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  • What Is BPD?What Is BPD?
  • 4 Types of BPD4 Types of BPD
  • What Type Do I Have?What Type Do I Have?
  • Low Vs. High-FunctioningLow Vs. High-Functioning
  • CausesCauses
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  • When to Seek HelpWhen to Seek Help
  • In My ExperienceIn My Experience
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BPD Articles BPD Treatment for BPD Types of BPD Best Online Therapy

Types of BPD: Signs, Symptoms & When to Get Help

Emily Guarnotta Updated Headshot

Author: Emily Guarnotta, PsyD

Emily Guarnotta Updated Headshot

Emily Guarnotta PsyD

Emily is an expert clinical psychologist with a special focus on parental and infant mental health conditions. She uses her 10+ years of experience and her expertise in CBT and other methods to help families heal and find peace.

See My Bio Editorial Policy
Headshot of Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP

Medical Reviewer: Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP Licensed medical reviewer

Published: September 9, 2024
  • What Is BPD?What Is BPD?
  • 4 Types of BPD4 Types of BPD
  • What Type Do I Have?What Type Do I Have?
  • Low Vs. High-FunctioningLow Vs. High-Functioning
  • CausesCauses
  • TreatmentsTreatments
  • When to Seek HelpWhen to Seek Help
  • In My ExperienceIn My Experience
  • InfographicsInfographics
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources

Understanding the types of borderline personality disorder (BPD)  is essential for tailoring treatment and support strategies, as each subtype can present unique challenges and symptoms that require specific approaches.1, 2 According to Theodore Millon, an expert on personality disorders, BPD can be divided into four subtypes: quiet, impulsive, petulant, and self-destructive.3

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What Is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a pervasive psychiatric condition that impacts how people feel about themselves and others. Those diagnosed with BPD typically experience instability that reflects in their mood, emotions, behavior, and self-image. These issues often lead to chaotic relationships and problems in other important aspects of life. The signs and symptoms of BPD can differ in intensity, frequency, and/or duration depending on the person who has this condition.4
Types of Borderline Personality Disorders

4 Types of BPD

The four types of borderline personality disorder include quiet (sometimes called discouraged) BPD, impulsive BPD, petulant BPD, and self-destructive BPD. Depending on the type of BPD one has, a person may experience varying symptoms, traits, and personality styles that impact many aspects of their life.

“There is a lot of overlap between the categories, and someone may exhibit characteristics from multiple subtypes at once. They may also shift from one to another over time due to outside forces. For example, someone who was very impulsive in their teens and early twenties may ultimately give up impulsive behaviors that have negative consequences and may fall into the discouraged subtype as they become less impulsive with age and become dependent on a small number of people to meet their emotional needs.”

Catherine Humenuk, LCSW, MSW, C-DBT, RYT

Catherine Humenuk, LCSW, MSW, C-DBT, RYT

Here are the four types of borderline personality disorder:

1. Discouraged Borderline (Quiet BPD)

The discouraged borderline type, also referred to as high-functioning BPD or quiet BPD, includes a mixture of avoidance and dependence on others.3 People with discouraged BPD tend to be incredibly loyal and humble, but to a point where they may cling to others. Their identity depends heavily on their relationships, particularly romantic relationships.

If a close relationship ends, those with discouraged BPD are often unable to cope and their whole world becomes destabilized. Their fear of abandonment can cause them to feel insecure, helpless, and doubtful.

Additionally, discouraged borderlines tend to feel depressed and powerless.3 They lack motivation and agency and find small tasks to be insurmountable. As a result, they turn to others for support, often to the point of unhealthy dependence. These individuals also struggle to express anger as this conflicts with their self-image. Thus, they may turn their anger inward instead and engage in self-harm or suicide.

People with the discouraged borderline type tend to be:3

  • Avoidant
  • Depressed
  • Hopeless
  • Submissive
  • Loyal
  • Humble
  • Helpless
  • Vulnerable
  • Clingy
  • Codependent

2. Impulsive Borderline

People with impulsive borderline personality disorder show a mixture of histrionic and antisocial traits.3 These individuals tend to be distracted and hyperactive, and fail to think before taking action. Because of a lack of self-reflection, their behavior may cause harm to themselves or others. Their emotions are equally as chaotic as their behavior, as they are often easily agitated and irritable.

Impulsive borderlines usually come from chaotic families that involve lots of drama.3 To stand out against the chaos, they had to be exciting, unpredictable, and dramatic. Some may have felt valued when they were praised for their attractiveness or masculinity, which can lead to seductive behavior and superficial relationships. Overall, their need for attention and stimulation can cause them to feel constantly anxious.

