BPD and eating disorders

[freemefrommydemons]

When I was 17 my doctor told me that they may diagnose me with borderline personality disorder but it may be falsely diagnosed because of the anorexia. I was diagnosed at the beginning of this year (now 19) and I still dont understand what it is. When I think about it all of my problems stem from my anorexia, and I believe that anorexia has caused all my other diagnoses. Does this make sense? It was after my anorexic symptoms began when I first got diagnosed with depression, and when I began recovery that was when I started self harming and then diagnosed with BPD. Now I worry that they are focusing on treating my BPD symptoms but it has stemmed from anorexia and recently I have found that through controlling my food again the BPD has settled down so im really unsure. Is it anorexia causing these problems, or BPD & depression? 

[AGrace]

Hi free,

I completely understand your confusion, and it's probably best to check with your Psychologist/Psychiatrist, however having suffered from BPD for some time, I'm happy to share my viewpoint.

Because BPD is a Personality Disorder most clinicians will be reluctant to make this diagnosis until after 18 years of age. Prior to this personalities are still being formed, so it's difficult to tell if you have symptoms or if there's something else to consider.

BPD has 9 criteria according to the DSM V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). To obtain a diagnosis of BPD you need to fulfill at least 5 of the 9 traits, otherwise you are diagnosed as having Borderline Traits. The 9 criteria are:

1) Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.      

2) A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation.

3) Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.

4) Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating or controlled eating).

5) Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior

6) Affective [mood] instability.

7) Chronic feelings of emptiness.

😎 Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights).

9) Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms.

It is quite possible that your anorexia is a symptom of BPD as per criteria 4 & 5. Because of this you may find your clinician will treat you for BPD, especially if you meet the requirements of other criterion, and in turn this will also treat the anorexia. Of course for some people Anorexia can be a stand alone disorder. You can discuss with your therapist which of the BPD criteria you might meet.

I hope this is useful. If you are wanting some more information on BPD one of the websites I use quite frequently is 

http://borderlinesupport.com.au/

There are a few of us here who share the diagnosis, so don't hesitate to continue posting should you want some more support. We'd love to hear from you.

AGrace