Borderline Personality Disorder Causes & Risks

Causes

The causes of BPD are not fully understood although brain chemistry, genetics, and environmental factors are thought to play a role. People who develop BPD are probably born with an underlying vulnerability to the illness. When they are exposed to certain experiences and types of stress, their chances of developing the illness increase. BPD sufferers are often found to have experienced childhood abuse, neglect, separation, sexual abuse, or violence.

Central Nervous System - Brain

BPD is thought to develop from a combination of chemical imbalances in the brain and traumatic life experiences.

Risk Factors

The following factors increase your chances of developing BPD:

Sex: female
A history of abuse, neglect, or abandonment as a child
A history of sexual abuse or violence
Inborn sensitivity to stress
Poor self-image; not having a clear sense of who you are
Mother, father, or sibling with BPD

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