BPD & Co-Occurring Disorders

Individuals with #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder are often more susceptible to other mental health disorders than individuals without #BPD. The reason for this isn't exactly known however, the disporder is an impairment of the brain that fuels high emotional reactions and impulsive behavior. So, it's not a huge wonder that it could lead to and be confused with other psychological problems.

It is all to common for the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder to be missed due to the similarities of other mental health conditions and co-occurring disorders. If not properly diagnosed, the proper treatment can't be given and successful remission not achieved.

These are some of the common co-occurring disorders:

• Anxiety & Panic Disorder - Anxiety occurs in about 90% of #Borderlines. The more extreme, Panic Disorder, occurs in about 50%. Panic disorder is having reoccurring unexpected panic attacks followed by the stress of when another will occur. These attacks occur seemingly out of no where which doesn't help with the concern of wondering when another may occur.

• PTST - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Occurs in 26% - 57% of Borderlines. This percentage is hard to determine precisely as their symptoms are very similar and around 50% of Borderlines have a history of trauma. See: BPD & C-PTSD

• Eating Disorders - Generally anorexia or Bulimia - Occurs in around 25% of Borderlines.

• ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Occurs in 30% - 60% of Borderlines. This percentage is hard to distinguish as the impulsivity and emotional instability of each disorder is so similar. One difference however is that BPD is more of a self destructive disorder and ADHD is more hyperactive. Impulsivity in Borderlines is more emotionally induced where as in ADHD it comes from the nervous system.

• Major Depressive Disorder & Dysthymia - Occurs in over 80% of Borderlines & around 40% will develop Dysthymia which is milder but long term form of depression lasting at least 2 years. A difference in #MajorDepressiveDisorder and Borderline Personality disorder is that in BPD the feelings are usually triggered by a current event. They can also be triggered by thoughts of loneliness or fear of abandonment. These systems generally don't last near as long in Borderlines as they do with Major Depression and tend to turn themselves around when the situation causing them changes.

• Bi-Polar Disorder - Occurs in about 10% of Borderlines. Bi-Polar is a combination of manic depressive disorder along with manic and hypomanic episodes. Manic being elevated, expansive or irritable moods lasting at least one week. Hypomanic being moderate or mildly elevated moods and higher energy levels lasting at least 4 days.

• Substance Abuse - Many Borderlines turn to drugs and or alcohol to numb their intense emotional pain. The relief however is short lived and the use of substances drastically worsens their already impaired logic and high emotional hyperactivity. In a need to feel relief from their emotions again and again, the repeated use can quickly turn into a very unhealthy addiction.

If you feel you are experiencing symptoms of any of these disorders you should seek help immediately from a licensed mental health professional or a primary care physician.

-Borderline Brooke