i have BPD. what exactly is it?

Question

what is it and how do i deal with it? I just got diagnosed this week.

Answer 1

A personality disorder, in general, means that you have an enduring pattern of impulse control and maladaptive (much different from everyone else) cognition, affective, interpersonal functioning. Meaning that you have a different way of perceiving yourself and the world, your emotions may be more intense or unpredictable, you may have difficulty with relationships, and impulse control problems. The pattern is inflexible and pervasive accords most situations and environments. The pattern causes clinically significant distress and impairment in daily living. The pattern is long and stable, starting with young adulthood (although personality disorders cannot be diagnosed until after 18). Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in particular means that your pattern includes unstable relationships, impulsivity, and problems with self-image and emotion. You may engage in several behaviors or experience different emotions, including:
* Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment
* Pattern of unstable and intense relationships
* Identity disturbance and unstable self-image
* Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (spending, sex, reckless driving, etc)
* Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior
* Emotional instability
* Chronic feelings of emptiness
* Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger
* Occasional stress-related paranoia or dissociative symptoms

Of the people with Borderline Personality Disorder that I have met and worked with, I have noticed a couple of other behaviors, not included above, such as attention-seeking, catastrophizing, self-sustaining depression, and drug/alcohol abuse.
Personality Disorders are rarely diagnosed alone, usually there is also depression, bipolar, anxiety, or psychotic disorders present. Medication doesn't really help with BPD, because it is due to how you perceive and behave. If medication is prescribed, it is for the disorders listed above.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is designed specifically for the treatment of BPD.
"Clients receiving DBT were significantly less likely to drop out of therapy, were significantly less likely to engage in parasuicide, reported significantly fewer parasuicial behaviors and, when engaging in parasuicidal behaviors, had less medically severe behaviors. Further, clients receiving DBT were less likely to be hospitalized, had fewer days in hospital, and had higher scores on global and social adjustment." (reference below)
Here are some links on finding a DBT program, info on DBT, and info on Borderline Personality Disorder.

Answer 2

Bi Polar Depression, formerly called Manic depression is characterized by at least one manic episode characterized by any of these symptoms (1) decreased need for sleep, (2) grandiose delusions, (3) an increase in creativity, (4) thoughts racing through your head...to name a few. If your doctor has diagnosed this, s/he will likely have prescribed you some medications to treat the condition. The drug of choice is Lithium, but some doctors also use a drug called Valproate, or a mixture of anti-seizure medications such as Klonopin. Like all drugs, each of these has its own set of side effects and it is not uncommon with BPD for the doctor to have to change the combinations of medications to "tweak" the benefits for the patient. People with BPD can go on to live full and productive lives with medication and may possibly may never have another manic episode. It is very important to be completely honest with your doctor regarding how your medications are working so that you can get the best effect, and also not to go off your prescribed medications on your own.

Answer 3

The acronym BPD can stand for:

Barrels per day (aka b/d), a commonly used to show production of oil in a region or country using the Imperial measurement of a barrel.
Borderline Personality Disorder, a mental and psychiatric condition in which a person is emotionally unstable.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Bundle Project Development
Business Process Diagram
Boston Police Department
Baltimore Police Department

Answer 4

BPD? Do you mean BiPolar Disorder? If that is the case, it means you suffer from significant mood swings of manic, euphoric highs to depressing lows; there are a number of characteristics of bipolar - suicidal thoughts, getting little sleep, restlessness, anxiety, going on shopping sprees, rage; some bipolar could also suffer from hallucinations and/or delusions. Look into www.dbsalliance.org

Answer 5

BPD is probably an abbreviation for Bi-Polar Disorder. It is caused by a brain chemistry disorder and is treatable through the use of prescription medications. Don't let boneheads like Tom Cruise tell you that you can get by without medication here - see your doctor, get what you need, and be happy!

Answer 6

Bi-polar disorder is a diagnosis resulting from a chemical imbalance in the body which affects the way neuron transmitters function. Talk further with your physician(s), get reading material from them specific to their diagnosis of you. If necessary, get copy of test results they are using as basis of diagnosis and get a second opinion upfront, if you will feel more comfortable. If you have been diagnosed by an M.D., you may want a referral to a psychiatrist who specializes in this disorder, to work with your M.D. Why a psychiatrist? They are qualified as M.D. and can prescribe, as well as help you through the emotional flux you may be feeling as a result of the diagnosis, and through periods when medications may need to be adjusted, and/or take time to become effective in your system. This 'team' approach can be very helpful, in that both doctors will have the same information and give you a broader-based support system. Friends, family, and strangers on the internet cannot help you. Any research you do independantly, should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor(s), to ensure a better understanding of what you are reading. Also inquire about any dietary changes they may recommend, to enhance your general state of health, exercise, and schedule habits (ie.sleep, stress-reduction, and/or support groups for people in your age group).

I am 52 and was diagnosed at 24. This disorder does not have to control your life, but you can do many things to control the disorder - I do not advise making your diagnosis common knowledge, because ignorant people can make cruel remarks, and make false assumptions, so be your own 'editor' and keep your medical records private, which may rule out support groups in your immediate community. I went on to enjoy a successful career, happy marriage, and eventually 'trained' my family not to 'run their mouths' about my private business. Many people dismiss your opinions or feelings, if they can blame it on a 'mysterious' malady, and excuse themselves for their own rude behavior. I wouldn't want to see that happen to anyone. Talk to your doctor(s), for they are now your 'partners in health'. I said no one on the internet can help you, but we can encourage you to 'get better soon'! This is where you smile!

Answer 7

Borderline Personality Disorder. I was dx'd too. means u fly off the handle, hate to be alone for fear of abandonment, teeter between loving someone and hating them, suicidal ideation, and self harm such as cutting. 10% commit suicide. I think it's over dx'd. mental health types don't even try to help - just lip service. "therapists" (Whatever that means) see BPD as the bottom of the barrel, the scum of mental health. rarely will you get anything except referal to a group, or psychiatry. what has worked best for me is to go with it; making BPD an important part of my personality. It's easier to control. I have to be me, and I don't want to lose my foundation. tip: instead of shrink typeas, try talking to artists, writers, dancers, etc.....people who really understand self-expression. someone like that might actually help. good luck!

Answer 8

Are you talking about Borderline Personality Disorder? If so, see below and do some reading.

Whoever diagnosed you should be answering your questions and maybe even giving you some reading material.

Answer 9

I'm guessing you are speaking of Bipolar disorder or another mental illness.
Try this link for research on any mental disorder.
www.nimh.nih.gov
This is the National Institue for mental health website, and can provide any info you seek, and links to more info and support services. Good luck, and take your medication as prescribed!

Answer 10

I agree with Bi Polar Disorder you should take the medication given to you and follow it by going to therapy once A week.