Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex but treatable condition. Its hallmark is emotional instability, impulsivity, and self-destructive behaviors. The symptoms of BPD are often worsened by stressful interpersonal experiences, often in romantic relationships or difficult family situations. BPD is prevalent, but it is not well recognized and often misdiagnosed. Approximately one out of 50 adults in the United States suffers from BPD.
My Experience as a Psychiatrist Treating BPD
I am a Harvard-trained expert who has been successfully treating patients with BPD and other types of personality disorders for over 25 years. You can contact me by telephone at (617) 932-1548 or by email at David@DrDavidBrendel.com. Or you can schedule a video consultation via ZocDoc.
Symptoms of BPD
The hallmark of BPD is emotional dysregulation. People with BPD experience mood instability, anger, irritability, volatile relationships, and a wide range of impulsive behaviors. They tend to be highly reactive to interpersonal stress, especially in close relationships with family members and significant others. They struggle with fears of abandonment and lack a strong personal identity. They may cycle between extremes of idealizing and devaluing important people in their lives. When dealing with stress, they can experience severe depression, anxiety, and even transient paranoia. BPD is often comorbid with major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
Some of the impulsive and self-destructive behaviors seen in BPD include substance abuse, binge eating, and various forms of self-injury (such as cutting, burning, or overdosing on medications). People with BPD may escalate into suicidal ideation and actions. At times they voice suicidal thoughts as calls for help or interpersonal provocations, but their statements should always be taken with the utmost seriousness. Some studies have shown that up to 10% of people with BPD will die by suicide.
Patients, families, and clinicians have understandable concerns about the stigma of mental health conditions like BPD. But it is essential that psychiatrists accurately diagnose the condition, explain the diagnosis to patients and their loved ones, and formulate evidence-based treatment plans.
Treatment for BPD
There has been rigorous research on treatments for BPD for over 30 years. The research shows that the vast majority of people with BPD will have a positive outcome if they receive appropriate mental healthcare.
There is no medication that is FDA-approved specifically for BPD, but there are many medications that can be helpful for some of the symptoms. For example, antidepressant medications may reduce anger and suicidal thinking, mood stabilizers can reduce emotional dysregulation, sedative medications can promote healthy sleep, and temporary use of antipsychotic medications can moderate paranoid thinking.
There are also evidence-based psychotherapy treatments that can be extremely helpful for BPD. These modalities include both individual and group therapy. The most well-established approach is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which has four pillars: emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.
Other psychotherapy approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mentalization-based treatment (MBT), and transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP). Family members and loved ones of people with BPD may also benefit from their own counseling and psychoeducation.
Feel free to contact me with questions or to schedule a consultation. I hope that my experience and expertise with BPD will provide you with greater understanding, reassurance, and a strong plan for recovery and thriving in the future.If you think that you or someone you care about may be suffering from borderline personality disorder, please contact me or schedule a psychiatry appointment.
Why Choose Dr. Brendel for BPD Treatment?
Dr. David Brendel is one of the Greater Boston area’s most experienced psychiatrists specializing in borderline personality disorder. Here is what sets his practice apart:
- 25+ years of experience treating BPD and complex personality disorders
- Harvard-trained with an MD and PhD — board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
- Expert in evidence-based therapies: coordinates DBT, CBT, mentalization-based treatment (MBT), and transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP)
- Medication management tailored to BPD symptom profiles
- Author of Healing Psychiatry (MIT Press) — bringing academic rigor to compassionate, personalized care
- Located in Belmont, MA, conveniently serving Greater Boston, Cambridge, Malden, and surrounding communities
- Accepting new patients — book online via ZocDoc or call (617) 932-1548
BPD is one of the most frequently misdiagnosed and misunderstood conditions in psychiatry. With the right specialist, however, recovery is not only possible — it is the expected outcome. Research consistently shows that the vast majority of people with BPD improve significantly with proper treatment, and many achieve full remission over time.
Dr. Brendel’s extensive experience means you receive an accurate diagnosis, a clear explanation of your condition, and a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan — whether you are just beginning to seek help or have been living with BPD for years.
He also works closely with patients’ families, and where appropriate with other treating clinicians, to coordinate comprehensive care. If you are searching for a BPD specialist near Boston, Massachusetts, Dr. Brendel’s practice offers the expertise, discretion, and compassionate care you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About BPD Treatment
Is Dr. Brendel a BPD specialist near Boston, MA?
Yes. Dr. Brendel’s practice is in Belmont, MA — minutes from Boston and Cambridge — making him one of the most accessible BPD specialists in the Greater Boston area. He has over 25 years of experience diagnosing and treating borderline personality disorder.
What treatments are available for borderline personality disorder?
Effective BPD treatment typically combines evidence-based psychotherapy with targeted medication management. The leading therapies include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mentalization-based treatment (MBT), and transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP). Medications can help manage specific symptoms such as depression, emotional dysregulation, and anxiety.
What is DBT and how does it help BPD?
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is the gold-standard psychotherapy for BPD. It has four core components: emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. DBT teaches practical skills to manage intense emotions and reduce self-destructive behaviors. Dr. Brendel coordinates DBT referrals as part of his comprehensive BPD treatment approach.
Can BPD be treated with medication?
No medication is FDA-approved specifically for BPD, but medications can help manage individual symptoms. Antidepressants may reduce anger and suicidal thinking; mood stabilizers can address emotional dysregulation; and low-dose antipsychotics may moderate paranoid thinking. The most effective approach combines medication management with evidence-based psychotherapy.
Can people with BPD recover?
Yes. Research consistently shows that the vast majority of people with BPD improve significantly with proper treatment. Many achieve full remission of BPD criteria over time. Early, accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment are critical to achieving a positive outcome.
How is BPD different from bipolar disorder?
BPD and bipolar disorder are frequently confused because both involve mood instability. In BPD, mood swings are typically triggered by interpersonal events and shift within minutes or hours. Bipolar disorder involves distinct episodes lasting days or weeks. Accurate diagnosis is essential because treatments differ significantly — Dr. Brendel has extensive experience distinguishing between these two conditions.
Is Dr. Brendel accepting new BPD patients?
Yes. Dr. Brendel is currently accepting new patients with BPD and related conditions throughout the Greater Boston area. Book an appointment online via ZocDoc or call his Belmont, MA office at (617) 932-1548.
How does Dr. Brendel support families of BPD patients?
Families often feel helpless when a loved one has BPD. Dr. Brendel offers dedicated family consultations to discuss the situation, explore options for supporting their loved one, and provide psychoeducation about BPD. With appropriate transparency and consent, he may later see the patient as well.