QUESTION:

Borderline Personality Disorder: Why are they self-destructive?

DR. HELLER'S ANSWER:

During dysphoria - no matter what the cause - borderlines go through unbearable pain. At times their moral beliefs become suspended because of psychosis, seizures, and the pain. It's similar to being in war based combat. Self-destructive behaviors are used to stop the pain temporarily, whether by binge eating, reckless driving, substance abuse, self-mutilation, etc. These behaviors are used for one reason only - they work! That's why safe medication that also works during these crises is so important. Self-destructive and raging behaviors wreak enormous havoc on an individual's self esteem and self-identity.

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