BPD and the Sympathetic Nervous System

BPD and the Sympathetic Nervous System BPD Print BPD and the Sympathetic Nervous System By Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. Learn about our editorial policy Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on August 05, 2019 Image Source/Getty Images   More in BPD Diagnosis Treatment Living With BPD Related Conditions Ever wonder what gets your heart pumping while youre watching a scary movie? Or whats responsible for your quick reaction when someone cuts you off in traffic? Or why your brain goes blank and your palms get sweaty when you have to give a presentation to a room full of people?   The sympathetic nervous system is what stimulates the fight-or-flight response when youre presented with a threat, whether its being chased by a wild animal or confronting your fear of public speaking. When no threat is present, the parasympathetic nervous system allows your body to rest, recover, and digest nutrients.   Understanding the Autonomic Nervous System The sympathetic nervous system is one branch of the  autonomic nervous system (the other branch is the parasympathetic nervous system). The autonomic nervous system  regulates the functions of organs like your heart, stomach, bladder, and intestines that take place without conscious effort. It also controls the muscles in your body. You usually dont notice this system at work because it acts reflexively in response to stimuli like a wild animal. In acutely stressful situations, a number of things happen in your brain. First, the amygdala, which is responsible for detecting fear and preparing for emergency events, sends the message to your hypothalamus that youre in danger. In turn, the hypothalamus, which links your nervous system to your endocrine system, sends adrenaline into your bloodstream. This sets off a number of physiological and hormonal changes, such as dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, increased alertness, and heightened senses. In addition, blood sugar and fats are released into your bloodstream for energy, so you can fight or flee from the danger.   In borderline personality disorder, the very well-orchestrated automatic nervous system is more easily triggered, which can cause serious emotional conflict, both inside and out.   The Sympathetic Nervous System With Borderline Personality Disorder Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a common and disruptive mental illness that affects at least four million Americans. Despite its prevalence, little research has been performed to study the neurological or physiological mechanisms behind BPD. Some scientists have suggested that better understanding the mechanics behind BPD, such as issues with the sympathetic nervous system, may lead to the creation of more effective treatment options. To date, though some drugs can help manage specific symptoms of BPD, theres no medication specifically approved to treat BPD. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses, 5th edition, a reference healthcare professionals review when making a diagnosis, people with BPD typically have trouble regulating their emotions. Researchers have hypothesized that this means the sympathetic nervous system in people with BPD may be overly stimulated, causing intense or irrational reactions. People with BPD tend to display signs of stress longer than others; some studies have found that those with BPD remain in an emotional state 20 percent longer than other people.   For people with BPD, minor situations which wouldnt impact other people can cause an extreme physical response. This can create extreme stress  and anxiety, even if the stress is caused by delusions.  For instance, if a person with BPD believes her partner is going to leave her, she may become panicked and distraught, even if her partner has no intention of breaking up with her. Her heart may race, she may cry, and she may feel a rush of adrenaline and take a rash action to prevent her partner from leaving.   The cause of this heightened response is unknown. Some healthcare professionals believe BPD is caused by a mix of biological and environmental factors, including both genetics and how you were brought up. Abuse, trauma, and abandonment have all been linked to an increased risk of BPD. In one study, 75 percent of women with BPD had a documented history of childhood sexual abuse. Family history also plays an essential role as  BPD is about five times more common among first-degree biological relatives of those with the disorder. The Importance of Learning to Manage Stress Whatever the cause, because people with BPD tend to be more readily sent into the fight-or-flight state, and to remain in that state even when the source of stress has ended. Learning to manage the stress that can trigger that spiral is vital to preventing relapses and improving overall health. Over time, maintaining a state of constant alert can cause your body to work overtime. This wear and tear, known as allostatic load, can cause serious health problems. Of course, having BPD by itself is stressful. Still, there are coping mechanisms that can help you manage your mental health condition and improve your quality of life. For tips on how to handle stress, check out tips from the National Alliance of Mental Illness.