3. Self-Destructive and Impulsive Behaviors
People who are dealing with the effects of a borderline personality disorder, struggle with balancing their emotions and their physical experience. As a result of this imbalance, the patient may find that they develop reckless or impulsive behavior that puts their health and safety in jeopardy.
BPD causes a disconnect in emotions and the physical world, and patients may engage in thrill-seeking behavior to increase dopamine production in the brain, resulting in heightened sensations of pleasure.
It’s common for patients with BPD to engage in activities such as unsafe sex or sex with multiple partners. Patients may also be inclined to experiment with drugs and alcohol, resulting in dependency issues on the substance in question.
This risk-taking behavior may feel great at the time, but the patient eventually ends up experiencing a low after the adrenaline, hormones, and neurotransmitters return to lower levels. This rapid swing in emotion may lead to depression and suicidal thoughts.