What is your take on Borderline Personality Disorder?
969272
First, if you strictly follow the diagnostic criteria, it's not as simple as a pure garbage-can diagnosis. People with real BPD are truly suffering souls. Anyone can cut themselves and get a dx from somebody, but a good clinician will be able to distinguish authentic BPD\n\nBorderline Personality Disorder literally means that the individual is on the borderline between neurosis and psychosis. It is more than a simple lack in coping mechanisms. Recent research has also shown a biochemical mechanism to the illness and some pharmacological methods of treating it have been proposed.\n\nThe fact that a condition is difficult and frustrating to treat does not mean that it is invalid and that the symptoms of those suffering ought to be discounted.\n\nThe best treatment to date is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. This treatment offers coping mechanisms to those suffering from the disorder. It does not cure BPD, but DBT has helped many Borderline patients live a more productive life.
469809
With a tinge of moral/imperial hubris?, I'm not certain. My diagnosis would be Narcissistic personality disorder and Shared psychotic disorder with "Dead Eye" Dick.
1020617
No, there is borderline personality disorder, and bipolar.
1156060
I have it and was diagnosed at age 26.  I got depressed and the bottom dropped out fro under me at 18 and I went for years being only diagnosed with depression.  I never attempted suicide but contemplated it for about 6 years every single day.  There were, however, manic days, where by all appearances I seemed happy to others.  I was ecstatically happy to the point that people had to make me calm down.  But when alone, the depression would immediately return with a vengeance when considered relative to the manic highs.  At one point, prior to my diagnosis, I became so consumed with my own political / religious philosophy that I went for several months in a highly delusional state until the point of psychotic hallucinations after several sleepless nights.  I was hospitalized for the first time after that and they still didn't diagnose it.  Of course I was scared and didn't tell them about the hallucinations, because I feared they'd think I was crazy. They instead treated me for alcoholism - I didn't even drink.  Finally, a couple of years after I got married, I became fascinated with a political idea that I had and began to put it to paper.  After weeks of writing incessantly and causing domestic disturbances, I went to the doctor with my notebook with me and told him that I could not stop writing - I couldn't relax and give it arrest.  At that point he diagnosed me as bipolar and I have been taking lithium and effexor every since, with limited levels of success from time to time.  There are still those moments when I'm capable of making an ass of myself with wild ideas and my enthusiasm for them.  I do not take anti-psychotic medications though as they seem to "labotomize" me and stop my thinking process cold.  I can't deal with that.  I am still highly intensive when it comes to religious or political debate.  Those are my two primary areas of obsessive compulsive thought.  I simply am not able to not think of these things when I "relax".  I can however control the pace with sedatives.  A regular sleeping schedule also helps.  \nWhen I am at my lowest low, sometimes I consider electroconvulsive therapy, but have not yet done it.  It is a bit frightening.\nGood luck, I do hope you find yourself not to have it.  But if so, there are ways to cope and control it to some degree, but I don't believe it can be totally controlled.
235515
Keep in mind that diagnosable mental illnesses usually come in bundles. Very rarely will a person be bi-polar and not have a form of social adjustment disorder as well. Likewise, depression NOS ("not-otherwise-specified") goes hand in hand with lots of imbalances.\n\nBut someone acting out sexually can also be a subconscious reaction to trauma, especially to abuse. Or, it can be related to the manic phase of Bi/Po. Look into "borderline personality disorder," as well. Borderlines almost always act out sexually, placing themselves into situtation where they are likely to be preyed upon, and then react strongly to their own victimization.\n\nHope it helps!
221160
Hello :-) ! Well, I used to live in the UK :o) ... I suffer from depersonalisation regularly or maybe most of the time LOL. Am not quite in touch with what I am feeling, thinking and so on, if that is depersonalisation at all... not feeling in control of myself. Basically don't know myself. I have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and that is one of the symptoms of it. I think that mindfulness training could help. The first link has got a link with lessons in core mindfulness skills on it. There does not seem to be a fix treatment of it yet. For more info, have a look at the links (and the links on the page LOL) below. Good luck!
