Borderline Personality Disorder – Diagnostics and Treatment

Available with English captions and subtitles in Spanish.

Karen L. Jacob, PhD, explores how clinicians can diagnose and treat borderline personality disorder with accuracy, compassion, and clarity.

Why This Training Matters

Few conditions are as stigmatized or misunderstood as BPD. Yet with proper diagnosis and treatment, recovery is not only possible—it’s expected.

This session walks through the challenges of differential diagnosis, explains how to distinguish BPD from related disorders, and highlights therapeutic approaches that support stability, safety, and long-term growth.

What You’ll Learn

  • The core diagnostic criteria and developmental origins of BPD
  • How trauma, attachment, and temperament interact in BPD’s presentation
  • Key distinctions between BPD, bipolar disorder, complex PTSD, and narcissistic personality disorder
  • Practical guidance on engaging hesitant or resistant patients
  • The structure and core principles of DBT and schema-based treatment
  • Treatment goals, outcomes, and relapse prevention strategies
  • Recommended resources and readings for clinicians and caregivers

Who Should Watch

  • Mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, counselors, and therapists)
  • Pediatricians and primary-care providers
  • K-12 and university educators and school staff
  • Public health professionals
  • Parents and caregivers
  • Community and faith leaders
  • Executives, managers, and HR professionals

Event Details

  • Date Recorded: May 30, 2024
  • Length: 60 minutes
  • Presenter: Karen L. Jacob, PhD

Call to Action

Watch this free on-demand training to sharpen your diagnostic accuracy and expand your treatment toolkit for borderline personality disorder and related conditions.

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Topics Covered During This Training

  • What is BPD and how is it diagnosed?
  • What can you tell us about the potential causes of BPD?
  • Does BPD have a relatively high rate of co-occurrence with other mental health conditions?
  • What are the biggest challenges to getting an accurate diagnosis of BPD?
  • Are some mental health disorders more likely than others to be confused with BPD?
  • How do you differentiate between complex PTSD and BPD?
  • Can bipolar disorder be confused with BPD?
  • What are the treatment options for those with BPD?
  • What is narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), and how is it relevant to BPD?
  • Is there a correlation between NPD and antisocial personality disorder?
  • How might autism spectrum disorder impact differential diagnosis of BPD?
  • Can someone have BPD but only show symptoms at home?
  • How might someone get an individual with BPD to commit to seeking help when one day they want it, and the next they feel they don’t need it and become agitated when the topic is brought up?
  • What are some of the expected outcomes of BPD treatment?
  • What should we know about treatment for NPD?
  • At what age do symptoms of BPD typically appear?
  • How might someone provide support to an individual with NPD and BPD who is handling the aftermath of a relationship?
  • What guidance do you have for clinicians treating someone with BPD?
  • Can you recommend any books about dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)?
  • What resources would you suggest for someone looking to learn more about BPD or NPD?
  • Why is it so important to get these diagnoses correct?

The information discussed is intended to be educational and should not be used as a substitute for guidance provided by your health care provider. Please consult with your treatment team before making any changes to your care plan.

Resources

You may also find this information useful:

Books

About Dr. Jacob

Karen L. Jacob, PhD, is the program director of McLean’s Gunderson Residence, a treatment program focused on treating adults living with borderline personality disorder. Her clinical training has been primarily in cognitive behavior therapy for patients struggling with mood, anxiety, and personality disorders, as well as in mindfulness, mentalization, dialectical behavior, and biofeedback therapies.

Topics