Optimal Function

Many participants viewed medication as useful for managing BPD symptoms without treating the underlying condition. Reported medication benefits included reduced emotional intensity, fewer or less severe outbursts, safety, and better everyday functioning. Some participants thought medication could create enough emotional stability to engage with therapy. Maintaining function above the symptom threshold is presented as important for long-term resilience and remaining pain-free later in life. The article distinguishes pain relief from restoring optimal body function. Some participants found medication ineffective or questioned whether past prescribing had helped. Symptoms are said to appear only after function falls below the body's compensation threshold. Stopping after symptoms disappear may leave a person functionally compromised but temporarily asymptomatic.