is on the rise.

BPD can be extremely challenging to live with. Some people with the condition are terrified of abandonment and go to extremes to avoid it, while others have extreme mood swings. Many others take risks or harm themselves and those considering suicide and, in worst cases acting upon it.

What are the signs of EUPD?

EUPD presents itself differently in individuals, which can lead to misdiagnosis.

Used to describe a group of common problems a person experiences surrounding emotions, EUPD is generally diagnosed based on having 5 of the following symptoms:

• A deep fear of abandonment;
• A feeling of emptiness that persists;
• An unstable or confused self-image;
• An abrupt shift from one mood to another including acute irritation, fear, or depression, lasting for minutes to several days at most;
• Into and out of love-hate relationships in a whirlwind and difficulty with relationships;
• A feeling of intense anger, disproportionate to the cause itself;
• Feelings of detachment from reality or short-term and suspicious ideas relating to others;
• Impulsiveness leading to abuse of drugs, sex, food, and money, for example;
• The act of harming yourself, having suicidal thoughts, or talking about ending your life is considered suicidal.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to discuss your symptoms with your GP.

It is also important to recognise that there are many crossovers regarding signs and mental health disorders; therefore, it can take some time to get a diagnosis for EUPD.

Living with EUPD

Living with EUPD can present many challenges. One recurring theme that often emerges in those with EUPD is their inability to hold down romantic relationships.

However, in treatment for EUPD, we always emphasise that emotions and behavioural patterns can be better managed and even changed for the long term to bring about healthier and loving relationships.

Most of the time, I learn that those who come for EUPD treatment either have a history of abuse or have experienced an invalidating childhood.

Though, some people who develop EUPD in adulthood may have had a secure childhood.

It’s also helpful to look at the history of mental health in a family as it is far more common for those with parents who have severe conditions such as Bipolar to have EUPD.

Therapy for EUPD and BPD?

Psychotherapy is the best treatment option for EUPD, and several forms of therapy have been proven to be effective.

The most common and best treatment for those with EUPD is Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).

DBT Therapy and what to expect
DBT therapy is used to help you change unhealthy behaviours, including self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse.

By learning about the triggers that lead to reactive states, this approach enables you to increase your emotional and cognitive control.

As well as identifying what coping skills to apply, you can also analyse the sequence of events, thoughts, feelings, and detrimental behaviours.

DBT is considered the most effective treatment for EUPD, and those that we treat often experience incredibly positive changes to their everyday lives.

Finding a therapy treatment that will last long-term has to be a top priority for individuals with EUPD.

DBT therapy has promising longevity and can help you focus on positive goals that will lead to a more fulfilling life.

In general, the outcomes of such therapy sessions involve:

• Helping you to reduce suicidal and self-harming behaviours
• Prevention of behaviours that interfere with therapy sessions
• Reaching goals that improve the quality of your life
• Learning new skills to replace harmful behaviours

We run a DBT programme online that focuses on all of the above. In addition, for adolescents with EUPD, we also run a separate DBT programme.

DBT sessions combine acceptance and change techniques along with homework which is reflected upon in therapy sessions.

Techniques of acceptance focus on:

• Knowing yourself as a person;
• Understanding why you might self-harm or misuse drugs.

The goal of change strategies is to replace destructive behaviours with beneficial ones. A therapist may suggest:

• Encourages you to challenge unhelpful thinking;
• Provides you with strategies for dealing with distress.

Online DBT Programme

Our full DBT programme involves the DBT Skills group training element and weekly individual sessions.

In addition to this, it can also incorporate skills coaching between sessions depending on your personal therapy needs.

We highly recommending undergoing the full programme to benefit from the most effective and quickest route to making changes in your day to day life.

With the skills we teach and approach to therapy, you will fulfil your individual goals and carry them into the future.

Contact us today to learn more about your therapy options and to get started.