Having Both PTSD Borderline Personality Disorder

Having Both PTSD Borderline Personality Disorder PTSD Related Conditions Print Having Both PTSD Borderline Personality Disorder By Matthew Tull, PhD twitter Matthew Tull, PhD is a professor of psychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn about our editorial policy Matthew Tull, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on November 24, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD on November 24, 2019 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes & Risk Factors Treatment Living With In Children What are the consequences of being diagnosied with both BPD and PTSD?. Istockphoto.com/Stock Photo ©KatarzynaBialasiecwicz In This Article Table of Contents Expand PTSD and BPD  Co-Occurrence Symptoms BPD Diagnosis Treatment View All What are the consequences of having both borderline personality disorder (BPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? What should this mean with regard to treatment? PTSD and BPD  Co-Occurrence PTSD and borderline personality disorder (BPD) have been found to commonly co-occur. In fact, it has been found that anywhere between 25 and approximately 60 percent of people with BPD also have PTSDâ€"a rate much higher than what is seen in the general population. Why are these two disorders so interrelated? BPD and PTSD have both been found to stem from the experience of traumatic events.?? The thoughts, feelings, and behaviors seen in BPD are often the results of childhood traumas. These childhood traumas may also place a person at risk for developing PTSD. In fact, people with both BPD and PTSD report the earlier experience of trauma as compared to people with just PTSD. The impulsive behaviors and unstable relationships are seen among people with BPD may also place a person at greater risk of experiencing a traumatic event such as a motor vehicle accident, physical assault or sexual assault. Finally, the symptoms of PTSD and BPD also overlap. For example, individuals with PTSD may have difficulties managing their emotions. Therefore, they may experience intense feelings and have constant mood swings. They may also experience problems with anger. People with PTSD, especially those who lost a loved one, may also begin to fear abandonment. It is not only BPD, however;  PTSD is associated with several different personality disorders.?? Symptoms A number of studies have looked at the physical and psychological consequences of having both PTSD and BPD. It has generally been found that people with both diagnoses experience more psychological and physical difficulties, including, for example: Overall general distressOther psychiatric disordersDepressionAnxietyObsessive-compulsive symptomsWorse perceived healthImpulsivitySuicidal thoughtsMore hospitalizationsAnger problemsDissociationInterpersonal problems As noted above, there are many consequences of experiencing both PTSD and BPD together, but researchers have looked a little deeper at those with BPD alone vs those with BPD complicated by PTSD. PTSD aggravates some, but certainly not all symptoms of BPD. Symptoms that are most aggravated most by the addition of PTSD include affect dysregulation, intrusions, dissociation, suicide attempts, and self-mutilation.?? Of these, dissociation may be at least partly related to underlying childhood sexual abuse as a risk factor in both disorders. BPD Diagnosis BPD is part of a group of mental disorders that are referred to as personality disorders by the  5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders  (DSM-5). According to the DSM-V, personality disorders represent a long-standing pattern of problematic behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that often start in adolescence or early adulthood.?? BPD is made up of the following symptoms: Persistent and extreme efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment by othersA pattern of unstable, intense, and stormy relationships where the person may frequently shift between idealizing and devaluing their partnerProblems with identity, self-image or a sense of who one really isBeing impulsive in ways that are problematic or damaging (for example, engaging in substance use, sexual promiscuity, reckless driving, binge eating, etc.)Recurring  suicidal acts or threats, or  deliberate self-harm.Frequent and intense mood swingsConstant feelings of emptinessThe intense experience of anger and/or difficulties controlling angerParanoia or  dissociation  that comes and goes as a result of experiencing stress?? To receive a diagnosis of BPD, you need to exhibit at least 5 of these symptoms. Of course, as with all mental disorders, only a mental health professional can provide a diagnosis of BPD. Treatment There are a number of effective treatments available for PTSD. Seeking out treatment for BPD, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) may also help reduce PTSD symptoms and address BPD symptoms. Many of the skills taught in DBT (for example, emotion regulation, being effective in interpersonal relationships) may address some of the problems seen among people with PTSD.?? Finally, there are some good self-help resources available for BPD as well that may help with both disorders. A Word From Verywell BPD and PTSD are related in several ways. Seeing that the consequences with regard to many of these symptoms are amplified by the co-diagnosis, it is important for those suffering from the combination of conditions to seek out help. The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs of 2020