What can be misdiagnosed as BPD?

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.

What can be mistaken for BPD?

Conditions with Similar Symptoms to BPD

Bipolar disorder. Major depressive disorder. Posttraumatic stress disorder. Anxiety disorders.

How common is BPD misdiagnosed?

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.

Why is BPD commonly misdiagnosed?

Many mental health professionals do not have a lot exposure or education on BPD, so it's easy for BPD to be misdiagnosed as something else such as bipolar disorder since both disorders involve shifting moods and periods of depression.

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 It's Like When BPD Is Misdiagnosed as Bipolar Disorder

What is petulant borderline?

Petulant BPD: This subtype fluctuates between outbursts of explosive anger and feelings of being unworthy or unloved. They have a strong need to manipulate or control others, and they become very possessive, which results in extreme dissatisfaction in their relationships.

How common is misdiagnosis in mental health?

Misdiagnosis rates reached 65.9% for major depressive disorder, 92.7% for bipolar disorder, 85.8% for panic disorder, 71.0% for generalized anxiety disorder, and 97.8% for social anxiety disorder.

Is BPD 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.

How do you rule out BPD?

How does a psychiatrist diagnose borderline personality disorder?

There is no borderline personality disorder test, but your doctor may ask you to answer mental health questionnaires or take psychological tests and assessments to learn more about you. To diagnose the condition, mental health professionals gather information about your symptoms, life experience, and family history.

Can BPD be mistaken for anxiety?

Because young people with BPD may project symptoms that seem similar to other personality disorders, it is often confused with bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorders.

Can depression be mistaken for BPD?

All of these symptoms can also present themselves in those suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), the most common type of mental illness—and given the relatively recent recognition of BPD as a diagnosable disorder (back in 1980), many people are incorrectly diagnosed with depression when they actually have BPD ...

What is the most misunderstood mental illness?

Schizophrenia affects over 220,000 people in England and is possibly the most stigmatised and misunderstood of all mental illnesses.

Is there a mild form of BPD?

One such subtype is known as “quiet” BPD, which means that you direct your struggles more inward so others don't notice. Quiet BPD is difficult to diagnose and treat, but the earlier you seek help, the better the outcome. Here's what you need to know.

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.

What is a favorite person BPD?

For someone with BPD, the favorite person is deemed the most important person in their life. This person can be anyone, but it's often a romantic partner, family member, good friend, or another supportive person (like a coach, therapist, or teacher). This person may become the source of all happiness and validation.

How can you tell if a woman is borderline?

Why do therapists avoid BPD?

Many therapists share the general stigma that surrounds patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Some even avoid working with such patients because of the perception that they are difficult to treat.

Is BPD just Complex PTSD?

BPD is a complex disorder and affects every person differently. Common symptoms are emotional instability, erratic behavior patterns, and intense feelings of emptiness as well as a poor sense of self. Unlike PTSD, which is understood to be a fear-based disorder, complex PTSD is believed to be rooted in shame.

Why won't my therapist diagnose my BPD?

Mental health providers can be reluctant to diagnose BPD and other personality disorders due to diagnosis criteria, insurance, and stigma. Not diagnosing BPD, where appropriate, can adversely affect treatment. Traits of BPD can be communicated without formally diagnosing the full personality disorder.

How do I know if I am misdiagnosed?

What can be mistaken for mental illness?

What do you do if you think you are misdiagnosed?

If you have been misdiagnosed and suffered harm as a result, seek appropriate care as soon as possible. This is important for your own health and for the strength of your claim. If you avoid medical care to make your condition worse, new damage will not be considered as part of your misdiagnosis case.

Is there a difference between BPD and EUPD?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD). If you clicked on BPD or EUPD in our mental health A-Z then you've reached the right page. It's your choice which of these terms you want to use, but your doctor or care team might use either.

Are borderlines psychopaths?

BPD features are highly represented in subjects with psychopathy as well as psychopathic traits are highly prevalent in patients with BPD.