What is Quiet BPD: Understanding this Borderline Personality Disorder Subtype

Mental health is complex, with many different disorders and sub-disorders. One, known as Quiet BPD, is a subtype of Borderline Personality Disorder. This disorder is often correlated to addiction. In this article, we will cover what Quiet BPD is and what can be done about it.

What Is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition that features emotional instability, impulsivity, distorted self-image, and intense, unstable relationships. Individuals with BPD often struggle with fear of abandonment, mood swings, and difficulty regulating emotions, leading to challenges in both personal and professional relationships.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the lifetime prevalence of BPD is approximately 1.4%. It is more commonly diagnosed in women, though research suggests that men may be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions, such as depression or substance use disorders. Those with a family history of borderline personality disorder are also at a higher risk of developing symptoms of BPD.

There are various subtypes of borderline personality disorder. These include:

Subtypes of BPD 

While BPD is officially recognized as a single diagnosis, some mental health professionals categorize it into four subtypes based on how symptoms manifest in different individuals. These subtypes help clinicians and individuals better understand variations in behavior and coping mechanisms.

Discouraged or Quiet BPD

Known as “Quiet BPD” or “Discouraged BPD,” this subtype features internalized emotional distress rather than outward expressions of anger or impulsivity. Individuals with this type may appear withdrawn, self-critical, and struggle with feelings of worthlessness. Instead of directing anger outward, those with Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) tend to suppress emotions, leading to self-harm, depression, and feelings of emptiness.

Impulsive BPD

Those with Impulsive BPD exhibit reckless, thrill-seeking behavior and struggle with impulse control and emotional instability. They may engage in dangerous activities such as substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, excessive spending, or reckless driving. These individuals often seek external stimulation and may have difficulty considering the long-term consequences of their actions.

Self-Destructive BPD

This subtype is associated with self-sabotaging behaviors, including self-harm, eating disorders, or suicidal tendencies. Individuals with Self-Destructive BPD may engage in risky activities out of self-loathing or a deep sense of hopelessness. They often struggle with self-worth and may push away relationships or opportunities that could bring them happiness.

Petulant BPD

Petulant BPD features intense frustration, irritability, and emotional outbursts. Individuals with this subtype may feel unloved, unappreciated, and easily angered. They tend to experience frequent mood swings, passive-aggressive behavior, and difficulties trusting others, leading to strained relationships.

What Is Quiet BPD?

Quiet BPD is a sub-type of borderline personality disorder. According to one study on a patient with Quiet BPD, people with this variant may show more depressive symptoms, along with a tendency toward perfectionism, including OCD. It also has fewer symptoms of irritability or petulance, making it distinct from Petulant BPD.

People with Quiet BPD tend to avoid competition, show excessive meekness, are insecure, and feel helpless. Simple tasks like grocery shopping seem nearly impossible, and they may feel that life is “empty.” They tend to hunger for affection and then, when rejected, lash out in anger.

Because of the internalized nature of Quiet BPD, it’s hard to know how many people suffer from it. Borderline personality disorder generally is estimated to affect roughly 1.4% of US adults.

How Is Quiet BPD Different from BPD? 

A couple of ways. The differences include:

• Anger Expression: Classic BPD features outwardly directed, explosive anger; Quiet BPD is more characterized by internally focused, non-expressed anger.
• Fear of Abandonment: With Classic BPD, people are clingy, demanding reassurance; sufferers of Quiet BPD withdraw to avoid rejection.
• Mood Swings: Classic BPD involves dramatic and intense mood shifts; Quiet BPD is more about emotional numbness.
• Interpersonal Relationships: Those with Classic BPD will engage in frequent conflicts and emotional outbursts; Classic BPD sufferers tend to avoid conflict.
• Self-Harm: People with Classic BPD will openly engage in self-harm; those with Quiet BPD will do so privately, not seeking attention for their behavior.
• Emotional Regulation: Those with Classic BPD openly express their distressed feelings, whereas those with Quiet BPD are more given to bottling up their emotions.
• Stress Response: People with Classic BPD are impulsive in their reactions to stress. On the other hand, those with Quiet BPD tend more to dissociate, withdrawing and numbing their emotions.

Since Quiet BPD is more internalized, it is often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or mistaken for anxiety or depression. Individuals with Quiet BPD may suffer silently for years without recognizing their symptoms as part of a larger pattern.

What Causes Quiet BPD?

Like classic BPD, Quiet BPD is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. These could include bullying and other childhood trauma, as well as emotional neglect. As a result, they may have learned to suppress their feelings rather than express them openly.

Studies suggest that genes governing emotional regulation are linked to BPD. Differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas responsible for impulse control and emotional regulation, may further contribute to the development of the disorder.