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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by NikkiT2 on April 6, 2001, at 14:24:30
All the info I have been reading on Borderline Personality Disorder says it will probably decrease with age... both myaelf and a friend who has the same dx are wondering if anyone can make a guess at what age changes might occur..
ta
Nikki
Posted by mila on April 6, 2001, at 17:11:06
In reply to BPD and Age, posted by NikkiT2 on April 6, 2001, at 14:24:30
Usually, people with BPD 'spontaneously improve' by the age of 35-45 (women), men somewhat earlier. the person becomes calmer, feels better about herself and does well at work. those who undergo dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) also succefully learn to cope with stressors that seem to trigger suicidal and self-harming behaviors at any age. here, the person learns to identify and regulate her emotions, handles difficulties more skillfully. In addition, with age person with BPD learns to trust her own responses reather than depend on the validation of others. the number of suicide attempts, dropouts from treatment and hospitalizations dramatically decreases.
best wishes, nikkimila
Posted by Noa on April 9, 2001, at 22:43:52
In reply to Re: BPD and Age, posted by mila on April 6, 2001, at 17:11:06
I also suspect that the source of some symptoms that get labeled as Borderline Personality Disorder have a hormonal source, and that with perimenopause and menopause, some of these change or subside. That is why some researchers seem to think a diagnosis in the bipolar family is more to the point, as there has been some connections found between hormones and bipolar illness, and some of the borderline symptoms seem an awful lot like some form of mood cycling.
Posted by AMenz on June 21, 2001, at 23:40:12
In reply to Re: BPD and Age, posted by Noa on April 9, 2001, at 22:43:52
You mention in your post a link between hormones and BP and BPD. Do you recall where you found literature on this point.
I have had a huge relapse due to medication changes trigered by my doctor's inability to take menopause into account. I am much better now but went through a hairy experience.
> I also suspect that the source of some symptoms that get labeled as Borderline Personality Disorder have a hormonal source, and that with perimenopause and menopause, some of these change or subside. That is why some researchers seem to think a diagnosis in the bipolar family is more to the point, as there has been some connections found between hormones and bipolar illness, and some of the borderline symptoms seem an awful lot like some form of mood cycling.
Posted by Noa on June 22, 2001, at 7:47:54
In reply to Re: BPD and Age Noa, posted by AMenz on June 21, 2001, at 23:40:12
Try "Screaming to be Heard" by Dr. Elizabeth Vliet (link on Dr. Bob's books page). Also, I believe I read something about this in an abstract of research done by Dr. A. Akiskal. I'll see if I can locate the reference.
Posted by judy1 on June 24, 2001, at 12:07:59
In reply to Re: BPD and Age Noa, posted by Noa on June 22, 2001, at 7:47:54
This is a link to Akiskal's talk at latest conference and has list of refereneces with work he's done on the bipolar spectrum- (bpd included) hope it helps- judy
http://www.medscape.com/Medscape/CNO/2001/APACME/Story.cfm?story_id=2248
Posted by Chris A. on June 24, 2001, at 15:17:00
In reply to Re: BPD and Age Noa, posted by judy1 on June 24, 2001, at 12:07:59
Judy,
Thanks for the link. How are you doing with your pregnancy? I've thought about you and missed you, hoping and praying that you are doing well.
Keep us posted.Blessings,
Chris A.
Posted by judy1 on June 24, 2001, at 20:55:45
In reply to Welcome back! » judy1, posted by Chris A. on June 24, 2001, at 15:17:00
Hi Chris,
Thank you so much for your prayers, I'm doing better and plan to post occasionally. I hope you are well (I've always identified so strongly with your struggles). a fatter :) judy
Posted by Noa on June 25, 2001, at 6:48:34
In reply to Re: BPD and Age Noa, posted by Noa on June 22, 2001, at 7:47:54
I think it is H. Akiskal (I previously wrote A. Akiskal)---sorry.
Thanks for the link, Judy.
Posted by judy1 on June 25, 2001, at 21:59:00
In reply to Re: Correction, posted by Noa on June 25, 2001, at 6:48:34
You're very welcome, Noa. How are you? You sound so well lately and that makes me happy for you. I was talking today about Akiskal to my shrink and he felt he had gone too far broadening the bipolar spectrum, to the point of characterizing peoople who have very normal mood swings- euphoric and depressive- that last a day or two as bipolar. What's your take? And I should probably move this, Dr. Bob :-)- judy
Posted by Noa on June 26, 2001, at 8:15:52
In reply to Re: Correction » Noa, posted by judy1 on June 25, 2001, at 21:59:00
Who knows?! There is always that controversy about whether disorders are qualitatively or quantitatively different than the normal continuum of traits, moods, etc. It is a big conflict in ADHD, too. Jamison-Redfiled and Goodwin go into this question w/regard to depression vs. bipolar: are they disorders along the same continuum of disorders, or are they different disorders altogether?
Ultimately, I think it is important to remember that until we have tests that can directly and definitively diagnose these illnesses on the basis of concrete biological markers, all diagnoses are just ways to conceptualize groups of symptoms in ways that hopefully are helpful in leading to appropriate treatment. Increasingly, they are validated by the biological research.
But, imho, for now they necessarily have some arbitrariness in terms of the edges---where does normal end and illness start, etc.
It may be that Akiskal's view of the spectrum of bipolar phenomena goes too far, but I think it is important to have these kinds of ideas out there. It kind of stretches the thinking. The research can either support it or not, but unless someone puts these theories out there, they wouldn't get tested. And, I imagine it has helped a lot of people who have had their problems overlooked because they don't fit the "classic" diagnostic criteria. Still, I think when it comes to the "edges", it is important that the diagnosis and treatment plan be well thought out and take into account a number of factors including how much impairment the symptoms cause, etc.
With ADHD, there is some overdiagnosis, but there are also a lot of kids (and adults) that are overlooked and never get diagnosis or treatment that could really help them. With bipolar spectrum problems, there is probably some overdiagnosis, but I would imagine that underdiagnosis is the bigger problem.
This is the end of the thread.
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