Welcome to Families for Borderline Personality Disorder Research
Families for Borderline Personality Disorder Research is a grassroots group of family members, friends, and others who have loved ones living with BPD. We are committed to actively supporting BPD research as the best hope for recovery from this painful and devastating disorder.
Upcoming Webinar
Dr. Anthony Ruocco, one of the YIs whom we are supporting, will be presenting a BBRF webinar entitled “What We Are Learning About Brain Biology and Borderline Personality Disorder” on June 8, 2021, at 2pm. He will discuss his new research on the neurobiology of BPD (including the familial risk for the disorder and the impacts of stress on brain structure and functioning), and the treatment of suicidal ideation and depression using magnetic seizure therapy in individuals with BPD.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness affecting millions of adults in the U.S.; although less familiar, it is one of the most common serious mental illnesses.
- The symptoms of BPD are severe and disruptive – including emotion dysregulation, unstable interpersonal relationships, marked impulsivity, and problems with self-image.
- Ten percent of individuals with BPD take their own lives; there is also a high rate of self-injury without suicidal intent.
- BPD has a significant genetic component – with environmental factors such as an invalidating or abusive environment contributing to the risk of developing the disorder.
A woman describes what it feels like living with BPD. *
Living with BPD
For many individuals, development, well-being, and personal relationships are greatly impaired. It can be difficult to get or maintain a job and self-sufficiency is an ongoing struggle or painfully out of reach. The majority of those with BPD also suffer from co-occurring illnesses, such as depression and substance abuse, making their lives even more challenging.
Why BPD Research?
“Research in neurobiology would be one of the most important things to us. Something happens in the brain; if they can figure out exactly what, maybe they can figure out how to cure it or how to prevent it from happening in the first place… We are determined to do what we can to help keep others from experiencing what Brice and our family have experienced.”
Susan and Craig Clendening
Parents
Families for Borderline Personality Disorder Research was born out of a compelling need to address this gaping research deficit. Our goal is to increase the number of young BPD investigators and expand their opportunities, thereby accelerating the growth of research into this devastating disorder.