You may not be familiar with Borderline Personality Disorder, but two percent of American adults suffer from this condition. mental.healthguru.com
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This type of disorder condition is seen often equally in both women and men also. Borderline disorder can start earlier in life, but most of the time it is demonstrated fully as people get older. Individuals who have this type of disorder are often more likely to get in and get out of relationships; too afraid to be abandoned. As soon as they are into any relationship they become more controlling and may not want to let go. They are said to be indiscriminate in their sexual activities. They find themselves in a vicious cycle of love and hate relationship, which is their allusion of being in love, even though they are the ones who will quickly abandon the relationship without any apparent reasons. Those who suffer from this condition often will look for acceptance from others to make them feel wanted and complete.

A combination of manic-depression moods and borderline personality disorder is bipolar borderline personality disorder. It is not uncommon case once a person is already diagnosed with any or all of these disorders. Borderline personality disorder is mostly distinguished with manic depressive episodes including some similar signs or symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Often, it is hard to deal with individuals who have this type of personality disorder because they can also be aggressive and manipulative. One in every fifthly person in America is diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and sometimes even more. The causes of this disorder called bipolar borderline personality disorder is not quite well known; but some believe that genetic factors and the environment may be to blame as the reason.

Most people who suffer from Borderline Disorder are said to have been molested or abused as children. Neglected or abandoned by parents or caregiver. Most researches indicates their vulnerability to stresses of the environment in their earlier lives when there were younger, helpless, and unable to control what is happening to them. The unhappy earlier life or memory of abuse are often factors which will lead to making bad judgments as a grown-up when it comes to making life decisions like choosing life partner for example.

Bipolar Borderline Personality Disorder as most other types of mental disorder conditions are often emanated from mania or depression. And like most depression disorder, this type of disorder is often treated with mood stabilizing drugs or antidepressants. Also, people with this type of condition are treated with psychotherapy or talk-therapies to help see if they can self analyze themselves on emotional level. This type of treatment involves one on one therapy with the psychotherapist to build a solid relationship. Bipolar can occur time after time, or even get worse over time, and this is one reason proper treatment with therapies and medication are very crucial. In most case, individuals who suffer from borderline disorders are treated more imperiously with anti-psychotic medications which are intended to help them from injuring themselves or even commit suicide.

I was doing some reading online yesterday and came across Borderline Personality Disorder. I fit the description perfectly with the anger, unstable relationships, and impulsive behavior. I also fit all of the risk factors that were listed. My doctor isn’t the easiest to talk to… so I don’t even know how I would bring this up to him.

Is it possible that I was misdiagnosed? I’ve had an episode of mania, but the symptoms fit BPD more than Bipolar.

Best answer:

Answer by enasninsane
*Sigh*… A personality disorder is a blanket term for which bipolar disorder falls under. Much like there are many different types of cheese, but they are all cheese… OK?

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

It seems like an interesting thing to research.

I’ve been dating this guy for about 14 months on and off now. He has bipolar type 2 and was just diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. In the beginning of our relationship he was basically fine and did not tell me about the bipolar, but after about 2 months and me already falling hard for him, he finally told me when he started getting low again. I never did any research, which was just plain stupid of me, but I have been doing a lot lately on the BPD and bipolar since he told me about the BPD. He has disappeared many times because he says he wanted to protect me. He is not verbally abusive in anyway, as I hear many are with bipolar. He is very sweet, thoughtful, loving, and really just wonderful! He’s very smart and mature and often selfless, he is very honest, does not cheat, does not beg me to stay-if anything, he’s often trying to get me to go because he thinks I deserve better.

He has very low lows and not very high highs I am very much in love with him and he loves me to, but he is constantly trying to protect me from him, not letting me see his lows. Now that I’ve read up on the BPD, I think there’s more to it, though. I think he is afraid to trust me and he is afraid to let me all the way in because of his abandonment issues. Plus I believe he is ashamed to really open up to me and tell me the total truth. I am so transparent, though! I am so open about my emotions and what I’m thinking. I’ve told him many times that unless he truly doesn’t want me anymore, I want to be with him-that I won’t just run one day! I’m tough! I’ve been through many things in my life that I think have prepared me better than most for a relationship with him. I’ve felt a lot of what he is feeling in lesser forms. I understand how it feels to hate myself, hate my life, feel like a burden, feel unworthy, be insecure, etc. I know how it feels to not want to get out of bed in the morning. But I believe a part of him thinks I cannot handle it. I look young for my age-I’m 26 and look 17 with the voice of a 12 year old-I’m not exagerating. And he’s told me that he often feels like he should be taking care of me (he’s 31)-like I need to be cared for, which is soooo far from the truth. I may look young and innocent, but I am not. I am not some naive girl who has no clue what she’s getting herself into witth him. And I’ve lost enough in my liffe to know when there is something truly worth holding onto-he is worth it. He is honestly just amazing! And what we have-the chemistry, the bond, everything-is just too good to turn my back on because it can get hard sometimes.

