When Grammy-winning artist Doja Cat opened up about her mental health, it sparked a broader conversation about Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). In a candid TikTok upload, she revealed that she has been struggling with the condition, candidly admitting that “it caught up with me.” Her honesty reflects a growing shift in how public figures discuss mental health – less stigma, more transparency. BPD is a complex psychiatric condition characterized by intense emotional swings, unstable relationships and a fragile sense of self.

Dr. Lori Bohn, PMHNP-BC, DC, the medical director of Voyager Recovery Center, explains, “Borderline Personality Disorder is the result of a combination of genetic, environmental and psychological factors,” underscoring how layered and individualized the condition can be.

What’s happening in your body

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Borderline Personality Disorder primarily affects how the brain regulates emotions and processes interpersonal interactions. Research suggests that individuals with BPD may have differences in brain areas such as the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex.

Dr. Bohn explains that, “The amygdala, which processes fear and emotional reactions, tends to be hyperactive, making emotions feel more intense and harder to manage,” she says. “The prefrontal cortex, which normally helps regulate impulses and decision-making, can be underactive,” making it more difficult to control reactions and behaviors.

Additionally, she notes that “Neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly involving serotonin, may also contribute, affecting mood stability and impulsivity.” The result is a cycle of emotional highs and lows that can feel overwhelming and difficult to regulate.

Common causes

There is no single cause of BPD. Instead, it typically develops from a combination of biological, environmental and psychological factors.

Genetics can play a role, as individuals with a family history of mood or personality disorders may face a higher risk. Environmental influences are equally significant. Dr. Bohn says, “Experiences like childhood trauma, abuse, neglect or unstable family relationships can contribute significantly.”

Psychological factors also matter. Dr. Bohn notes that “Difficulty regulating emotions or heightened sensitivity to stress” can make some individuals more vulnerable to developing BPD. These broad factors work together, creating a foundation for the emotional sensitivity and instability that define the disorder.

Specific causes

While general risk factors provide a broad understanding, specific triggers often vary from individual to individual. Dr. Bohn further explains, “Common causes often include early trauma, neglect or unstable attachments in childhood, which shape how someone relates to others and regulates emotions.” More specific contributors can include “repeated experiences of abandonment, physical or emotional abuse, or growing up in an environment where emotional expression was unsafe or invalidated.”

In the case of Doja Cat, the pressures of global fame, online scrutiny and a demanding career may intersect with underlying vulnerabilities, intensifying emotional challenges.

It’s also important to recognize how mental health care itself interacts with culture. Natalie Buchwald, LMHC, founder and clinical director of Manhattan Mental Health Counseling, observes, “The mental health field has a documented history of pathologizing Black emotional expression, misdiagnosing cultural responses to systemic stress and underrepresenting Black clinicians in the workforce.” These systemic issues can make accessing care more challenging for Black clients and underscore the importance of culturally competent, representative therapy.

Diagnosis and treatment

As explained in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, diagnosing BPD requires a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed mental health professional. “Diagnosis typically involves a thorough psychiatric assessment, including structured interviews and sometimes standardized personality questionnaires,” Dr. Bohn explains. “We look for patterns of instability in relationships, self-image, emotions and behavior that have been persistent over time.”

Treatment is multifaceted. Psychotherapy is the cornerstone, with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) widely considered the gold standard, as showcased by research published in the peer-reviewed journal, Psychiatry. Dr. Bohn notes that DBT “teaches skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness,” helping patients build healthier coping strategies.

Specific diagnosis and treatment

In real-world scenarios, treatment plans are highly individualized. For someone in the public eye like Doja Cat, therapy may also include strategies for managing public scrutiny and maintaining boundaries.

Dr. Bohn explains, “Other therapies like mentalization-based therapy (MBT), schema-focused therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy can also help,” depending on the individual’s needs. “Medications are not a cure but may be used to address mood swings, anxiety or depression,” she adds, making treatment a flexible and personalized process.

Support systems, including friends, family and mental health professionals, remain essential for long-term stability and recovery.

Does Doja Cat have BPD?