555805
A person with a borderline personality disorder often experiences a repetitive pattern of disorganization and instability in self-image, mood, behavior and close personal relationships. This can cause significant distress or impairment in friendships and work. A person with this disorder can often be bright and intelligent, and appear warm, friendly and competent. They sometimes can maintain this appearance for a number of years until their defense structure crumbles, usually around a stressful situation like the breakup of a romantic relationship or the death of a parent.\n\nTreatment\nTreatment includes psychotherapy which allows the patient to talk about both present difficulties and past experiences in the presence of an empathetic, accepting and non-judgemental therapist. The therapy needs to be structured, consistent and regular, with the patient encouraged to talk about his or her feelings rather than to discharge them in his or her usual self-defeating ways. Sometimes medications such as antidepressants, lithium carbonate, or antipsychotic medication are useful for certain patients or during certain times in the treatment of individual patients. Treatment of any alcohol or drug abuse problems is often mandatory if the therapy is to be able to continue. Brief hospitalization may sometimes be necessary during acutely stressful episodes or if suicide or other self-destructive behavior threatens to erupt. Hospitalization may provide a a temporary removal from external stress. Outpatient treatment is usually difficult and long-term - sometimes over a number of years. The goals of treatment could include increased self-awareness with greater impulse control and increased stability of relationships. A positive result would be in one's increased tolerance of anxiety. Therapy should help to alleviate psychotic or mood-disturbance symptoms and generally integrate the whole personality. With this increased awareness and capacity for self-observation and introspection, it is hoped the patient will be able to change the rigid patterns tragically set earlier in life and prevent the pattern from repeating itself in the next generational cycle.
952622
What a great question!  You have a way with words as you describe the situation that you're facing so well.  I couldn't have done it better myself.\n\nI'm 26 yrs old and have been diagnosed with BPII/BPD and have have major substance abuse problems.\n\nI can completely relate as I've been struggling with the same issue with my father and I appreciate you sharing this with us.  \n\nIt's difficult to have other people see you while you're dysphoric and at your weakest.  This is a time where you expect compassion and when you're parents don't only fail your expectations, but go completely against them, it can be very hurtful.\n\nWhen things blew up with me, I got my a$$ handed to me by my folkes, because my behavior was simply wearing them out.  With the drugs, the police, the hospital visits, I was becomming a huge source of stress and anxiety for them.  They never took the time to understand.  That made things a lot worse for me, I was sad to be in the house, but didn't have any where else to go at the time.\n\nI knew I needed help and I didn't want to be complacent, so I reserached treatment options myself, they wouldn't lift a finger.  The dynamic in the house was as if everyone was walking on eggshells.  It was very uncomfortable.  I was very hurt that I couldn't get the support I needed and built a very strong resentment towards them, I was ready to write them off.\n\nThe emotional pain and quality of living was getting worse, so I had to do something.  I reconnected with my Psychiatrist, got my meds straitened out and began attending Pyschotherapy, support groups and getting support from people outside my family.  For the last three months, I've worked really hard in regaining stregth and my sense of self and it's done wonders for me.\n\nJust recently, my father was talking to me about his best friends daughter, who is suffering with mental disorders and receiving therapy.  He went on to say, that she was extremely needy and fucI(ed in the head - which was his way of taking a shot at me, as he is fully aware I'm going through the same thing.  Next, he talked about quitting smoking and I told him about Zyban, he said that his mind is strong enough to quit addiction without meds - ohhhhh another shot to your son who is in recovery, taking meds no less.   A few months ago, I would have left the room in a fit or put him in his place right then and there.  \n\nSince I leveled my moods out and get support outside the house, I was feeling really good about myself and sat there calm and collected.  I thought about how I was going to respond, I know that he's old school, he didn't grow up in the information age, he thinks psychiatry is a pseudo science and associates looks at it with the stereotypical stigma attached to it.  