The hardest part about our relationship for me is the fact that he will not fully open up to me and let me see his lows-when he disappears, it tears me apart. It’d be different if I knew he didn’t love me, too, but I know he does and he’s doing it for reasons that are incorrect-I don’t need protection, he is not a burden, I will not abandon him, he can totally trust me, I can handle this, and I am not naive or ignorant. After my research (still researching-not done yet and as long as he’ll have me, I’ll never be done), I am more convinced than ever that I am strong enough for this and he can trust me.

But how do I gain his trust? How do I show him that I deserve his trust? And how can I help him? Is there anything I can do at all to help ease some of his pain? Is just being there enough-just cuddling in bed with him on his bad days?

He just told me to not wait for a response-to just show up because he’s always happy to have me there. And I just read from someone with bipolar to not wait for him to call-to just go to him and be with him. That it’s a comfort to have someone youu care about be willing to stay with you during such a hard time. Is this true? I’m insecure myself, so the idea of showing up there uninvited and him rejecting me scares me because I love him so much! I’m afraid he’ll reject me to spare me-not because he doesn’t really love me or want me there-but I also know that a peice of me will believe that he doesn’t want me there. I have a few of my own issues with being insecure that I think get in the way sometimes.

I know you can only answer from what you’ve experienced and learned. I know every situation is different and every person is different. I know you can’t give me definite answers. I’m asking for advice, some guidance, a little of your own story and experience, something…I need something right now. If you have bipolar and/or BPD, I’d appreciate an answer from you too of course! He was just gone for 3 weeks, then we had an amazing day and now I haven’t heard from him for almost 2 days and I’m scared he’s going again. I feel like

I’ve just gotten the diagnosis. I found it comforting when I was diagnosed with bipolar (about six years ago) to know that successful people like Lewis Carroll (sp?) and Meriweather Lewis (of the Lewis & Clark Expedition) had the disorder. I am hoping that hearing of others who have had BPD and led successful lives will help me move forward in recovery.

what is the main difference?
it seems like we have a lot of things in common

If you’ve ever tried them, how do recreational drugs (in particular coke, E, and weed) affect you when you have Borderline/Bipolar? It must be different than for people that don’t have BDP/BPD.

Have you ever been in a relationship you didn’t want to be in, or push away a relationship that you DID want to be in?

How do your emotions fluctuate? Are you depressed? Do you have bouts of anger?

If so, do you REGRET your rage towards others afterwards?

Just tell me your experiences with BDP/BPD. I’m trying to understand these disorders better.
And assuming you are medicated, how would your experiences be different if you were unmedicated?
To myrattietinker:

I do not have BPD or BDP, but I had a friend that is strongly suspected of having borderline, and I am trying my best to understand it…for many personal reasons of my own.

So you have borderline…and you say you get angry but its to avoid other feelings? Is this just you, or is that a common feeling for all borderline people? if you could elaborate on that that would be great.

My friend also told me once that she is afraid of rejection, so what you said there also hit home. She also deals with depression.

Also…I was talking to one of my friends who has been diagnosed with Borderline, and she told me that she pushes people away, and if they leave, then she sees them as not caring for her. She told me that borderline people see things in black-and-white. Is this true for you, too?

And have you ever pushed away all your friends? And if so, why? or if you haven’t, could you give me insight into why someone with borderline would do that?

Thanks.

Right this very second I’m in such a bad low depressive state that I have spent minutes off and on thinking about dying!! how nice it would be to get rid of this horrible dark crappy feeling and to get away from this state of mind. Thinking logically, all I want to do is curl up in my warm bed and sleep for ever! in other words die. This is how I feel right now, this day, this second, nice! and for some of you it will seem like I’m reading your mind where as for others I guess they wont have a clue what I’m talking about and will jump to the conclusion that I’m stupid or mad! yet I have a gift as such. Once you have this Bipolar disorder or mood disorder, you are able to understand many other people but sadly some people with never understand you, something I have experienced in my past.

