Published February 18, 2023 | Version v1
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Borderline Personality Disorder and Neuroplasticity: A Brief Review of Relevant Studies

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  • 1. Univeristy of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a challenging and complex mental health disorder characterized by emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, unstable relationships, and a poor sense of self. Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experiences, is impaired in individuals with BPD, specifically in the prefrontal cortex, Amygdala, and hippocampus. This impairment has been linked to emotional dysregulation, a core symptom of the disorder. Interventions aimed at improving neuroplasticity hold promise as a treatment target for BPD. Current evidence suggests that psychotherapeutic interventions, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), may improve neural plasticity in the brain regions associated with emotional dysregulation and result in symptom reduction and improved functioning in individuals with BPD. However, much more research is needed to understand better the relationship between neuroplasticity and BPD, as well as to develop more targeted and effective interventions. With continued research in this area, it is hoped that an improved understanding of the role of neuroplasticity in BPD will lead to the development of more effective treatments for this challenging disorder.

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