What is the disease known as borderline personality disorder? It is said to be one of the most misunderstood diseases. According to John Grohol, borderline personality disorder, or BPD, is a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions. (John M. Grohol, 2010) Those who are inflicted have little control over their emotions, tend 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 impulsiveness, mood changes and relationship difficulties. BPD can include unstable identity, paranoia, fear of abandonment, and suicidal behavior. According to Porr, Princess Diana is an example of a famous person who was diagnosed with this disease. (Porr, 2010) Diagnosis of this disease usually occurs in early adulthood, but symptoms and warning signs often appear during adolescence. Although some symptoms can be controlled with medications, there is no cure and this disease tends to coexist with many other diseases. It is not uncommon to deal with shoplifting, gambling, excessive spending, promiscuity, lack of impulse control, drug or alcohol abuse, overeating and binge eating, or physically self-harming actions such as disfigurements and suicide attempts. According to Lisa Kift, one BPD victim stated, “The searing, searing agony of having to live in my own skin” (Lisa Brookes Kift, 2009). Relationships with individuals with bipolar disorder are very difficult. Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault said, “Watching a loved one with bipolar disorder suffer, and dealing with the very difficult relationship symptoms of bipolar disorder, are extraordinarily stressful for family members. Family members often feel that he... is in the center of the paper... sych Central. Retrieved December 1, 2011 Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, P. (2010, April 30). Life in the BPD family. Retrieved November 28, 2011, from about.com: http://bpd.about.com/od/forfamilyandfriends/a/BPDFamily.htmLisa Brookes Kift, M. (2009, December 9). Borderline personality disorder: a survivor's story. Retrieved December 1, 2011, from Toolbox: http://lisakifttherapy.com/mental-health/the-mental-health-place-a-mental-health-blog/borderline-personality-disorder-a-survivors-story/ Mitchell, S. (2011, October 27). Living with someone who has 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. (2011, November 29). Living with someone with bipolar disorder. (S. Chenevert, interviewer)