Work is on my mind as once coming down I begin to hate what I do. The boss has no idea how to deal with me as a normal guy let alone having this to deal with. His fault? Well his wife has depression so yes you would think so but I cant hold my mental illness against him. I hate the words “mental illness” as its so umm mental!!  Not one person would raise an eyebrow at a guy with a broken leg or arm but say the magic words “mental illness” and lots of people get so worried and may even avoid you, yet I think I have more people skills and care for others than most! in my opinion.

I feel isolated and very very alone but in one way I need this as When your depression is bad you can’t face the world. I have had to go out for food as supplies were low, only to feel so bad while in a large food store that I left my trolley half full of food and walked out. Friends don’t really know what to do and I don’t want to afflict it on to them, but I so wish they could see the signs and not fall into saying all the wrong things to me that just winds me up and make me sink to an even further depth of crappy state.

Manic depression is a large issue for many people suffering with its conditions. Being depressed is bad enough and I mean real depression, not these people just saying they feel depressed as the rabbit has died!! There is no cause that the medical world can agree on other than it could be in the genes or a physical brain problem. There are trigger points that can bring this  on and these can be little things such as an argument with somebody or frustration. I last three years as a rule with an employer as after this time I get so frustrated with how things are done or not done or not being heard, that It starts my depression off. If you have an understanding employer! they could help, but sadly this is rare.

It does make me laugh and make me some what angry when I hear the words “I’m so depressed” when a person has just lost a £10 bet or broken a nail or has had a large bill from the garage!! Stop using this word “Depression” in the wrong place! You will get over it and dam quick I would think. There is organic and inorganic depression I think, organic being when you are born with it or develop it in time, where as inorganic is when you lose your wallet or the like. DONT use the word depression in this manner as it is so far from the real thing.

I know of a few people that suffer with depression other than myself and it is no joke, it takes over your mind and being and even knowing it will pass in time, it still makes you want to die! while your going through it.

Mania

Me though, I don’t just get the down side, oh no, I get to swing right up the other end with Mania!! oh yes a double bloody whammy of ups and downs and up and over and bloody down again! And this is when you are trying to work your job and enjoy friends and hold down a relationship! Still single at 41 and I cant see any girl wanting to manage a guy like me with emotional baggage! Can you? Even though I’m liked by many I just cant let anyone in as I feel my bipolar will drive them away at some point.

Bi-polar (Manic Depression) or any mood disorder is a thorn in anyone’s side and it has caused no end of emotional pain in my life since I was about 16, so I have been told by doctors. This explains why I think the way I do and why so many people get right on my nerves with the way they behave!! let me swap with you please….

Yes I’m well and truly in my depressive cycle so I had to take a week off work using holiday, no sick time left that is paid for and that is all my holiday gone now. Great way to spend it !! staying home wanting to die!! such fun I have I tell you its amazing… But even as I just wrote that line and am feeling sorry for myself, in popped the kids and wives of the dead British Army guys being repatriated at Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire. Now that makes me feel bad for feeling bad! Shall I sink lower………. arse bloody biscuits I hate this,where is the bloody sharp knife gone… ok ok will have a cuppa first. I have to joke for my sanity.

So there is a very very very small in site into how just the depressive nature of Bi-polar gets you. The Manic side is no better as it got me bankrupt, homeless and I lost friends and upset my closest family. I have had lots of sexual partners! So some sort of upside I guess some of you may think but Nah, not really when its just empty lust driven by the mania. Love is what we need but its hard to find.

Anyway next week I will be talking about my left buttock! Don’t miss out on the beauty Till then chin up and if you have depression right now like myself, just jump off a bridge or watch eastenders for a night!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh the thought of that… yes It was a joke about the bridge. Not funny to most but for me its a dig at how I feel.

On a positive note I’m trying different things to help these moods. Walking along my local river bank is great, fresh air and beautiful views helps me focus. I’m really excited about and have gotten into hypnotherapy in a few ways. Looking at the “Brain evolution system” and others, I will write more on it once I think its working.

