General Bpd Via Ptsd

[the8track]

I searched for this on the forum but had a hard time finding anything on this issue.

How common is the correlation between Borderline Personality Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

How often do you see symptoms of this exhibited in your partner?

Do you consider it as an actual personality disorder or a collection of bad trauma coping skills?

As for me, I started searching BPD when I found myself curious as to why my former partner was constantly projecting (to extremely irrational levels) her own guilt and fears onto me. I researched the disorder more and found almost line by line it fit a part of my scenario. I started to think about how common the scenario is where PTSD sufferers suddenly flip on their carers and it seems like there is a correlation.

Thoughts?

 

[BigBear]

I had it suggested to me that BPD in a parent had been a contributing factor in the PTSD of the child. According to what I've heard BPD (in extreme cases) can be very traumatizing to those around them.

Bear

 

[MurphyJB]

My fiancé was diagnoses with BPD a couple years after his PTSD diagnosis.
I definitely see it as being part of his PTSD..
I notice it everyday...even if it's just a little bit...it's always there.

 

[aquabee65]

I feel the two conditions are inter-related and I feel that PTSD triggers BPD, assuming there is a predisposition in his family background. As there are family on both sides who are or have been considered high strung, moody, depressed and suicidal; in my case it was easier to slap bipolar on me than dig any deeper. I was put in on low dose Wellbutrin which in my mind, in retrospect, just kept me in this mix state of WTF... I never bought into the idea that I was bipolar, and if anything I feel I wouldn't have been diagnosed as such if it wasn't for the childhood sexual/emotional abuse that I feel contributed to it coming out so to speak.

I was also put on epival, olanzapene, topamax,effexor, ativan a variety of mood stabilizers/sedatives that just made me feel funky or off, granted I was always kept on low doses, given I am hyper sensitive to most meds. I have been treated for GAD and unipolar depression, and half assed attempts to stabilize my moods. I sleep on 25mg of Seroquel, of any drug in the lot it was the one that kept me from doing myself in because I get a decent night's sleep on it. So doctors will be quicker to label you bipolar because its CHEAPER for them. Less time spent looking into a person's background and the questionnaire is worded so that anyone could be deemed bipolar, considering we all have a certain level of mania is our personalities. That's how we get things done. PTSD diagnosis, like BPD usually exists comorbidly, as I also have obsessive tendencies and DID when things get out of hand or I need to protect myself from people. I morph subtly into a version of me that works. I used to call myself adaptable, but to be honest I feel like I have two or three versions of me working in concert and at times, at odds with myself. Thus quitting jobs, lying, going on trips, spending money, projecting a very confident version of myself and then other times just wanting to be left alone. Socially I have very few friends and tend to alienate them at times, given my moods. I see a number of conditions that like to hang out together, PTSD, BPD, DID, OCD, as they tend to feed each other or show up as dysfunctional coping mechanisms. Considering I always felt myself to be adaptive and have had a history of trauma follow me into adulthood, hypervigilance, hyperarousal and paranoia also fill in the blanks too. Amazing the power of our minds. Some thoughts...

 

[the8track]

I'm glad there is some agreement on here about the legitimacy of BPD. I spent a lot of time studying this and it's intriguing how much lack of consensus there is about this disorder. Some people do not acknowledge it exists, some therapists won't treat it, and other people view it like a hopeless mental illness.

Murphy, how do effectively live with someone like that? To me, that whole common relationship scenario where a PTSD sufferer "becomes someone else" is evidence of BPD. In all the cases that I've read about, it's essentially impossible to have a long term relationship with a borderline. Once they've split and gone from idealizing you to despising you, how do you manage?

Deborah, I've seen many cases of bipolar disorder being used as a blanket diagnosis for other mental or personality disorders. It covers all the highs and lows manifested in other mental illnesses so it's easy to throw out there. I've read many cases of borderlines being initially misdiagnosed as bipolar.

How did you react to the diagnosis of "BPD"? From what I've read and experienced, telling someone they have BPD is almost nearly as impossible as confronting a Bipolar while in their manic period.

At least in my experience with someone who shows huge traits of BPD, there was no adaptability in her personality but moreso her rational. It was about whatever mood or statement could keep her from accepting any guilt. Once things are confronted with facts, more lies and projections are added to cover up the previous ones. To the point of some of the most outlandish contradictions being given. Whatever keeps the victim status secure. It had me scratching my head hardcore why someone could be so irrational and yet not exhibit signs of bipolar.

You're right, it's a funky thing our heads can do. Your brain literally decides to use emotions and reasoning as a deflector. However it can twist reality in a way to keep you from feeling the hurt/trauma that it doesn't think you're able to handle.

 

[anthony]

A person who has BPD has had it during growing up, teenage years, etc. If the traits weren't present prior to adulthood, then it is very unlikely BPD is present.

BPD is not like multiple personalities... though it can be extremely difficult to live with someone who is BPD. Those with BPD will experience rapid and unpredictable changes in their thoughts, moods, behaviours, relationships and beliefs. It is the one disorder that will typically not last long upon this forum, as the person becomes to much of a distraction to other members... unless well medicated for it and actively being treated. BPD can be completely healed...

 

[aquabee65]

I possess the traits, on a low level, of someone with borderline personality disorder or dissociative disorder, this for the sake of not getting mixed up with BD, bipolar disorder. Sorry, getting a bunch of abbreviation mixed up. I didn't really react to a diagnosis that I felt was indicative of my ability to cope with limited resources at hand for years. Many children and young adults have gone through a lot in life, I guess who it acutely affects and how those individuals process these events is what sets you up to being either a fully functioning adult or someone who self-sabotages as a result of how one was treated growing up. Add to that not everyone abused develops PTSD. It's a real crap shoot isn't it?

8Track asked about my reaction, I really didn't react, it didn't come as any surprise to me. At this time in my life I am trying to avoid sticking labels on myself. We tend to turn ourselves into something "clinical," quick to slap a label on something that I feel is a normal reaction to abnormal/dysfunctional/abusive childhood. Normal is abnormal as we develop the closest thing to a coping mechanism we can when we are young. Given we are not emotionally equipped to process things that happen to us, we only use what we have at our disposal. Imaginary friends, alter egos, extreme shyness, inappropriate attention getting, pick one or pick them all.

I have concluded that my personality isn't set up to support a long term relationship. I have had many "relationships" that normally didn't last more than two or three months. Those lasting longer, surprisingly or not, were with people like myself. Upon discovering that I had emotional or psychological things in common with this person, it made sense that we were readily attracted to each other. Many formalities get skipped with certain people you run into. I used to joke about meeting fellow tribe members with the other person, and in turn this was our passport to fast track a relationship to intimacy within hours.

That was my way of saying things happened to you like they have to me, that is why we feel an intrinsic, underlying connection. Didn't make it any more healthy, but there were some literally "high" moments being with these people. Bipolar or otherwise, if we don't process the past and in many cases decide to let it go, you can't change it we are bound to repeat the emotion state given our life long familiarity with it. You also have to look at it from the vantage point of not wanting to re-trigger emotional or physiological memories through seeking out, subconsciously or not, relationships with someone who has the capacity to abuse you, mentally or otherwise.

I am at a juncture in my adult life where I am giving things up. Emotional preconceived notions that I will live happily ever after; there is no room for that given I haven't met someone who would be happily ever after material. AND IT"S OKAY! Buddha says Life is Hard. It is, once you decide to live a fully authentic life with the resources you have at hand, it's part of the rest of life's journey to decide what form of happiness or semi-contentment could work at this point. I am not a victim, I am not a survivor. I am me and have made it to this point. One day at a time, as the AA mantra says.

That was all pretty deep stuff.

 

[Debi]

In diagnosing just this past year the psychitrists place me between BPD and DID. My only concern is not the label itself but I NEED to be depended on by my children and grandchildren.

I am gradually letting go of that NEED. I am still trying to wrap my head around it all.

It was my 32 year old daughter that introduced me to DID. I looked it up and was not able to recognize it for myself. It was after this that I recieved the consideration of BPD and DID.

I did not continue treatment. The treatment was CBT. I absolutely could not think my way through the treatment. I was in very bad shape at this time.

I do believe it developed in childhood. I have absolute memories of when I would endure abuse and could seperate myself from the physical pain. There are stories that the family tells of beatings that I could endure without shedding a tear. ( I was not present.)

The incident where I was held in a chair by my mother and others; in my opinion , took this BPD/DID to a whole new level.

I truly believe this is why I have no connection with "who I am" today. In my case I believe that I would not need the borderline personality or the dissociative identity if it were not for the abuse. In my opinion these disorders saved my life. (Made a survivor of me)

My journey is to let go of it all. I feel anxiety of who I will discover beneath it all. I feel love for her (my unknown self). This is my passion for moving forward. This deep passion extends to everyone who thinks they are unseen or un noticed. I love (this meaning I long for your freedom as well as my own) you all. My fellow soldiers. God Bless

 

[anthony]

I was reading a piece on BPD last night, and they stated it took them (group of physicians) 8 years of weekly and bi-weekly group sessions, to remove BPD from the participants.

Any type of complex trauma is treated in this order, including personality disorders:

1. Emotion regulation
2. Trauma work
3. Exposure exercises

CBT is the correct umbrella for complex trauma, but there are differences in the actual approach.

 

[ISupportHer]

I bought a book about "Walking on Eggshells" that was aimed at the supporters of those with borderline. (Sometimes I see BPD uses for bipolar too though). The basic consepts translate well though. Can get the exact title if you want.

ISH

 

[Debi]

Made an appointment to begin EMDR treatment. Never heard of it until coming to this site. The BPD/DID are major concerns for me. I truly believe with 100% commitment to the treatment I will be able to bring ALL of me to a place of wholeness. Thank you for all the support I have found here. Anthony, it is amazing the information that you find and share. My story is not worth telling if I can not offer the support you give.