Whats Borderline Personality Disorder like?

Question

I feel so cheated sometimes things are definitely not easy you know. Well my wife was originally supposed to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She was then found to have borderline personality disorder instead. What do I do? How is my life going to be because of this disorder? How can I help her and myself?

Answer 1

The diagnosis should not significantly change the symptoms, which I assume you've already been living with. Just chill out, and when she flips out or acts batty, at least you know why.

Answer 2

I have several friends with this disorder.  I posted the link below & the definition according to wikipedia.org & I think it's pretty good info.  Hope it helps:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borderline_...

Borderline personality disorder (BPD), DSM-IV Personality Disorders 301.83,[1] is a psychiatric diagnosis, a diagnostic category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (published by the American Psychiatric Association) that describes a long-term disturbance of personality function characterized by depth and variability of moods.[2] It is one of four related diagnoses classified as cluster B ("dramatic-erratic") personality disorders typified by disturbances in impulse control and emotional dysregulation, the others being narcissistic, histrionic, and antisocial personality disorders.

Disturbances suffered by those with borderline personality disorder are wide-ranging. The general profile of the disorder typically includes a pervasive instability in mood; extreme "black and white" thinking, or "splitting"; chaotic and unstable interpersonal relationships, self-image, identity, and behavior; as well as a disturbance in the individual's sense of self. In extreme cases, this disturbance in the sense of self can lead to periods of dissociation.[3] These disturbances have a pervasive negative impact on many or all of the psychosocial facets of life. This includes the inability to maintain relationships in work, home, and social settings. Common comorbid conditions are Axis I disorders such as substance abuse, depression and other mood disorders. Attempted suicide and completed suicide are possible outcomes without proper care and effective therapy.[4] Onset of symptoms typically occurs during adolescence or young adulthood, which persist for about a decade; while this period can be trying on the patient, their support system and their therapists, the majority of cases lessen in severity over time.[4]

As with other mental disorders, the causes of BPD are complex and unknown.[5] One finding in the search for causation in the disorder is a history of childhood trauma (possibly child sexual abuse),[6] although other researchers have suggested diverse possible causes, such as a genetic predisposition, neurobiological factors, environmental factors or brain abnormalities.[5] Neurobiological research has highlighted some abnormalities in serotonin metabolism. The incidence of BPD has been calculated as 1 to 3 percent of the American adult population.[5] Alternatively, it has been calculated as 2 percent of the population composed mostly of young women and accounts for 20 percent of psychiatric hospitalizations.[7]

The mainstay of treatment are various forms of psychotherapy. In general, medication and talk therapy are methods of treating borderline personality disorder.[citation needed]

The term borderline, although it was used as early as the 17th century to describe this condition, was employed by Adolph Stern in 1938 to describe a condition as being on the borderline between neurosis and psychosis. Because the term no longer reflects current thinking, there is an ongoing debate concerning whether this disorder should be renamed.[5]

Borderline personality disorder is frequently comorbid with other psychological disorders, particularly the Cluster-B personality disorders.

Answer 3

Immediately find a DBT class and Therapist.

You will be very glad you did.

This is a good treatment for this disorder.  I really admire that you want to help her so much.  She will need it.

Remember

1. She can't help it (but will learn)

2. This is treatable and she can overcome this horrible disease.

3. Don't give up!

You asked what DBT feels like, you should ask your wife.  Many people don't like the term Borderline because of the stigma attached.  Until she learns some skills, Validate her feelings as much as possible and learn all you can until she can start to validate herself and control her intense emotional reactions.

To find a therapist, you can use google or call local clinics and or hospitals.