People with the impulsive borderline type tend to be:3

  • Superficial
  • Irritable
  • Chaotic
  • Easily annoyed
  • Fearful
  • Unreliable
  • Easily distracted
  • Seductive
  • Charismatic
  • Engaging
  • Suicidal

3. Petulant Borderline

The petulant borderline has a passive-aggressive personality style.13 Others may describe them as negative, demanding, stubborn, and impatient. They are often jealous of others’ happiness and resent having to depend on others. Some may report somatic disorders as a way of seeking attention.

Petulant borderlines rarely had their needs met as children and felt insecure in relationships.3 They may have been mistreated, abused, or manipulated by caretakers. As adults, they may have episodes of feeling worthless, depressed, or guilty, and at other times become overwhelmed with irrational anger and borderline rage. When the episode is over, they often feel remorseful and desperate to repair the damage done.

People with the petulant borderline type tend to be:3

  • Pessimistic
  • Unpredictable
  • Defiant
  • Impatient
  • Irritable
  • Stubborn
  • Rebellious
  • Cynical
  • Resentful
  • Easily offended

4. Self Destructive BPD

Self-destructive borderlines show masochistic personality traits.3 They tend to direct their feelings inward, which can lead to engaging in dangerous or harmful behaviors toward themselves. While they desperately want to be independent, they are also afraid of it. This causes significant internal tension and conflict.

These individuals tend to be sacrificial, conforming, and deferential in relationships with others.3 Because of the extreme behaviors that they exhibit, over time they may become resentful, bitter, and feel unappreciated. This can lead to increased depression and tension, which is often directed inward, such as through self-harming or suicide attempts.

People with the self-destructive borderline type tend to be:3

  • Moody
  • Bitter
  • Self-loathing
  • Overly compliant
  • Self-focused
  • Directing anger inward
  • Submissive
  • Suicidal
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How Do I Know What Type of BPD I Have?

Knowing which type of BPD you have is best discussed with a mental health professional. You and your therapist or doctor discuss your symptoms and explore the ways in which this manifests for you. However, if you are not in the place to discuss this with a mental health professional as of yet, that is absolutely okay. Unfortunately there is no universal test for identifying what type of BPD you have. It is cautioned to avoid self-diagnosis.

How Is BPD Diagnosed?

Receiving a BPD diagnosis is best done with a mental health professional. Mental health professionals are therapists, counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists.  Whichever professional you work with will do a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of your symptoms and how these symptoms impact your day-to-day life.

They will ask questions related to your mood, relationships, medical history, family history, substance using behaviors, amongst other life areas. Once diagnosed, a subtype of BPD is not necessarily discussed and may depend on the professional. However, the professional will generally highlight the main symptoms you have shared and how to best address them in your work together.

Low-Functioning Vs. High-Functioning BPD

Like any mental health condition, people with borderline personality disorder may vary in their level of overall functioning. By definition, the symptoms of BPD impact a person’s ability to function in several areas of their lives, such as their relationships, work, and health.1 While all people with BPD experience impairments, some are able to limit the impact of their symptoms.

Low-Functioning BPD

Low-functioning BPD isn’t a formal diagnosis but rather a term used to describe people who experience severe symptoms of BPD that significantly interfere with their quality of life. People with severe BPD are more likely to struggle with suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and impulsivity. In some cases, they may require hospitalization if they’re at risk of harming themselves.

Common signs of low-functioning BPD include:5

  • Suicidal ideation
  • Self-harming
  • Impulsive and dangerous behaviors, like using drugs or having unprotected sex

High-Functioning BPD

High-functioning BPD is another name for quiet or discouraged BPD. These individuals are more likely to internalize their distress, making it less visible to others.3 People with less severe BPD may be safely treated in outpatient settings like partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or weekly therapy.6

Common signs of high-functioning BPD include:6

  • Depression
  • Feelings of chronic emptiness
  • Extreme dependence in relationships

What Causes BPD?

Like any other psychological disorder, precise causes for BPD are difficult to pinpoint. Many experts agree that interactions among the environment, biology, and genetics can contribute to its development.4

While having any or a combination of these factors could result in the onset of BPD symptoms, this may not be the case for everyone. Conversely, a person may lack these risk factors and still develop BPD.4

Possible causes of borderline personality disorder include:4

  • Genetics: There is some evidence suggesting that BPD may be genetic. Someone with a close relative (like a parent or sibling) with this condition may be at a higher risk of developing BPD.
  • Brain Anomalies: Several studies have linked brain anomalies with BPD. These revealed that variations in brain structure and function may account for symptoms like emotional instability and impulsiveness.
  • Childhood Trauma: Many cases of BPD have been associated with childhood trauma. BPD sufferers have reported experiencing traumatic events during childhood, like physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, etc.

Borderline Personality Disorder Worksheets

This collection of worksheets is designed to offer tools and strategies that help you navigate the unique challenges of BPD. Find the one you need below or browse our full list of BPD worksheets.

