Note: This is an OG episode of BFTB. For some of my older episodes, I’ve decided to archive them and make them available only for Premium Submarines. Enjoy this throwback episode.Original episode description: If you identify with the symptoms of borderline personality disorder (also known as BPD or EUPD), it’s likely you’ve heard of “splitting.” Splitting is a defense mechanism that causes a person to view something or someone in ‘black and white’ terms (i.e., “all good” or “all bad.) This episode is part one in a three-part deep dive series on BPD splitting behaviors. If you identify with BPD, it’s likely you’re not conscious of when you’re splitting or why it happens. This can be a very painful and isolating experience. By listening to this series, you'll finally become aware of these self-sabotaging patterns and become better connected to yourself and those around you...
http://backfromtheborderline.com
episode 14: 14. Impulsivity & Emotion Dysregulation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Impulsivity is a core feature of BPD. Impulsivity in BPD has been defined as 'rapid and unplanned action.' However, a preference for immediate gratification and discounting of longer-term rewards might better describe the impulsive behaviors that people with BPD use to regulate their emotional distress. The most up-to-date research proposes that BPD develops due to a complex interplay of genetics, increased affective sensitivity/reactivity, and stressful life events. The idea is that these factors prevent those of us with BPD from developing healthy emotional coping mechanisms, which results in a severe form of emotional dysregulation.
Our difficulty regulating our emotions is what leads to our increased use of impulsive coping strategies. Usually, without even being conscious of it, we are using these impulsive behaviors to help self-soothe (also called "down-regulate) and further repress our deep feelings of shame and self-hatred. The key here is that for people with BPD, impulsivity usually occurs in response to the stress and negative emotions we've taught ourselves to avoid. Regardless of the specific impulsive act, it is generally indicative of an inability to self-soothe and an attempt to create a distraction from underlying emotional issues.
Follow & support the podcast (& join the Discord recovery community): click here
Below is a breakdown of the subjects covered in today's episode:
• What is impulsivity?
• How people with BPD use impulsive behaviors to regulate their emotional distress
• How impulsive behaviors develop in people with borderline personality disorder
• Examples of impulsive behaviors experienced by someone with BPD
• What exactly makes a behavior go from "nothing to worry about" to impulsive? (exploring the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale to analyze impulsive behaviors)
• Examples of impulsive behavior from the /rBPD subreddit
• How to treat BPD impulsivity (how to manage impulsive behaviors)
• How DBT is used in decreasing impulsive behaviors and emotional dysregulation
Resources:
BPD Subreddit
The Minimalist's interview with Patreon Founder & CEO, Jack Conte
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.