Professional Documents
Culture Documents
By
Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD
Medically reviewed by
Steven Gans, MD
Updated on March 17, 2021
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Many people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) experience anger so intense it is often
referred to as "borderline rage.” This anger sometimes comes in response to a perceived
interpersonal slight—for example, feeling criticized by a loved one.
It's not immediately clear why people with BPD may feel intense anger and aggression, but
research suggests:
It could be tied to the overall emotional dysregulation people with BPD often experience.1
It may occur as a result of perceived rejection.2
It could be linked to stress (although this connection seems to apply more toward self-directed
anger, not aggression toward others).3
If you experience this kind of anger, you may not feel in control of the emotion. Many people
with BPD engage in unhealthy behaviors when they get angry, including acts that can cause
physical harm or destroy relationships. This can lead to further feelings of hurt and frustration,
which can, in turn, cause more anger. However, with practice, it is possible to learn to manage
anger in healthier ways. Here are some tips on healthy ways to manage your anger with BPD.
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