it's important to note that there is no official diagnosis called "high functioning borderline personality disorder" in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a diagnosis in itself, and it can manifest in various ways, with individuals experiencing a range of symptoms and functioning levels.
That being said, individuals with BPD may experience a variety of emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal symptoms. Some of the common symptoms associated with BPD include:
Intense and unstable relationships: Individuals with BPD may have difficulty maintaining stable relationships, experience intense fear of abandonment, and have frequent conflicts with loved ones.
Emotional dysregulation: People with BPD often have difficulty regulating their emotions, experiencing intense mood swings that can last for a few hours or days.
Identity disturbance: A person with BPD may have an unstable self-image, a distorted sense of self, and uncertainty about their goals, values, and career choices.
Impulsive behavior: This may include reckless spending, substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, binge eating, or self-harming tendencies.
Chronic feelings of emptiness: People with BPD may frequently experience a sense of inner void or emptiness.
Self-harming behaviors: Individuals with BPD may engage in self-harming behaviors as a way to cope with emotional pain.
Dissociation: A person with BPD might experience episodes of dissociation, feeling disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, or memories.
Fear of abandonment: People with BPD often have an intense fear of being abandoned or rejected, leading to feelings of desperation and efforts to avoid real or perceived abandonment.
Intense anger and difficulty controlling anger: Individuals with BPD may experience frequent and intense outbursts of anger, which can be challenging to manage.
Chronic feelings of loneliness and isolation: Despite their efforts to form relationships, individuals with BPD may still feel profoundly alone and isolated.
It is essential to remember that each person is unique, and the manifestation of BPD can vary significantly from individual to individual. Furthermore, if you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms that are causing distress or impairment in daily life, it is crucial to seek professional help from a qualified mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Self-diagnosis can be misleading and is not a substitute for a comprehensive evaluation by a trained clinician.