“I ruin every relationship I care about.” - BPD

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is deeply misunderstood, heavily stigmatized, and far more complex than just "being emotional". In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, licensed marriage and family therapist Kati Morton breaks down the official BPD diagnostic criteria from the DSM, explaining how BPD symptoms actually present in real life, therapy offices, and everyday relationships. She explores the underlying fear of abandonment, idealization and devaluation (splitting), identity disturbances, and why BPD so frequently overlaps with PTSD, trauma, and ADHD. Plus, discover actionable evidence-based BPD treatment options like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, and Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) to help manage emotional dysregulation, navigate relationship boundaries, and work toward long-term remission. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) 01:00 - Why "Personality Disorder" is a Misleading Term 01:55 - How BPD is Diagnosed: DSM Criteria Overview 02:55 - BPD Symptom 1: Fear of Abandonment & Attachment Styles 04:45 - BPD Symptom 2: Splitting, Idealization & Devaluation 07:25 - BPD Symptom 3: Identity Disturbance & Chronic Emptiness 08:31 - BPD Symptom 4: Impulsivity in Daily Life 12:05 - BPD Symptom 5: Recurrent Suicidal Behavior & Self-Harm 16:05 - BPD Symptom 6: Affective Instability (BPD vs Bipolar Disorder) 18:18 - BPD Symptom 7: Chronic Feelings of Emptiness 19:22 - BPD Symptom 8: Inappropriate, Intense Anger 21:53 - BPD Symptom 9: Stress-Related Paranoia & Dissociation 25:14 - Is it BPD or Just Being Emotional? 26:46 - What Does Having "BPD Traits" Mean? 28:49 - BPD vs. Anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD Overlaps 33:25 - The Deep Link Between Childhood Trauma and BPD 40:21 - Why People with BPD Push Loved Ones Away 41:35 - What is Quiet BPD? 43:33 - Can You Have a Healthy Relationship with BPD? 47:53 - Setting Healthy Boundaries Without Triggering Abandonment 53:05 - Can BPD be Cured? Understanding BPD Remission 56:23 - BPD Treatment: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Explained 01:04:33 - Alternative Therapies: MBT, Schema Therapy, & TFP 01:08:30 - The Role of Medication in BPD Treatment YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/katimorton?sub_confirmation=1 MY BOOKS Why Do I Keep Doing This? https://geni.us/XoyLSQ Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY - Enjoy 10% OFF your first month If you're looking for a therapist, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed online professional: https://betterhelp.com/kati This is an affiliate link, which means a portion of your signup helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co DISCLAIMER The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. #mentalhealth #therapist #borderline Ask Kati Anything ep.326 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices