The Basics of Borderline Personality Disorder
By: Christine Hammond LMHC
A person with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) has an
intense fear of abandonment, demonstrates dangerous and impulsive behaviors,
has unstable personal relationships, and experiences extreme emotions. They can
have severe depression, anger, anxiety or rage followed by substance abuse and
self-harming behaviors. Yet, they can be the most passionate loving people who
are highly sensitive to their moods and the moods of others.
Unfortunately there are some basic misperceptions about BPD
which contribute to misinformation and inaccurate diagnosis. Here are some
basic concepts.
Misdiagnosing:
Sadly, many people with BPD are often misdiagnosed as bi-polar which can be
successfully treated with medication. However, if a person actually has BPD and
is given bi-polar medication, the result can be disastrous. After a period of
time, mood swings are more not less exaggerated, self-harming behavior might
increase, and even thoughts of suicide escalate.
Similarities:
The reason for the confusion between the two disorders is because they do share
some distinguishing characteristics. The mood swings tend to oscillate between
the two extremes of manic and depressed or love and hate. However, bi-polar
mood swings seem to be unrelated to circumstances and can often be charted.
Whereas a BPD mood swing seems to be very much related to present
circumstances. Other similarities include self-harming behavior, addictive
tendencies, and heightened anxiety.
Differences:
One of the best tools for determining the difference between BPD and bi-polar
is the sleep patterns. People with bi-polar have very erratic sleep behavior.
During the manic phase of bi-polar, some are able to stay up for days. While
during the depression phase, they sleep for 10-15 hours per day. A person with
BPD may have poor sleep habits but they are not consistent with the mood
swings.
Accurate diagnosis:
Generally speaking, people with BPD tend to be highly self-aware. A simple read
of the signs and symptoms of BPD in the DSM-5 is often evidence enough. Most
are open about their self-harming tendencies and have a genuine desire not to
continue to engage in that behavior. However, they usually don’t talk openly
about the dissociative symptoms until it is identified. Many with BPD are
unaware that this is a key indicator in diagnosing.
Underlying fear:
The fear of abandonment is pervasive in people with BPD. This is frequently the
driving force in their intense reactions. Vincent Van Gogh who is known for his
post-impressionistic paintings in the late 1800’s was believed to have BPD. His
most famous painting is “Starry Night” which he painted while in an asylum in
France. He was hospitalized after he cut off part of his left ear because he
was distraught over the abandonment of his housemate and fellow painter, Paul
Gaugin. They had only been living together for about nine months.
Treatment:
People with BPD respond well to therapy when they find the right person and
treatment. Unfortunately it often takes several different therapists and
approaches before the right combination can be found. The reason therapy works
is mostly because of the client. A person with BPD doesn’t enjoy losing
relationships and is open to trying new techniques in order to improve their
connection with others.
Hospitalization:
It is not unusual for a person with BPD to have been hospitalized several times
due to self-harming behavior. However, short-term hospitalization is about
stability, not treatment. Often the best type of treatment is an in-patient
facility that specializes in BPD. Within this environment, techniques for
managing life on the outside can be learned, practiced and developed in a safe
accepting atmosphere.
Passion:
A quick glance at the 900 paintings Vincent Van Gogh generated in his short 11
year career reveals a person with a deep zealousness for beauty, expression,
and creativity. While his personal and professional life was a mess, his
paintings now hang in the best museums around the world. His ability to magnificently
express his emotions and thoughts through art are now legendary.
Too many times, the negative characteristics of BPD are
pointed out without bringing to light the positive traits. Understanding the
basics of the disorder helps to keep things in a better balance.
To schedule an appointment with Christine Hammond, please
call our office at 407-647-7005.
