What is the illness known as borderline personality disorder? It is said to be one of the most misunderstood diseases. According to John Grohol, borderline personality disorder, or borderline disorder, is a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions. (John M. Grohol, 2010) Those who experience it have little control over their emotions, are likely to exhibit destructive behaviors, and tend to have low self-esteem. They are also very impulsive and have difficulty with limitations. It is characterized by recurrent impulsivity, mood swings and relationship difficulties. BPD can include an unstable identity, paranoia, fear of abandonment, and suicidal behavior. According to Porr, Princess Diana is an example of a well-known person so diagnosed. (Porr, 2010) Diagnosis of this condition usually occurs in early adulthood, but symptoms and warning signs are often seen during adolescence. Although some symptoms can be controlled with medication, there is no cure and this condition tends to coexist with many other illnesses. It is not uncommon to experience shoplifting, gambling, excessive spending, promiscuity, lack of impulse control, drug or alcohol abuse, overeating and bingeing or self-harming acts such as disfigurement and suicide attempts. According to Lisa Kift, a BPD sufferer said, “The gut-wrenching, gut-wrenching agony of having to live in my own skin” (Lisa Brookes Kift, 2009). Relationships with people with BPD are very difficult. Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault said, “Watching a loved one with BPD suffer and deal with the very difficult relational symptoms of BPD is extremely stressful for family members. Family members often feel that he... middle of paper ......sych Central. Retrieved December 1, 2011Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, P. (April 30, 2010). Life in the BPD family. Retrieved November 28, 2011 from about.com: http://bpd.about.com/od/forfamilyandfriends/a/BPDFamily.htmLisa Brookes Kift, M. (December 9, 2009). Borderline Personality Disorder: A Survivor's Story. Retrieved December 1, 2011, from Toolkit: http://lisakifttherapy.com/mental-health/the-mental-health-place-a-mental-health-blog/borderline-personality-disorder-a-survivors-story /Mitchell, S. (October 27, 2011). Living with someone with borderline personality disorder. (s. chenevert, interviewer) Porr, V. (2010). OVERCOMING Borderline Personality Disorder: A Family Guide to Healing and Change (Book). Washington, DC: Oxford University Press, Incorporated. Whitehouse, L. (November 29, 2011). Living with someone with BPD. (S. Chenevert, interviewer)