Yes, individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often experience periods of impaired decision-making and lack of foresight. These difficulties are linked to the emotional dysregulation and impulsivity characteristic of the disorder.
Some of the factors that contribute to impaired decision-making in individuals with BPD include:
Emotional Dysregulation: People with BPD often struggle to regulate their emotions effectively. When their emotions are intense, it can be challenging for them to think rationally and make logical decisions.
Impulsivity: Impulsive behavior is a hallmark of BPD. This impulsivity can manifest in various ways, such as engaging in risky behaviors, spending sprees, or making impulsive decisions without considering the potential consequences.
Fear of Abandonment: The fear of abandonment, a core feature of BPD, can lead to intense emotional reactions and behaviors aimed at preventing real or perceived abandonment. This fear can drive them to make impulsive decisions in relationships, including splitting on multiple people simultaneously, as you mentioned.
Black-and-White Thinking (Splitting): People with BPD often struggle with black-and-white thinking, also known as splitting. This cognitive distortion can lead them to perceive others and situations as either all good or all bad. As a result, they may rapidly switch their perceptions of others, leading to unstable relationships and impulsive decisions regarding people in their lives.
Difficulty Planning Ahead: Due to the emotional intensity and impulsivity, individuals with BPD may find it challenging to plan for the future or think through the consequences of their actions thoroughly.
It's important to remember that BPD is a complex mental health condition, and each individual may display different patterns of behavior and symptoms. Not everyone with BPD will exhibit all the symptoms, and the intensity of these symptoms can vary.
If you know someone who appears to be struggling with impaired decision-making and other symptoms associated with BPD, it's crucial to encourage them to seek professional help. Therapy, particularly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), has been shown to be effective in helping individuals with BPD manage their emotions, improve decision-making skills, and develop healthier coping strategies. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference in improving the quality of life for those living with BPD.