Not too long ago, I was told by a psychiatrist that he thought I had boderline personality disorder, and that the medical profession just kind of lumps us in the bipolar disorder. HUH? Having een diagnosed 6 years ago, and on meds that help - some computer program tells him I'm boderline instead of bipolar. Has anyone else experienced this nonsense? What is the difference, and how does that affect treatment? All he accomplished was to get me all worked up and obstinate with him. He is the only psychiatrist taking new patients right now, we only have 6 or 7 out here, so since my pdoc left town, I've just depended on my internist to manage meds.
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Q: Bipolar vs. borderline personality disorder
Answers (2)
9/23/09 1:27am
Hi, Christine. I appreciate your dismay over being confronted with the possibility of a new diagnosis. But once you have settled down, I suggest you research the diagnosis and see if anything described resonates with you. Two books: "Stop Walking on Eggshells," and "I Hate You, Don't Leave Me."
Getting the right diagnosis is essential. Bipolar meds may be helpful for borderline, but specifically designed talking therapy is essential. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) has proven benefits.
Off the top of my head, about 20 percent of bipolars also have borderline. All of us, regardless of diagnosis, have personality issues. And one of the best ways to learn about our personality issues is to find out more about borderline. DBT may be tailored for borderline, but it is potentially useful for a much wider audience.
Here's an article I wrote on my website:
http://www.mcmanweb.com/borderline.html
9/21/10 12:28am
There is a HUGE difference between BP and BPD. I have them both. BPD is usually brought on by some sort of childhood trauma: for ex. molestation for one. One huge indicator of BPD is cutting or some other form of self-mutilation. Teens are usually extremely sexually active, drinking, etc. Moods are very extreme and unreasonable at times and even out of control. There is intense anger. Extreme sadness. Paranoia, everyone is out to get me.
All of the above are just a FEW symptoms of BPD. I suggest you look it up on the internet. Google Borderline Personality Disorder. You will see that what I said it there AND much more. BPD is NOT like BP. It makes my BP more difficult because I don't always know where my moods are coming from so I don't know how to handle them and neither do the people around me.
Good luck!!
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By Cristine— Last Modified: 12/27/10, First Published: 09/22/09
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