BPD and Schools

Balancing the demands of school and treatment can be challenging. However, school can serve as a protective factor in recovery by providing daily motivation and structure. It also can encourage the identity of student as opposed to just someone with a BPD diagnosis.

How BPD may affect learning and daily functioning in school

Many people with BPD are highly intelligent, creative, and motivated, yet may have significant challenges that will impact their learning and daily functioning in school. Some of these can be the result of emotional sensitivity and regulation issues, interpersonal and communication difficulties, impulse control issues, anxiety, depression, medication side effects, and sleep disturbances.

Common areas of concern at school for a student with a BPD diagnosis:

  1. Test taking

  2. Group projects and class presentations 

  3. Recess and lunch time

  4. Teacher expectations

  5. Communication with teachers and peers

  6. Lateness and truancy

  7. Social media