I also thought that this was his house and I'm not going to lash out and cause any trouble.  That was the last thing I needed amongst the scheme of things.\n\nI responded quite calmly, "Why do you think she's needy?  Do you think she's faking it or that she's using it as an excuse for attention?"  He didn't respond with any logical type of answer and changed the subject, but I stuck with it.  Then I asked him, "I'm under intensive psychotherapy right now and take meds and it's helped me a great deal.  Do you think I'm needy as well?"  He said no, he actually said he noticed a difference in my behaviors and he was proud of me and knew that I was working hard to get better.\n\nI think he feels really guilty inside for going off on me.  I think deep down inside he was scared and didn't know how to deal with me.  I think my parents paniced and saw flaws in me that live inside them and their natural defense mechanism is to take it out on me.  It's the age old habit of self loathing.\n\n I'm still not over it and he knows that and I can see it in his eyes that he was sorry about what he&
962204
It depends on the doctor and her or his training, as well as the sort of problem the patient presents with. Some doctors have more training in counseling than others, and may have enough experience to use (for example) some DBT techniques with a Borderline patient.\n\nPsychodynamic, CBT, whatever they are experienced with and feel will be effective with their patient; it all depends on their training and relationship with the patient.\n\nEven psychiatrists will choose different techniques depending on what works with them and their patient.\n\nOn the other side, there are doctors who will not engage in counseling at all, feeling themeslves to be unqualified to do so, referring patients instead to counselors or psychiatrists.
710052
Borderline Personality Disorder - best course of treatment - well, 2 things I recommend\n1. Individual counseling with a counsleor who is an LCSW, LCPC, or LMFT (these are license initials after their name) - they don't prescribe drugs - they offer real world solutions - ask them if they have experience with BPD. \n2. Group work with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy - best program currently existing for BPD. \nBPD involves long term treatment in most cases - be patient, even though it's not likely an attribute of yours. \nPeople who live with BPD generally have survived abusive experiences - get help for your underlying needs too!\nGood luck!
557196
I have bipolar affective disorder. I actually hate it if i feel I'm getting special treatment from family and coworkers. But i guess there are some who would try and use it to there advantage.
924400
I think it's great that you are reaching out and I can tell you that there is nothing to be embarrased about.  BP disorder is a very serious mood disorder that effects nearly 3 Million Americans.  If left untreated, the disorder can be disabling and distressful to those who live with the afflicted.  There is a high suicide rate attached to those afflicted, where nearly 30% attempt suicide, compared to those with Major Depression at 12%.\n\nI'm 26 and have recently been diagnosed with BP.  I have it under control through an intensive medication management plan and psychotherapy.  I have two very good Dr's that I work with (Psychopharmacologist and Psychotherapist who specializes in CBT).\n\nThis may or may not apply to your condition, I am not a Dr and cannot diagnose.  But if you are BP, it's imperative that you get it treated because of the potential consequences.\n\nI didn't just wake up one day and decide I needed help, I got into a lot of trouble and put my friends and family through a lot of pain, especially over the last two years, where I experienced rampant manic episodes.  In addition, I was hospitalized twice for two suicide attempts.\n\nOne of the common effects of the disorder is substance abuse; where someone who feels manic will often ignore the consequences to their actions and engage in high risk behavior, with exagerated optimism and improved flight of creative thoughts and ideas, feeling authorotive, oftentimes verbose and overwhelming.  All the meanwhile, this person feels as if they are in their best mental state.\n\nI had three long years of hardcore drug abuse, putting my life at risk by sleeping around, experimenting/mixing drugs.  Half the time I was blacking out and who knows what I was pulling.\n\nIn the last 6 years, I've gone through 3 jobs, 3 girlfriends, 6 different apartments and proceeded to create and distroy more relationships than most people make in a life time.\n\nI don't know if you've gone through anything similar (I hope not) and if you are bipolar and start treatment now, you can avoid it.\n\nMy first recommendation would be see a Psychiatrist who specializes in mood disorders.  