Borderline Personality Disorder Workbook
Complete Workbook Download
Identifying Emotions Worksheet
Identifying Your Emotions Download
Identifying Your BPD Triggers Worksheet
Identify Your BPD Triggers Download
DBT PLEASE Skill Worksheet
DBT PLEASE Skill Download
Nervous System Regulation Worksheet
Nervous System Regulation Download

Borderline Personality Disorder Treatments

Treatments for BPD often involve a combination of individual and group therapy, medications, and self-care. DBT for BPD, psychodynamic therapy, and mentalization-based therapy (MBT) are effective options and can help people improve their ability to cope with their emotions, communicate with others, and decrease negative behaviors.9

While there are no medications specifically for BPD, medications may be prescribed to treat symptoms like depression, mood instability, and anxiety.10 Borderline personality disorder medications are most effective when combined with therapy.

When to Seek Professional Help For BPD

Seeking professional help can be a scary and daunting process. There are signs when professional support is the best course of action, including: increased difficulties at work or school, frequent outbursts (verbally or physically) toward those closest to you, mood swings that are constant and persistent, suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviors, and difficulties engage in activities of daily living, like showering.

The first course of action is usually to consult your insurance for in-network providers in your area. Additionally, there are many online therapy platforms, such as Talkspace and BetterHelp, that match you with a therapist based on your needs. You can also find therapists in your area through online directories where you can view a professional’s profile and their specialities.

If a person with BPD is experiencing severe symptoms, like suicidal ideation, then hospitalization may be necessary until their symptoms are stabilized and they can safely be treated in an outpatient setting.

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In My Experience

Emily Guarnotta Updated Headshot Emily Guarnotta, PsyD

“If you’re dealing with a form of BPD, you are not alone. Therapy is an effective treatment for BPD and can help you learn to cope with your symptoms. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help today.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Current Research About BPD Subtypes?

Click here to open the answer container. Click here to close the answer container.

While the types of BPD described above are not clinical diagnoses recognized by the DSM-5, professionals rely on these subtypes to help understand the different ways that BPD may present.1 At the present time, there is not a significant amount of research on the different types of BPD.

One paper described three types of BPD: schizophrenic (issues with boundary differentiation), anaclitic (concerns with rejection and abandonment), and introjective (preoccupation with criticism).7 Conversely, another study on adolescents admitted to an inpatient hospital for BPD found five types: affective, impulsive, dependent, aggressive, and empty.8 Though these types are slightly different from each other, there is some overlap, such as similarities between the discouraged type and the latter study’s dependent type.

Sources Update History

ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.

  • Biskin, R. S., & Paris, J. (2012). Diagnosing borderline personality disorder. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne, 184(16), 1789–1794. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.090618

  • Millon, T., et al. (2004). Personality disorders in modern life. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

  • Borderline Personality Disorder. (2022) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/borderline-personality-disorder

  • Bohus, M., et al. (2021). Borderline personality disorder. The Lancet (British Edition), 398(10310), 1528-1540. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00476-1

  • Ward, M., Benjamin, I., & Zimmerman, M. (2021). The clinical characteristics of patients with Borderline personality disorder in different treatment settings. Journal of Personality Disorders. 1-13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34463530/

  • Blatt, S. J., & Auerbach, J. S. (1988). Differential cognitive disturbances in three types of borderline patients. Journal of Personality Disorders. 2(3), 198-211. https://guilfordjournals.com/doi/10.1521/pedi.1988.2.3.198

  • Rebok, F., et al. (2015). Types of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in patients admitted for suicide-related behavior. Psychiatric Quarterly. 86(1), 49-60. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-014-9317-3

  • Cristea, I. A., et al. (2017). Efficacy of psychotherapies for borderline personality disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry. 74(4), 319-328. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.4287

  • Bozzatello, P., et al. (2020). Current and emerging medications for borderline personality disorder: Is pharmacotherapy alone enough?. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy. 21(1), 47-61. https://doi.org/10.1080/14656566.2019.1686482

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We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

September 9, 2024
Author: (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: (No Change)
Primary Changes: Added new sections titled “How Do I Know What Type of BPD I Have?“, “How Is BPD Diagnosed.”, “When to Seek Professional Help For BPD” New content written by Alexis Cate, LCSW, CCTP, CASAC and medically reviewed by Benjamin Troy, MD. New BPD worksheets added. Fact checked and edited for improved readability and clarity.
December 16, 2022
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources. Added “What Is BPD?”, “Causes of BPD”. New material written by Lydia Antonatos, LMHC, and reviewed by Kristen Fuller, MD.
December 29, 2021
Author: Emily Guarnotta, PsyD
Reviewer: Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Show more Click here to open the article update history container.

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Types of BPD Infographics

4 Types of BPD  Types of BPD: Discouraged Borderline  Types of BPD: Impulsive Borderline

Types of BPD: Petulant Borderline  Types of BPD: Self-Destructive BPD  What Causes BPDTypes of Borderline Personality Disorders

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