What Is Quiet BPD and What Is Treatment Like? 

Quiet BPD, or “high-functioning” BPD, is a subtype where individuals experience intense Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) symptoms internally rather than outwardly. People with quiet BPD, also known as discouraged BPD, direct their emotions inward, trying to hide them from others, which can impact relationships and self-esteem. This blog will explore quiet BPD, its symptoms, and how it differs from traditional BPD, or quiet BPD vs. BPD. We’ll also delve into signs of quiet BPD, its impact on quiet BPD and relationships, and discuss effective quiet BPD treatment and quiet BPD therapy options. Additionally, we’ll address whether quiet BPD is real, examine potential causes, and consider if quiet BPD in men and quiet BPD in women present differently.   

What Is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?  

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition impacting a person’s ability to manage emotions effectively. It leads to difficulties with self-image, unstable relationships, and impulsive behaviors. BPD is characterized by extreme mood swings and an intense fear of abandonment. The condition typically begins in early adulthood, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. 

Here are some stats and facts about BPD: 

• It’s the most commonly recognized personality disorder. 

• Almost 75% of people with BPD are women, though it may affect men equally, but they are more likely to be misdiagnosed. 

• People with BPD have a higher risk of suicide and self-destructive behavior. 

Subtypes of BPD  

While the DSM-5 doesn’t officially recognize subtypes of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), experts have identified different ways BPD can present. These subtypes of personality disorders help understand how symptoms manifest differently in individuals. Here are four commonly discussed subtypes: 

• Discouraged or Quiet BPD: People with this type tend to direct their emotions inward. They may be very dependent on others and clingy but become angry when they feel abandoned. 

• Impulsive BPD: This type is marked by difficulty with impulse control. Individuals may be hyperactive and fail to think before acting, potentially causing harm to themselves or others. 

• Self-Destructive BPD: Individuals with this subtype harbor intense feelings of bitterness and self-hatred. They direct their feelings inward, which can lead to dangerous or harmful behaviors towards themselves. 

• Petulant BPD: People with petulant BPD fluctuate between explosive anger and feeling unworthy or unloved. They may have a strong need to manipulate or control others and become very possessive. 

What Is Quiet BPD? 

Quiet BPD, also known as “high-functioning” or discouraged BPD, is a subtype of Borderline Personality Disorder where individuals internalize their emotions rather than express them outwardly. While not an official diagnosis, it’s a term used to describe those who direct their struggles inward. People with quiet BPD experience intense emotions and fear of abandonment, but they tend to suppress their feelings, making them harder to spot. They may also have unstable relationships, intense anger, and frequent mood swings, but they keep their shifts in mood internal. It is thought that quiet BPD in men and quiet BPD in women present differently. 

How Is Quiet BPD Different from BPD? 

The main difference between Quiet BPD and typical BPD lies in how emotions are expressed. People with typical BPD externalize their feelings through impulsive behaviors and outbursts. Those with quiet borderline personality disorder internalize their struggles, directing feelings inward. Instead of outward anger, they may self-blame, isolate, or self-harm. This makes quiet BPD harder to diagnose because they don’t display erratic behavior, and symptoms resemble anxiety or mood disorders.