Borderline personality disorder (BPD) affects more people than many realise. Around 1 in 100 people in the UK live with BPD. While this may seem like a small number, it means thousands experience it every year.
BPD can affect anyone, regardless of their background, age or gender.
BPD is often misdiagnosed
Stigma and misunderstandings around BPD mean many people don’t get diagnosed right away. Doctors sometimes misdiagnose BPD as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder before providing the correct support. This means the real number of people with BPD could be higher than statistics suggest.
BPD usually appears in your teens or twenties
Health professionals most often diagnose BPD in young adults, usually in their late teens or early twenties. Symptoms often start earlier, during the teenage years. It can take time for people to seek help or for professionals to recognise the signs.
BPD is more commonly diagnosed in women
Both men and women can develop BPD, but studies show women receive a diagnosis more often. Men also experience BPD, but they may be less likely to seek help or their symptoms may be mistaken for other issues.
People with BPD don’t always get support
Many people with BPD never contact mental health services. Some manage their symptoms on their own, while others feel unsure about asking for help. This makes it difficult to know exactly how common BPD really is.
If you have BPD, you’re not alone
BPD can feel isolating, but you are not alone. Thousands of people face the same struggles and find treatments and support that help. Greater awareness and understanding are helping more people recognise BPD and reach out for support.
Summary: How common is BPD?
Around 1 in 100 people have BPD, though underdiagnosis and stigma mean the true number may be higher. Symptoms usually start in teenage years or early adulthood and affect both men and women. With the right support and treatment, people with BPD can live stable and fulfilling lives.