BPD & Impulse Control

 

Good morning, all, here we are at Thursday again and that means a little more about Borderline Personality Disorder or BPD for short. This week we are having a look at impulse control.

Everyone has impulsive moments when we do things without thinking through the consequences but those with BPD it is a right struggle.

These people often have issues with drinking and/or drug use, my sister is a recovering drug addict, and she still struggles with drinking too much.

They may also struggle with binge eating or purging, promiscuity and compulsive sex, don’t know if Sue has this problem but I suspect she might. Lastly there is compulsive shopping or gambling. I don’t think Sue gambles, but she may have a problem with compulsive shopping, she does own 25 handbags.

These impulsive actions are a way of soothing intense emotions or trying to escape a bad experience.

Such impulsive actions can explain why those with BPD often have other mental health issues and can also connect with poor financial and physical health.

Now it doesn’t take a genius to realise that such impulsive behaviour can create more problems. Or to know that trying to escape emotions doesn’t change or fix anything and will not stop the pain that can follow. It can also cause more consequences which can lead to the BPD suffer to react by lashing out at others, or engaging in even more impulsive behaviour or as is often the case with Sue they become extremely depressed.

There have been studies that suggest those with BPD may have abnormalities in the part of the brain responsible for emotional and impulsive control. It is also believed that decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is common among those with BPD, contributes to certain aspects of impulsivity.

It can be quite a challenge for those with BPD to control their impulsive behaviour but with treatment and strategies they can pretty much keep it under control and lead a somewhat healthy life.