With treatment, many people recover from the symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, the word “cure” is misleading for any mental health diagnosis, implying that a pill or a short course of treatment can reverse a diagnosis. In reality, research doesn’t always agree on the definition of recovery or remission, but it does agree that most people have fewer symptoms and greater recovery as they age.1,2
Is BPD Curable?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health disorder that commonly includes instability and conflict in interpersonal relationships. Common symptoms of BPD include intense and unpredictable emotions, impulsivity, urges to harm oneself or die by suicide, and unstable self-image.
It’s understandable to wonder whether BPD can be cured, but the term “cure” is misleading. It implies that a person would have zero symptoms, and a sense of finality. Terms such as “long-term recovery” or “remission” of symptoms are more accurate, because they allow for the possibility (and likelihood) that symptoms may rise and fall over time. Overall, recovery or remission often mean that the person does not meet the criteria for the diagnosis.
In general, BPD symptoms tend to peak at a younger age and recede with age.1,2 The long-term potential for recovery is generally positive, although some personality traits and/or symptoms may last.2
The primary treatment for BPD is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).3 In a review of five major studies, researchers found that DBT is effective in reducing depressive symptoms, suicide attempts,and self-harming actions, and keeping clients engaged in the therapy.3
BPD Recovery: Remission Statistics & Current Research
A variety of studies have found that BPD symptoms recede over time.2,4,5,6,7 Studies use different terms to indicate this improvement, often including the terms “remission” or “recovery.” In the broadest sense, these terms indicate that an individual no longer meets the criteria for a formal BPD diagnosis.
The term “in recovery” also tends to indicate that an individual may still have urges toward certain actions, but does not act on them due to coping skills and strategies. Some studies include in the definition of BPD recovery that an individual has good functioning in occupational and social realms.4
BPD Remission Statistics
While there are no definitive conclusions as to whether BPD is curable, there are several ongoing studies that report a range in symptom recovery over time.
Here are several key BPD recovery and remission statistics:
- Overall, rates of recovery in different research studies range from 33% to 99% due to differences in individuals and the definitions of recovery in studies5
- In a study of 231 patients over 16 overs, 60% met the criteria for recovery lasting 2 years4
- In a study of 175 patients over 10 years, 85% met the criteria for remission6
- In a study of 64 patients over 27 years, 92.2% met the criteria for recovery7
- In a study of 101 children ages 15 to 18 diagnosed with BPD, 74% still met the criteria for the personality disorder after 2 years8
Current Research
Multiple studies indicate that BPD symptoms tend to reduce as someone ages.1,2 Other studies have different measures and indications of remission and recovery.5 Ongoing functional difficulties may persist, such as interpersonal difficulties, emotional dysregulation, or trouble at work.5
There are two frequently-referenced long-term studies of individuals with BPD. One study, which took place over 20 years, found that sustained remission, meaning many years without any sort of recurrence of symptoms, is difficult to obtain.4 50% of the participants after 10 years had sustained remission, which the authors defined as symptom resolution and good social and work functioning for greater than two years. 93% of the participants had at least two years of remission and 86% had at least four years of remission.
The other long-term study took place over 10 years.6 Gunderson notes that 85% of patients achieved remission, meaning not qualifying for the diagnosis anymore, although many experienced ongoing social difficulties.
Creating a BPD Treatment Plan
There are a variety of effective treatments for borderline personality disorder. The most effective and well-known is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Additional therapies that may be used include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), schema therapy, mentalization-based therapy (MBT), STEPPS, and others.
Therapy
Psychotherapy is the most common type of treatment for borderline personality disorder. Statistics regarding efficacy differ based on population treated, length of follow-up, and measures of success, however DBT is considered the gold-standard treatment. One study found that 77% of participants no longer qualified for the DBT diagnosis after one year.9,10,11
Other types of talk therapy may also be beneficial. It’s best to work with a mental health professional to determine the correct type for you based on your specific needs or the needs of your loved ones.
Medication
Medications for BPD are another common element of a comprehensive treatment plan. Mental health medications are typically prescribed based on presenting symptoms; for example, if a client has ongoing depression, a medication for depression such as an selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may be prescribed.12
It is important to discuss with your doctor what medications may be most appropriate for what you are experiencing. Trying different medications can be frustrating, and it is OK to voice concerns or hesitations with your provider.
Other Ways to Cope
In addition to therapy or medication, there are several other ways to address, reduce and cope with symptoms of BPD.
Additional ways to improve treatment results include:
- Treat co-occurring issues: If there is a co-occuring diagnosis, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar, treat and manage that mental health issue as well. Many co-occurring diagnoses feed into and influence one another, making a comprehensive treatment plan the best option.
- Educate yourself about BPD: Learn about the diagnosis and how others have recovered. This may help you or a loved one feel hopeful, provide helpful examples of the path ahead, and potentially build community.
- Explore holistic wellness: Overall health and wellness are the foundation for your mental health. You can target your holistic wellness efforts toward your specific needs and symptoms, such as yoga and mindfulness for anxiety.
- Develop community: You don’t have to do this alone. Ensure that your DBT treatment includes a group component, or find a support group. Having connections with people with shared experience will help you to feel less isolated.
- Involve family and friends: Including trusted family and/or friends in treatment can help them to support the person in need.
Why It’s Important to Have a BPD Treatment Plan
Like any mental health issue or diagnosis, having the appropriate treatment is key to management and recovery. This is particularly important in the case of BPD, because people with BPD may experience symptoms related to self-injurious behavior, and suicidal thoughts and actions. It is estimated that about 70% of people diagnosed with BPD will attempt suicide at least once in their life, so professional mental health therapy is paramount for those with BPD.13
Coping With a BPD Diagnosis
A BPD diagnosis may be overwhelming or frustrating. In some cases, it might be a relief to finally have a label and explanation for what you or a loved one has been experiencing. Regardless of the initial reaction, one will need to cope with the diagnosis because there is no BPD cure.
Here are several coping strategies to try if you have BPD:
- Learning about treatment options: reviewing the possible treatment options will help you to be an informed consumer of any services.
- Educating yourself about BPD: it will be helpful to learn more about the diagnosis and what it means.
- Consider a support group: it may be helpful to find others who are having or who have had a similar experience as you. You may find that you can learn a lot from how others manage their symptoms and experience relief, but it is important to keep in mind that your experience is unique to you.
- Reinforce your basic self-care skills: everyone can benefit from foundational self-care skills, such as getting adequate restful sleep, movement/exercise, eating nutrient-dense food, limiting screen time, etc. Self-care helps develop self-love and is a good foundation for any mental health recovery.
- Develop a safety plan: borderline personality disorder can include self-harming and/or suicidal thoughts/actions. Because of this, familiarize yourself with crisis resources in your area. Make a plan for if you or someone you know are wanting to hurt themselves or die by suicide; call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency department.
How to Find a Therapist
Having professional mental health treatment for BPD is key. First, find a therapist or mental health agency with training and experience in treating borderline personality disorder; you can start your search in an online therapist directory. From there, ensure that the therapist-client relationship feels like a good fit and that you have a comprehensive treatment plan.
Final Thoughts On Whether BPD Is Curable
Is BPD curable? No, not technically. However, the right treatment plan can meaningfully improve one’s ability to function. Plus, borderline personality disorder symptoms are likely to improve over time, and it is possible to recover and go on to experience a full life.
Can Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Be Cured Infographics
