Borderline Personality Disorder: Myths and Common Mistakes

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is surrounded by myths that stand in the way of understanding and treatment. Dr. Saulitis emphasises: the problem is not that the disorder is "invented" — it's that people keep reaching for the wrong explanations.

Myth 1: "It's just personality" or "They made it up"

One of the most common mistakes is reducing BPD to weak character or poor upbringing. In reality, the disorder may involve a range of underlying mechanisms — organic, neurochemical, or involving co-occurring conditions. Debating whether the diagnosis is "real" is both pointless and harmful to someone who needs help.

Myth 2: BPD equals schizophrenia

Dr. Saulitis singles this confusion out as particularly serious. People with BPD often fear: "What if I'm actually schizophrenic?" The key point is that these are distinct disorders with different mechanisms, different courses, and different treatment approaches. Conflating them is a serious mistake that leaves both patients and their families disoriented.

Myth 3: One treatment method is enough

Another frequent error is assuming that BPD — like other serious mental disorders — can be addressed with a single approach: medication alone, or therapy alone. Dr. Saulitis insists that sound clinical practice works, in his words, "with two hands" — medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes together. The right combination and sequence is determined by a specialist based on each individual's condition.

What to keep in mind

BPD is neither a trendy label nor a reason for stigma. Self-diagnosis from the internet, dismissive labelling, and well-meaning attempts by relatives to "sort it out themselves" are all mistakes that delay real help. Dr. Saulitis is direct: don't wade in without proper training — you can cause harm.