In her mid-March TikTok upload, Doja reflected on a lifetime of “masking” – a survival mechanism familiar to many Black women who feel the pressure to perform “okayness” for the world. “I’ve learned from a very young age to pretend that I like stuff, to pretend that I’m happy, to pretend that I don’t like stuff that I do, to appear like everything is okay,” she shared. “I’ll get it done. And it caught up with me, and I think it always does for people. I’m now struggling with BPD.”

The rapper described the condition as “agonizing” but emphasized that she is no longer interested in hiding her reality to make others comfortable, per E! News. While the diagnosis may be new to the public, Doja revealed she has been doing the “inner work” for nearly a decade. She previously spoke about living with ADHD, but her journey with BPD has required a different level of commitment.

“I’ve been in therapy for years now. I am so relieved and so proud of myself that I’ve made it so far. I still make mistakes, but it is like an 8-year process of curing, treatment and healing,” the California native shared.

Does BPD qualify as a disability?

Determining whether Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) qualifies as a disability is a nuanced process that depends heavily on the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. While a diagnosis of BPD is not “automatically” a disability in the eyes of the law, it is widely recognized as a condition that can meet the criteria for legal protection and financial support.

In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) define a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more “major life activities.” For those living with BPD, this might manifest as an inability to maintain consistent employment, severe difficulty navigating social interactions or professional relationships and challenges with self-care during periods of crisis.

“In some countries, individuals with BPD may be eligible for disability accommodations under mental health provisions if their symptoms prevent consistent employment or independent living,” Dr. Bohn says. “But it’s not automatically considered a disability.” Legal protections and workplace accommodations can provide essential support for those who qualify.

When to see a doctor

According to Dr. Bohn, you should prioritize seeing a psychiatrist or licensed mental health professional the moment you notice persistent patterns of intense emotional instability, impulsivity or self-harm. She adds that “Even if symptoms are not extreme, early intervention can make a big difference in long-term outcomes.”

If your daily existence has started to feel like a constant state of damage control, it is a clear signal to seek help. Though it can feel difficult, consulting a licensed professional is not a sign of defeat. Rather, it’s a strategic move to reclaim control over your narrative. Reach out immediately if you feel you can no longer navigate these emotional waters on your own.

Bottom line

Borderline Personality Disorder is a complex but treatable condition. With the right combination of therapy, support and self-awareness, individuals can lead fulfilling and stable lives.

By sharing her experience, Doja Cat helps break down stigma and encourages others to seek help. Her story is a reminder that mental health challenges can affect anyone – and that support and treatment can make a meaningful difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the life expectancy of someone with BPD?

People with BPD can have a normal life expectancy, especially with treatment. However, untreated BPD is associated with a higher risk of suicide, making early intervention essential.

What age does BPD peak?

Symptoms of BPD often peak in early adulthood, typically in a person’s 20s. Many individuals see improvement over time with consistent treatment.

What famous celebrities have BPD?

Public figures such as Pete Davidson and Brandon Marshall have spoken openly about living with BPD, helping raise awareness and reduce stigma.

Citations

People. “Doja Cat Reveals She’s Struggling With Borderline Personality Disorder: ‘It Caught Up With Me’”. People. Published March 14, 2026. https://people.com/doja-cat-reveals-shes-struggling-with-borderline-personality-disorder-it-caught-up-with-me-11926102

E! News. “Doja Cat on Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnosis and Mental Health”. E! News. Published March 14, 2026. https://www.eonline.com/news/1429722/doja-cat-on-borderline-personality-disorder-diagnosis-mental-health

National Institute of Mental Health. Borderline Personality Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. Revised 2024. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/borderline-personality-disorder

Mayo Clinic Staff. Borderline Personality Disorder: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. Published December 13, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20370237

American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for BPD. American Psychiatric Association. Published 2013. https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm-5

Biskin RS, Paris J. Management of borderline personality disorder. CMAJ. 2012;184(17):1897-1902. doi:10.1503/cmaj.112055. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3494330

Chapman AL. Dialectical behavior therapy: current indications and unique elements. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2006;3(9):62-68. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2963469