Avatar Posted by CollinC 253 days ago (Question)
Throughout my life, I've had serious behavioral impulse control issues. I often say and do things without clear thought. I live my life rather erratically. I spend without considering the future and I often say extremely hurtful things to others without me realizing that it could be considered offensive until much after the fact. If this were once in a while, I wouldn't think it would be a problem, but it is literally a constant barrage of offensive comments in any social situation I'm in. I was accused last night of "Black and White Thinking". This got me thinking, so I searched on my behavior patterns and found that I use the defense mechanism called "splitting". People are either all-good or all-bad... and I didn't even consider the notion that there could be a shade of gray until last night when I exploded on a girl who accused me of being a bad person. I really do have all the traits of BPD, except the root cause.

A little history:
I was diagnosed with childhood depression in 6th grade. Later, social anxiety disorder was tagged on. I was put on a myriad of prescription medications for this diagnosis from the age of twelve up until just a few years ago when I was diagnosed as Bipolar Type 2. Since then I have been prescribed Abilify, but I am not currently taking the medication as it leaves me unable to do my job (programmer). The unfortunate part of that is that all these drugs, especially when in combination, are extremely effective in combating the impulsive behavior and defense mechanisms. I do not really recall any extended period of depression or mania in my life, though. I do know that one minute I can be completely excited and happy, and for no other reason than some small trigger, I can be angry, upset, depressed, lonely. There's no specific trigger, and it can happen at any time. The lack of a pattern leads me to believe that my new diagnosis of Bipolar disorder is incorrect.

Hence why I am searching for answers. Looking into BPD, I found that I (oddly enough) matched all the DSM's criteria, except that I do not have any known root "cause". I was never abused or abandoned as a child. I did get beat up a lot in school, but that seems more to be my own stupid fault for acting like a jerk and running my mouth so much.

So my question is this... can a diagnosis of BPD be made without any known root cause? And if so, what treatment can be effective for someone who cannot function in their societal role on the medications (I stare into space, my thoughts become less organized... black and white thinking have their benefits too)?


Answers

Written by Edahn 252 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Can you have a diagnosis without having the TRADITIONAL root causes?

I think the question is strange if you really look into it. Borderline is a label given by diagnosticians who see a constellation of symptoms. Typically, those symptoms have similar root causes. You have the behaviors so you must have SOME FORM of the root causes, since behaviors don't just manifest out of thin air. Either way, you have to address the symptoms, regardless of how you label it.

I'm not a diagnostician, but I would assume that the symptoms are enough to merit the classification as "borderline." Check with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or doctor.

My guess is that you'll find the root causes and they'll be similar to the classic root causes. Sometimes it takes a therapist to identify these causes correctly.

Written by CollinC 252 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I actually was doing some research. There's evidence showing that the mind of someone with BPD actually operates differently than other disorders. I have an aunt who is diagnosed Bipolar as well, but she doesn't have "cycles", either. I'm not totally convinced BPD is purely stuck in the realm of Object Relations Theory... I can say with full honesty, I've had a good life... good parents (both of whom are LCSW's, one who has since gone back to become a PsyRN).. good home, good schools. Dunno what to say. If you're suggesting I'm repressing anything, that's pretty cooky, and all-in-all unscientific. So I'm not quite sure what additional root causes you'd be suggesting. Can you clarify?

Written by Fpsy 252 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Some people with bipolar disorder have what are called 'mixed episodes' where they feel some of the signs and symptoms of both depression and mania. Moods can change very quickly for some people - feeling high, then low and high again, within a matter of days or even hours.

Perhaps you are experiencing this. Medication is important and I think you should talk to your doctor about the dose, so that you can still do your job and functional well. Medication is often not the only treatment. Therapy with a good psychologist is important.

Psychological treatments, when used with medication can help to:

* change negative thoughts and feelings

* encourage people to get involved in activities

* speed recovery

* prevent some symptoms from recurring

* reduce the severity of symptoms

* identify ways to stay well

* help identify support people and services.

It's important for everyone that families and friends are involved in therapy.

CBT is one therapy which is very helpful. Check back with your doctor or mental health professional your concerns.

Written by CollinC 252 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Is matter of minutes possible? How about triggered episodes?

Bipolar disorder is en vogue right now, and much like ADD in the 90's, they're over diagnosing it.

And I don't do therapists, they're worthless. Talk is cheap, sweets, stick to action.

Written by Clyde 247 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Talk is definitely not cheap. It all works in symbiosis.

Best,

Clyde


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