Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, or BPD.
"BPD is a well understood psychological disorder. It's not a form of misbehavior," said Mary Zanarini, a professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, who treated Marshall this summer.
BPD is a mental illness that studies say is more common than schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but is rarely diagnosed because of misperceptions in the mental health community, and the challenges of providing a proper treatment plan.
The disorder is marked by difficulties with relationships and self-image and controlling moods and emotions.
Marshall has informed the Dolphins of his diagnosis and said he is revealing his story with the goal of creating more awareness of BPD and advocating for better treatment and medical coverage for a treatment program that cost him $60,000.
"I'll be the face of BPD," Marshall said. "I'll make myself vulnerable if it saves someone's life because I know what I went through this summer helped save mine."
Kudos to Marshall for aiming to make his life better. If Marshall matures as a person, it should help make owners feel more secure in drafting him, although his stock is hindered right now by Miami's shaky quarterback situation.
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