BPD and C-PTSD

There are quite a few similarities between the two, however, there are several clear differences.

Borderline Personality Disorder (#BPD) is very complex, and it affects each person differently. However, emotional instability, feelings of emptiness, poor sense of self, erratic behavior, and fear of abandonment are some of the common symptoms.

9 Symptoms of BPD

Cronic-PTSD symptoms include low self-worth, intense fear, shame, and sadness, as well as flashbacks to past trauma. Unlike #PTSD which is "fear" based, #CPTSD is "shame" based. It is believed to develop after long-term exposure to trauma; commonly diagnosed to those who survive childhood abuse, or domestic violence. It stems from the feeling of being unable to escape the trauma, heightened by dependency on the cause of it. (ex. parent, working partner, etc.)

Overlapping Symptoms

Individuals with either disorder struggle with their identity, "sense of self" and or low-self worth. It can show itself differently depending on the disorder as those with BPD struggle more with their "sense of self," and those with C-PTSD, struggle with a lower level of self-worth.

Both disorders usually share a traumatic past. This usually leads to a multitude of triggers that cause reactions such as anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, dissociation, and flashbacks.

Emotional distress is another shared symptom of #BPD and #CPTSD. Though it generally stems from a different source, the result is the same; just like in their struggles to develop healthy relationships.

Risk Factors For Developing BPD

Differences

Fear of Abandonment is prevalent in those with Borderline Personality Disorder but is very uncommon in those with C-PTSD. Individuals with C-PTSD have a more internalized fear in relationships. That fear being, that they are damaged and unlovable. They can even feel like they deserved the pain they've suffered and believe they are actually unworthy of love and happiness.

It's common for an individual with #CPTSD to steer away from interpersonal relationships altogether, out of fear. While someone with #BPD craves them.

Self-harm is rather common in #BPD, however, it's very rare in those with #CPTSD

Both disorders struggle with emotional regulation, however, Borderline's are more likely to have emotional outbursts such as crying or intense shows of anger. While those with C-PTSD are more likely to experience emotional numbing, or detachment.

Conclusion

Even with all the research and criteria available today, there are so many similarities and overlaps that it gets complicated distinguishing symptoms that are exclusive to one or a combination of multiple disorders. Furthermore, an individual can be dually diagnosed with #BPD and #CPTSD.

Thank you for sharing your time with me.. I hope you have a WONDERFUL day! -Borderline Brooke