Oftentimes it's difficult to find a Dr. you are comfortable with on the first try.  You may have to interview 3 - 6 Dr's before you strap yourself in and start working the therapy.\n\nAfter you find a good Dr. work towards getting a firm diagnosis so you can get treated properly.  It's imperative that you do not get misdiagnosed with Unipolar Depression vs. Bipolar Disorder.  If you're misdiagnosed, the Dr. may prescribe an SSRI (common antidpressant) which is a NO-NO for those with BP and will make things worse, which is why it's more important that you find a Dr. that "specializes" in BP.\n\nIf you're having trouble finding a good Dr., refer to this link and take a shot.\n\nhttp://www.dbsalliance.org/referral/\n\nAfter that, I would spend as much time as possible educating yourself on the disease and treatment plans.  You're going to have to be an active participant in this process, as it's not as easy to treat a mental disorder as it is a bactereal infections.  It's important to understand why you are feeling a certain way, research it, communicate with your Dr. and understand why you are wired a certain way, so you can keep it under control.  I strongly recommend that after you get leveled out with the meds, you start participating in Psychotherapy.  Your Dr. will certainly be able to refer you to a good Psychologist and will work in tandum to assist you better in your treatment and containment of BP.\n\nHere are some good links for info on meds and BP\n\nhttp://www.dbsalliance.org/info/aboutmood.html\nhttp://www.crazymeds.org\n\nIf you are BP, maintaining the condition will be a life long process.  Better to getting aclimated sooner, which will make it much easier for the rest of your life.\n\nI wish you the best and please email
456171
Borderline Personality Disorder.\n\nIts symptoms are generally in the area of not being able to maintain healthy relationships with other people, to the point that jobs, friendships, romance, even family life is disrupted.  There are other symptoms you can look up online.  If you received this diagnosis, you should be working with a mental health professional.  There is treatment, but it does take time and commitment.  If you know someone with this disorder, do what you can to make sure he or she has professional help.
893328
These people can be very, very needy. One minute, you're their world, their best friend, the next, you're their worst enemy. People with this disorder are hard to get along with, they need constant attention and if they don't get it, they will turn against you.\n\nEx. of what they might do - they might call you 20 times in one night to chat and if you try to tell them at 4am that you're tired and want to sleep, it'll be the end of the world for them, they'll feel like you hate them and want nothing to do with them.\n\nThese individuals are frienship extremists.\n\nI suggest reading up on this disorder in the DSM-IV.\n\nSweet's answer is right. \n\nPS multiple personality disorder (now known as dissociate identity disorder) and bipolar disorder are NOT the same thing as borderline personality disorder!!!!!!!!!!
481410
Pastors are not experts in diagnosing personality disorders unless the are also physicians, psychologists, or social workers.  This one sounds like he's not, since ethical clinicians do not diagnose people by remote control (i.e second hand descriptions only)  So screw the pastor's noise.\n\nYour therapist's opinion may be more helpful. If you've been working on your troubles for some time together then she has the training, experience, and first hand knowledge of you to suggest meaningful descriptions of your mental state.\n\nWhile it feels nice to have a label for the troubling way you may act, there is such a thing as having a narcissistic personality without having NPD.  \n\nThe distinction made between "normal" and "disordered" personalities is rejected by some experts. The "diagnostic thresholds" between normal and abnormal are either absent or weakly supported. The judgment whether a behavioral pattern is normal or disordered is also highly subjective. There is  little diagnostic literature to support what distinguishes personality styles (personality), from personality disorders and much is left to clinical judgment.
215139
I have bipolar disorder. I am not a "manic depressive". I am defined by who I am not by a illness I have.\nIf I am silly or playful do not ask if I remembered my meds, I am not out of control.\nI deserve to be treated like the guy you knew before I told you I had bipolar disorder.
626497
I have Bipolar Disorder and Borederline Personality Disorder. You have to be nice and be very supported to our mental health prolbems. It helps my family to take me to talk to somebody like every other week. Just read up on the disorders. And make sure he takes his meds. I once got off mine meds for 4 or 5 days and it made me sick.