What can BPD be mistaken for?

The symptoms of BPD are very broad, and some can be similar to or overlap with other mental health problems, such as:
  • Bipolar disorder.
  • Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD)
  • Depression.
  • Anxiety.
  • Psychosis.
  • Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)


What is commonly misdiagnosed as borderline personality disorder?

BPD Looks Like So Many Other Mental Health Conditions

People with BPD typically also meet the criteria for multiple other diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and so on.

Can you get misdiagnosed with BPD?

One study cited that almost 40% of people who were diagnosed with BPD were provided with a misdiagnosis of BD at some point in their lifetime in comparison to only 10% of people in the general population receiving a misdiagnosis of BD. The exact reasoning for this high rate of misdiagnosis is debated among researchers.


Can you have symptoms of BPD but not have it?

It's used to describe people who meet the criteria for BPD but whose symptoms don't manifest in the typical, overt way associated with BPD. While people with BPD tend to "act out"—such as having angry outbursts—people with quiet BPD "act in," directing their symptoms and emotions at themselves.

What coincides with BPD?

Borderline personality disorder typically coexists with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Symptoms of these conditions may lead the clinician to miss the diagnosis of personality disorder entirely. Careful diagnosis of BPD and comorbid disorders is the first step.


What a Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Episode Looks Like



Is BPD mental or neurological?

Objective: Borderline personality disorder is a disabling and dramatic psychiatric condition. To date, its pathophysiology remains unclear. Scientific evidence seems to have found underlying, nonfocal, central nervous system dysfunction in borderline personality disorder.

What are the 9 criteria for BPD?

The 9 symptoms of BPD
  • Fear of abandonment. People with BPD are often terrified of being abandoned or left alone. ...
  • Unstable relationships. ...
  • Unclear or shifting self-image. ...
  • Impulsive, self-destructive behaviors. ...
  • Self-harm. ...
  • Extreme emotional swings. ...
  • Chronic feelings of emptiness. ...
  • Explosive anger.


Can you be aware of your own BPD?

No, you cannot diagnose yourself with BPD.

This will include an interview where you'll be asked lots of questions. The symptoms of BPD often overlap with such diagnoses of bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, depression, and anxiety.


What does untreated BPD look like?

If left untreated, the person suffering from BPD may find themselves involved with extravagant spending, substance abuse, binge eating, reckless driving, and indiscriminate sex, Hooper says. The reckless behavior is usually linked to the poor self-image many BPD patients struggle with.

How do you spot a quiet borderline?

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Quiet BPD?
  1. A fear of abandonment, whether real or imagined.
  2. A pattern of unstable relationships.
  3. Instability and insecurity in self-image.
  4. Impulsive, high-risk behaviors, such as excessive spending, promiscuity or substance abuse.
  5. Suicidal behavior or self-harm.
  6. Intense mood swings.


Why is borderline so hard to diagnose?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms of this disorder overlap with many other conditions, such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and even eating disorders.


Can you have BPD and seem normal?

Some people with quiet BPD may feel as though they do not deserve help because their problems are “not that bad.” Perhaps you appear to be functioning in most areas of your life, and to all outward appearances things mostly seem to be fine.

Can anxiety mimic BPD?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a common condition that is characterized by a host of different challenges and symptoms. One experience that's frequently associated with borderline personality disorder is anxiety; and often people with BPD are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder as well.

What is the most commonly misdiagnosed mental disorder?

“BPD is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed mental health conditions,” according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.


What does mild BPD look like?

Symptoms of BPD

Unstable self-image. Inappropriate bouts of intense anger. Chronic feelings of boredom or emptiness. Emotional instability, including irritability and anxiety.

Can you have BPD traits without BPD?

You can only be diagnosed with BPD. To be diagnosed with BPD, a person must have : an ongoing pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships. unstable self-image and emotions.

How does a borderline person think?

With borderline personality disorder, you have an intense fear of abandonment or instability, and you may have difficulty tolerating being alone. Yet inappropriate anger, impulsiveness and frequent mood swings may push others away, even though you want to have loving and lasting relationships.


At what age does BPD present itself?

According to the DSM-5, BPD can be diagnosed as early as at 12 years old if symptoms persist for at least one year. However, most diagnoses are made during late adolescence or early adulthood.

Do I have BPD or am I just sensitive?

The big difference is that people with BPD tend to be willing to express themselves in any and all environments regardless of who is present. Whereas people with HSP tend to be more withdrawn in front of others and reserve their mood swings for a few safe people.

How do therapists know if you have BPD?

Personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder, are diagnosed based on a: Detailed interview with your doctor or mental health provider. Psychological evaluation that may include completing questionnaires.


Which celebrities have BPD?

Celebrities That Have Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Pete Davidson. Pete Davidson is a comedian on Saturday Night Live. ...
  • Brandon Marshall. Brandon Marshall is an NFL wide receiver that has been very vocal about his BPD diagnosis. ...
  • Darrell Hammond. ...
  • Marsha M. ...
  • Ricky Williams. ...
  • Mikey Welsh. ...
  • Vincent van Gogh. ...
  • Conclusion.


How long do BPD episodes last?

A person with BPD may experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that may last from only a few hours to days.”

What do doctors look for when diagnosing BPD?

To diagnose BPD, mental health clinicians look for patterns of behaviour that last for a long time and have caused distress or problems with relationships or other areas of life, such as work.


Does BPD count as a disability?

The Social Security Administration placed borderline personality disorder as one of the mental health disorders on its disabilities list. However, you'll have to meet specific criteria for an official disability finding. For example, you must prove that you have the symptoms of the condition.

Why is BPD a serious mental illness?

Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that severely impacts a person's ability to regulate their emotions. This loss of emotional control can increase impulsivity, affect how a person feels about themselves, and negatively impact their relationships with others.