Misdiagnosis with BPD Some of the symptoms of complex PTSD are very similar to those of borderline personality disorder (BPD), and not all professionals are aware of complex PTSD. As a result, some people are given a diagnosis of BPD or another personality disorder when complex PTSD fits their experiences more closely.
One such pairing is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Because of the overlap in symptoms and shared association with trauma, it's not uncommon for the symptoms of one to be mistaken for the other, or for one condition to be missed when someone has both.
It is common for someone with C-PTSD to avoid relationships out of fear, whereas a person with BPD is more likely to surround themselves with people in an attempt to banish any potential feelings of abandonment. For both those with C-PTSD and BPD, a common symptom is struggling with one's identity or self-concept.
The prognosis for cPTSD vs BPD varies from person to person. Some people may experience a full recovery with treatment, while others may continue to struggle with symptoms. cPTSD is more chronic than BPD and often requires long-term treatment.
One of the most common misdiagnoses for BPD is bipolar disorder. Both conditions have episodes of mood instability. When you have bipolar disorder, your mood may shift from depression to mania, in which you experience elation, elevated energy levels and a decreased need for sleep.
Not only is BPD one of the most painful mental illnesses, but it's also intensified by stigma and being misunderstood by others. Fortunately, borderline personality disorder is a treatable condition, and the pain doesn't have to be endless.
BPD Looks Like So Many Other Mental Health Conditions
However, when these other diagnoses are the focus of treatment, they can dominate professionals' attention, preventing any significant focus on the whole pattern of difficulties, resulting in missed diagnosis of BPD.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) commonly co-occur. Between 25% and 60% of people with BPD also have PTSD—a rate that is much higher than what is seen in the general population. Both BPD and PTSD are believed to stem from the experience of traumatic events.
Women with PTSD may be more likely than men with PTSD to: Be easily startled. Have more trouble feeling emotions or feel numb. Avoid things that remind them of the trauma.
Studies have shown a relationship between PTSD and antisocial personality disorder. Some studies have found that people with PTSD have higher rates of antisocial personality disorder than people without PTSD.
CPTSD and BPD are often mistaken for each other, due to their similar causes and symptoms. They also are frequently co-occurring conditions for each other, meaning that people with BPD can have CPTSD and vice versa.
The key difference between BPD and C-PTSD is that symptoms of BPD stem from an inconsistent self-concept and C-PTSD symptoms are provoked by external triggers. A person with C-PTSD may react to or avoid potential triggers with behaviors similar to those that are symptomatic of BPD.
Studies show that anywhere between 30 and 80 percent of people with BPD meet the criteria for a trauma-based disorder or report past trauma-related experiences.
People who trauma dump tend to have intense feelings, express emotion excessively and share indiscriminately. In some instances you could have an underlying problem such as borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression that affects your behavior.
PTSD Overview
However, the majority of people who experience a traumatic event do not go on to develop PTSD. PTSD is also considered a form of neurodivergence. However, this is an acquired neurodivergence (meaning it is situational and can be resolved through treatment).
There is also a high degree of overlap between PTSD and ADHD behaviors, including inattention, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and restlessness. Women with ADHD and BPD have been shown to have the highest levels of neglect in their histories. The presentations of ADHD and PTSD can be remarkably similar.
It is not uncommon for untreated PTSD to result in the use of or dependence on drugs and alcohol to cope with intense feelings of anxiety and depression. Addiction has its own negative long-term health outcomes and can lead to occupational, legal, physical, and relationship problems.
One reason that PTSD can be confused with generalized anxiety disorder is the intense anxiety you experience with both conditions. Intrusive thoughts and a tendency to feel angry or on edge are also fairly common with both.
Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better.
Identifying Episodes
Intense angry outbursts. Suicidal thoughts and self-harm behavior. Going to great lengths to feel something, then becoming increasingly avoidant and withdrawn. Paranoia, feeling as if there is someone out to get you.
Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), might be used to help reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety in people with PTSD. The common SSRIs prescribed include: fluoxetine (Prozac) paroxetine (Paxil)
Fear of Patients Lashing Out. Individuals with symptoms of BPD are particularly sensitive to perceived criticism. This increases the likelihood that they will feel attacked when a therapist attempts to offer suggestions or insights. This often leads to lashing out.
Because there is no easy method to diagnose BPD, the medical professional may become focused on particular symptoms and may come up with a diagnosis of a variety of similar conditions, which include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Personality disorders are chronic (long-term) dysfunctional behavior patterns that are inflexible, prevalent and lead to social issues and distress. Many people who live with borderline personality disorder don't know they have it and may not realize there's a healthier way to behave and relate to others.