Free 18-Item Borderline Personality Disorder Test (BPD Test)

• Are your emotions intense and hard to control?
• Do your relationships feel unstable or overwhelming?
• Do you fear abandonment even when things seem fine?

Many people struggle with these patterns without knowing why.

This Borderline Personality Disorder Test is designed to help you identify traits linked to Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It is based on diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) and focuses on long-term patterns — not temporary stress reactions.

This test is not a diagnosis. It is a screening tool to help you understand yourself better and decide whether professional support may help.

What Is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by:

• Fear of abandonment
• Intense and unstable relationships
• Identity disturbance
• Impulsivity
• Emotional instability
• Chronic feelings of emptiness
• Intense anger
• Stress-related paranoia or dissociation
• Recurrent self-harm or suicidal behavior

A clinical diagnosis requires at least five of these nine patterns to be present over time and across situations.

Who Is This Borderline Personality Disorder Test For?

This test is designed for individuals who:

• Experience frequent mood swings or emotional instability.
• Have difficulty maintaining relationships due to intense feelings or fears.
• Are curious about their symptoms of BPD and want to explore whether they align with the diagnostic criteria.

If you’re concerned about your mental health, taking this test could be a step toward better understanding your experiences.

How Accurate Is This Quiz?

This test uses general symptoms based on the criteria for borderline personality disorder outlined in the DSM-5. However, only a qualified and licensed mental health professional can confirm a diagnosis of BPD. Use this test as an initial diagnostic tool, not as a definitive conclusion.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Borderline Personality Disorder Test a diagnosis?

• No. This is a screening quiz.
• Only a licensed mental health professional can diagnose BPD.

How accurate is this test?

• It tracks common BPD traits from DSM-based criteria.
• It can help you notice patterns, but it can’t confirm a disorder.

How long does the test take?

• Most people finish in 3–5 minutes.

What if I score “High”?

• It means your answers match many BPD traits.
• A proper assessment can confirm what’s going on and rule out look-alikes (trauma, bipolar, anxiety, ADHD).

Can trauma look like BPD?

• Yes. Trauma can cause mood swings, fear of rejection, and dissociation.
• A clinician checks timing, triggers, and long-term patterns.

What treatment helps BPD the most?

• DBT has strong evidence for reducing self-harm and improving emotion control.
• Other options can help too (MBT, schema therapy, trauma-focused care when needed).

What if I have self-harm thoughts right now?

• Get urgent help in your area now.
• If you’re in immediate danger, call local emergency services.

Question to reflect on:

• Do your hardest moments happen most when you feel rejected, ignored, or alone?

Expert Insight

Dr. Marsha Linehan, a psychologist and author, significantly impacted our understanding of BPD through her development of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Her work illustrates that understanding and managing our emotional world is pivotal for personal growth and healthy relationships. Engaging with this test propels you to a journey towards greater self-understanding and wellness.

By taking our Borderline Personality Disorder Test (BPD Test), you take a courageous step toward uncovering your emotional depth, laying the foundation for enhanced self-awareness and improved mental wellness. Your journey is deeply personal; every effort is a testament to your strength and desire for a harmonious life.

Questions

Fear of Abandonment

1. Do you fear being abandoned or left, even without clear evidence?
2. Do you take desperate or extreme steps to prevent someone from leaving?

Relationship Instability

3. Do your relationships tend to be intense and unstable?
4. Do you shift between seeing someone as “all good” and “all bad”?

Identity Disturbance

5. Do you frequently feel unsure about who you are or what you want in life?
6. Does your self-image change dramatically depending on mood or relationships?

Impulsivity

7. Do you act impulsively in ways that may harm you (spending, risky sex, substance use, binge eating, reckless behavior)?

Self-Harm / Suicidal Behavior

8. Have you engaged in self-harm, suicidal behavior, or recurrent threats?

Emotional Instability

9. Do your moods shift quickly and intensely?
10. Do small events trigger overwhelming emotional reactions?

Chronic Emptiness

11. Do you often feel empty, hollow, or emotionally numb?

Intense Anger

12. Do you struggle to control anger or have explosive outbursts?

Stress-Related Paranoia or Dissociation

13. Under stress, do you become suspicious that others may betray or abandon you?
14. During stress, do you feel detached from yourself or that the world feels unreal?

Dependency & Emotional Sensitivity

15. Do you feel uncomfortable or distressed when alone?
16. Do minor relationship problems feel catastrophic?
17. Do you become emotionally dependent on one person?
18. Do your relationships cycle between closeness and sudden distance?

Instructions

Answer based on how you have generally felt over several years, not just during a short crisis.

Answer choices:

• Never (0 points)
• Rarely (1 point)
• Sometimes (2 points)
• Often (3 points)
• Very Often (4 points)

Important Note:

This test is meant to provide insights but is not a substitute for professional diagnosis. For comprehensive insights and strategies, consult a healthcare professional.