Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by intense emotions, unstable relationships and impulsive behavior. It’s estimated that up to 3% of teens experience BPD, according to the National Library of Medicine. Symptoms of BPD in teens can include:

• Intense emotions — Your teen may experience rapidly fluctuating moods, extreme anger or sadness.

• Unstable relationships — BPD can cause your teen to fear abandonment or have intense relationships followed by sudden breakups. 

• Impulsive behavior — Your teen may drive recklessly, use illegal substances or practice self-harming behaviors. 

• Identity crisis — Your teen may have a difficult time understanding who they truly are and what they want. 

• Empty feelings — Your teen may struggle with a sense of emptiness or hollowness. 

While these symptoms can be challenging, it’s important to remember that you can help your teen manage them by seeking appropriate treatment, which can include a combination of therapy and medication. 

The role of medication in treating borderline personality disorder in teens

Medication can be a helpful tool in managing certain symptoms of BPD in your teen. However, medication is generally used in conjunction with therapy. It’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate medication and dosage for your teen. Common types of medication prescribed for teens experiencing BPD include:

• Mood stabilizers — Mood stabilizers can be particularly effective in helping manage common symptoms of BPD in teens such as mood swings, impulsivity and aggression. These medications help to balance a teen’s brain chemicals, reducing the intensity of emotional fluctuations. 

• Antidepressants — Antidepressants can help address symptoms of depression, anxiety and emotional instability caused by BPD in teens. Antidepressant medications work by helping to increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Examples of antidepressants include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — SSRIs are medications that boost levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps mood regulation.

• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) — SNRIs are medications that help increase the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine, which can help boost your teen’s mood and reduce their anxiety. 

• Anti-anxiety medications — Anti-anxiety medications can be helpful in managing anxiety and panic attacks, which can be common in teens experiencing BPD. 

Important considerations of medication use for treating BPD in teens

When considering medication for your teen to help manage their BPD, it’s essential to keep some important considerations in mind:

• Individual response — The effectiveness of medication can vary from teen to teen. What works well for one teen may not be as effective for another teen. 

• Potential side effects — Medications can have side effects, and it may take some time to find the right medication and dosage. 

• Regular check-ins — It’s important to go to regular follow-up appointments to check in with your teen’s healthcare provider. This allows for close monitoring of the effectiveness of the medication and making any necessary changes.

• Long-term use — Some medications may need to be taken long term. It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of long-term use with your teen’s healthcare provider. 

• Medication adherence — It’s crucial to make sure your teen is taking their medication as prescribed and to address any concerns or challenges they may have with medication adherence.

• Substance use — If your teen has a history of substance use, you’ll want to make sure to discuss the potential risks of combining medication with substances. 

• Suicidality — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a black box warning for antidepressants, including SSRIs and SNRIs, regarding a potential increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults. If your teen is prescribed an antidepressant, it’s vital to monitor them closely for any changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few weeks of starting a new medication.

Medication is not a cure for your teen’s BPD; however, it can be a beneficial tool in managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life. It’s essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your teen’s unique individual needs. 

Therapy as the cornerstone of BPD treatment in teens

Therapy is generally considered the most effective treatment for BPD in teens. While medication can be beneficial in helping to manage certain symptoms, therapy helps address the underlying issues that can contribute to BPD and teach teens healthy coping skills for long-term success. Effective types of therapy that your teen’s mental health provider may incorporate include:

• Dialectical behavior therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Mentalization-based therapy
• Schema therapy

Therapy can offer a variety of benefits for teens experiencing BPD, including:

• Developing healthy coping skills
• Improving relationships
• Understanding emotions
• Challenging negative thought patterns
• Building self-esteem 

By addressing the underlying issues that contribute to your teen’s BPD and teaching them healthy coping skills, therapy can help your teen lead a more fulfilling and stable life. Working closely with your teen’s mental health provider will help them determine the most appropriate type of therapy for your teen. Your child’s treatment plan may need to be adjusted over time as their needs change. 

Risks of leaving BPD in teens untreated

BPD is a serious mental health condition that can lead to significant consequences for your teen if left untreated, including:

• Unstable relationships
• Substance use
• Academic difficulties
• Legal issues
• Social isolation
• Self-harm and suicide

It’s crucial to seek professional help if your teen is struggling with borderline personality disorder. Early intervention can make a significant difference in managing their disorder and improving their quality of life. 

Empowering teens experiencing BPD: Embrace U’s supportive path forward

If your teen needs additional support beyond weekly therapy sessions and medication management for their borderline personality disorder, consider exploring our specialized programs. At Embrace U, we offer intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs that provide a higher level of care and valuable tools for coping. We also strive to help your teen maintain as much regularity as possible. You’re not alone in this journey. Our team of expert therapists and psychiatrists specialize in helping families just like yours navigate mental healthcare. Together, we can help your teen overcome the challenges BPD can bring and help them reach their full potential.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.