Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is not considered a mood disorder because it is categorized as a personality disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10).
Mood disorders, as the name suggests, primarily involve disturbances in mood, such as depression (major depressive disorder) or mania/hypomania (bipolar disorder). These disorders are characterized by significant and persistent changes in emotional state, including feelings of sadness, hopelessness, elation, or irritability.
On the other hand, personality disorders, including BPD, are a separate class of mental disorders characterized by enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that significantly deviate from cultural norms and cause distress or impairment in various aspects of life, such as relationships, self-image, and emotional regulation.
BPD is characterized by a range of symptoms, including:
- Intense and unstable interpersonal relationships.
- Unstable self-image and identity.
- Impulsivity in areas like spending, substance abuse, or self-harm.
- Frequent and intense mood swings.
- Chronic feelings of emptiness.
- Fear of abandonment and efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.
- Self-destructive behaviors or suicidal tendencies.
While mood swings are one aspect of BPD, it involves a much broader range of problematic behavioral and emotional patterns. Mood disorders, in contrast, primarily revolve around the specific patterns of depression or mania/hypomania.
Though BPD may involve mood disturbances, its overall nature and scope are distinct from mood disorders. It is essential to differentiate personality disorders from mood disorders to provide accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment strategies for individuals experiencing these mental health conditions. Treatment for BPD often includes psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and sometimes medication to manage specific symptoms or comorbid conditions.