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A new research suggested that women diagnosed with the borderline personality disorder are more likely to engage in sexual masochism, a disorder associated with sexual fantasies involving humiliation or other ways of suffering.

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Ramon-Llull and it involved 120 participants.The participants consisted of 60 women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and 60 women diagnosed with different personality disorders except for BPD.The findings implied that women with BPD were ten times more prone to engage in activities related to sexual masochism.Moreover, women with BPD were more inclined to fantasize about being tied up, being whipped and spanked, and being forced to do something.

In general, sexual masochism is a disorder in which individuals use sexual fantasies and behaviors involving the acts of being humiliated, beaten or made to suffer to achieve sexual excitement and climax.But unlike masochism, the disorder causes substantial physical, psychological, and social harm to the person.

The researchers pointed that even though borderline personality disorder and sexual masochism disorder share common risk factors, sexual masochism disorder is not a direct symptom of BPD.The most common cause of BPD in women is the history of suffering from childhood sexual abuse.

"Based on my clinical experience, clinicians should address whether borderline patients may have a sadomasochistic sexual disorder, specifically in order to avoid forthcoming sexual risk behaviors and also as a manner to treat with trauma-related symptomatology," said Alvaro Ibañez, the corresponding study author from the University of Ramon-Llull in Barcelona.

The study did not refer to the general population as the sample size was relatively small.It is possible that the sadomasochistic sexual disorder may not be a psychological disturbance, according to Ibañez.

What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental condition characterized by unstable mood patterns, stormy relationships, impulsive actions, and chronic feelings of boredom and emptiness.Additionally, BPD can lead to impulsive actions related to too much spending money, too much eating, too much sexual activity, and too much substance use.There are five general symptoms of BPD and only an extensive evaluation of licensed psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose the disorder.

1.Problems with relationships like the fear of abandonment and the inability to maintain relationships.

2.Unstable emotions commonly described by very frequent emotional ups and downs, and being very emotional.

3.Unstable identity signified by an unclear sense of self and chronic feelings of emptiness.

4.Behaviors that cause impulsion and self-infliction.

5.Unstable thinking defined by a tendency to detach from people when dealing with stress and an unusual rate of suspiciousness toward people and events.

People with BPD can be triggered by simple events in life.They may feel angry, upset, and distressed over minor things, such as vacations, with the tendency to separate from people close to them.Risk factors that cause BPD remain unclear but research suggested that genetics, environmental factors, and brain structure may contribute to the disorder.

- BPD is about five times more likely to happen to someone if that person has a close family member with the same mental condition.

- Environmental and social factors that referred to traumatic events, such as abuse and abandonment during childhood can contribute to the development of BPD.However, not everyone who suffered from traumatic events has BPD.

- Brain factors related to changes in the function and structure of the organ, particularly the areas that control emotional and impulse regulation, are usually found in people with BPD.More research is still required to prove brain factors because some people with similar changes do not have BPD.

Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder

Historically, people with BPD are difficult to treat but with newer treatments available, many BPD patients experience fewer symptoms and improved the quality of their lives.Treatments for BPD symptoms include psychotherapy or one-on-one conversations between the therapist and the patient, and the use of prescription medications designed to manage mood swings and depression.

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In psychotherapy, the therapist may involve the patient in a group session to help them interact with others and express themselves better.Types of psychotherapy for BPD include cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on beliefs and behaviors, dialectical behavior therapy that teaches skills to control intense emotions, and schema-focused therapy to deal with the negative interpretation of oneself because of bad childhood experiences.

Facts About Borderline Personality Disorder

- More than 70 percent of people diagnosed with BPD are women.

- About 70 percent of people with BPD will make at least one suicidal attempt.

- Over 40 percent of people suffering from BPD had been misdiagnosed with other disorders.

- People with BPD suffer from anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders.

- It is difficult to deal with a person suffering from BPD because of their physical aggressiveness and inability to live productively.

- BPD usually starts during adolescence or early adulthood.

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