This is a 15 min free download that I think is really good. Get some help.

click here for help

Mood swings such as anxiety, depression and violent flare ups are experienced in both patients with Borderline Personality Disorder and those with Bipolar. With Bipolar patients these symptoms can last weeks or months in a cycle, whilst in Borderline Personality Disorder it may only last a few hours or a day.

With Borderline Personality Disorder, a patient can reach periods where they they do not know what their likes and dislikes are, who they are as a person or their personal preferences. Their long term goals may change quite often, and trying to stick to one activity becomes difficult. They act on impulse with overeating, shopping sprees and may indulge in sexual liaisons with strangers. Mania is also present in bipolar patients.

Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder also experience emptiness, feelings of being misunderstood or mistreated and worthlessness; much like the symptoms felt in depression of patients with Bipolar.

In terms of relationships, a patient with Borderline Personality Disorder will have extremes of being totally besotted or hating someone with a passion. One minute they will be in love, then a small upset or conflict will instantly make them hate that person. If they fear being abandoned, the patient gets depressed, feels rejection and may threaten suicide. Bipolar patients also have these issues when it comes to relationships.

Treatments for both disorders are also similar. A psychiatrist will prescribe both medication and therapy, the preferred choice. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy was originally developed in patients with Borderline Personality Disorder, but found to be successful for Bipolar patients. There are various medications for both mental illnesses which have been to achieve good results.

There is little known about both illnesses which are thought to be either genetic or due to the environment. Research shows that the nature of Bipolar is more biological and hereditary, whereas Borderline Personality Disorder is due more to the stimuli of the environment and situations.

These similarities show that either illness is difficult to distinguish and diagnose, for doctors and psychologists, too. Anyone who is suffering from these symptoms should medical or professional advice for the correct diagnosis and treatment. Self diagnosis is not the best way to go about treating your symptoms especially with Bipolar and Borderline Personality Disorder. A psychiatrist or psychologist is the best person to advise you in order for successful treatment to be prescribed, and give you the best chance for managing your mental illness for a better future.

Borderline personality disorder is actually less common and less known than bipolar. Borderline personality disorder accounts for only about twenty percent of hospitalizations for mental illness each year, while bipolar accounts for about fifty percent of hospitalizations. Borderline personality disorder is most common in young women, whereas bipolar is equally common in both men and women, as well as all age groups.

Borderline personality disorder and bipolar patients both experience mood swings that may involve violent outbursts, depression, or anxiety. However, while bipolar patients typically cycle through these moods over a period of weeks or months, borderline personality disorder patients may have bursts of these moods lasting only a few hours or a day.

Borderline personality disorder patients also undergo periods of having no idea who they are in terms of personality, likes, dislikes, and preferences. They may change long term goals frequently, and have trouble sticking to any one activity. Acting with impulsiveness, going on major unaffordable shopping sprees, excessive eating, or engaging in risky sexual relationships can also be experienced. These are also symptoms of mania in bipolar patients.

Borderline personality disorder patients may also undergo periods of worthlessness, feeling mistreated or misunderstood, and emptiness. These symptoms coincide with symptoms of depression in bipolar patients.

Another symptom of borderline personality disorder involves how they deal with relationships. Relationships are often viewed in extremes. Either the patient is totally in love or hates with a passion. A patient may be completely in love one minute, then hate someone totally due to a small conflict or situation. Fears of abandonment often lead to suicide threats, rejection, and depression in the patient. These relationship issues can also be found in bipolar patients.

Treatments of borderline personality disorder and bipolar are also similar. A combination of therapy and medication is typically preferred by the psychiatrist. Cognitive behavioral therapy, while successfully implemented with bipolar patients, was originally developed for use with borderline personality disorder. Various medications can also be prescribed for either mental illness with successful results.

Like bipolar disorder, little is known about the actual causes of borderline personality disorder. There is a lot of controversy about genetics versus environment in this area. However, it appears through research that, while bipolar is definitely hereditary and biological in nature, borderline personality disorder is more likely to be a result of environment and situational stimuli.

As you can see, many similarities exist between bipolar and borderline personality disorder. It can often be quite difficult to distinguish one illness from the other, even for doctors and psychologists. If you suffer any of the symptoms discussed here, it is important to obtain the assistance and diagnosis of a licensed professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of your symptoms. You should never attempt self diagnosis and treatment for symptoms such as those associated with bipolar and borderline personality disorder without the help of a psychiatrist or psychologist. Doing so may cause your symptoms to worsen, and make treatment less successful in the future.