[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1005 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                         April 1, 2008.
Whereas borderline personality disorder (BPD) affects the regulation of emotion 
        and afflicts approximately 2 percent of the general population;
Whereas BPD is a leading cause of suicide, as an estimated 10 percent of 
        individuals with this disorder take their own lives;
Whereas BPD usually manifests itself in adolescence and early adulthood;
Whereas symptoms of BPD include self-injury; rage; substance abuse; destructive 
        impulsiveness; a pattern of unstable emotions, self-image, and 
        relationships; and may result in suicide;
Whereas BPD is inheritable and is exacerbated by environmental factors;
Whereas official recognition of BPD is relatively new, and diagnosing it is 
        often impeded by lack of awareness and frequent co-occurrence with other 
        conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, 
        anxiety, and eating disorders;
Whereas despite its prevalence, enormous public health costs, and the 
        devastating toll it takes on individuals, families, and communities, BPD 
        only recently has begun to command the attention it requires;
Whereas it is essential to increase awareness of BPD among people suffering from 
        this disorder, their families, mental health professionals, and the 
        general public by promoting education, research, funding, early 
        detection, and effective treatments; and
Whereas the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder and 
        the National Alliance on Mental Illness have requested that Congress 
        designate May as Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month as a 
        means of educating our Nation about this disorder, the needs of those 
        suffering from it, and its consequences: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the goals and ideals of 
Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.