Is borderline personality disorder a disability?
As with all mental health conditions, the symptoms of borderline personality disorder and their severity can vary from person to person.
Whilst some people may only experience mild symptoms, others may find that their symptoms are so debilitating they affect almost every aspect of their daily life.
Because there is such a wide spectrum when it comes to the level of impact that mental health conditions have on a person’s life, each case is evaluated on an individual basis. In some cases, borderline personality disorder is classed as a disability, whilst in others, it is not.
In this article, we will find out when borderline personality disorder is classed as a disability and what support is available for those with the condition.
What is borderline personality disorder?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD), also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), is a type of personality disorder that can cause a variety of intense and overwhelming emotions that can rapidly shift from one extreme to another.
People with borderline personality disorder often have difficulty maintaining stable relationships and may also have a distorted sense of self-identity.
Symptoms of borderline personality disorder can include:
- Impulsive behaviour
- Self-harm
- Suicidal ideation
- Chronic feelings of boredom or dissatisfaction
- Fear of abandonment
It isn’t uncommon for people with borderline personality disorder to also experience other mental health problems concurrently, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse or addiction.
Is borderline personality disorder a disability?
In the UK, borderline personality disorder may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 if an individual’s symptoms meet certain criteria.
The Equality Act 2010 defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Therefore, individuals with borderline personality disorder may be classed as disabled if their condition is having a significant adverse effect on their daily life. This could include struggling to carry out day-to-day activities like getting washed and dressed, having problems with working set hours, or having difficulty interacting with other people.
For BPD to be classed as a disability, one of the following statements must also be true:
- BPD has lasted for at least 12 months.
- BPD is likely to last for 12 months.
- BPD is likely to recur.
Anyone who is struggling with the symptoms of borderline personality disorder should seek advice from a medical practitioner to find out what support is available to them.
What help is available for people with borderline personality disorder?
Living with a mental health condition can be incredibly challenging, and no one should suffer the symptoms of borderline personality disorder in silence.
There are treatment options and support services available to those with the disorder. Taking advantage of the support available can help individuals to manage the symptoms of BPD and overcome the challenges of living with the condition.
Treatment
Treatment for BPD usually involves either individual or group psychotherapy. Anyone with symptoms of borderline personality disorder should be assessed by a mental health specialist to receive a diagnosis and a structured treatment plan.
Support in the workplace
Employers are obligated by law to provide support to employees with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions like borderline personality disorder. This means that they should be willing to make “reasonable adjustments” in the workplace to accommodate their needs to ensure that employees with disabilities have equal opportunities and can perform their job to the best of their ability. “Reasonable adjustments” for someone with BPD may include things like time off work for medical appointments or flexible working arrangements.
Individuals with borderline personality disorder are not legally required to disclose their condition to their employer. However, without telling their employer, it may be difficult to request any adjustments to their role that they require.
Support in education
Students with borderline personality disorder may also be entitled to receive “reasonable adjustments” from their educational institution to ensure that their condition is not putting them at a disadvantage to their peers. “Reasonable adjustments” for students with BPD may include time off for medical appointments, extensions to deadlines, or the provision of an “exam prompter”.
Benefits
When borderline personality disorder is severe enough to be classed as a disability, individuals may be eligible to claim benefits to help with the costs of living expenses like rent, food, and childcare.
The three main benefits available to people with a mental health disability are the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Attendance Allowance (AA).