- Do you often get confused
between BPD and CPTSD? Borderline personality disorder, or BPD, and complex post-traumatic
stress disorder, CPTSD, are two disorders that have
many striking similarities. Because of the similarities, people with either disorder
are often misdiagnosed which can be problematic given that the two disorders
are treated very differently. So to help you better understand the differences between the two, here are some of the signs
you can look out for. What is BPD? Borderline personality disorder is a Cluster B personality disorder characterized by unstable moods, relationships, and self-identity. In many cases, this disorder develops
out of traumatic events, usually occurred in childhood, but can be developed genetically as well. People with BPD may also experience a fear of abandonment and rejection, self-harm and suicidal behaviors, intense and rapid mood
swings, impulsivity, difficulties with knowing who they are, and changing interests
based on who they're with. What is CPTSD? Compared to this, complex
post-traumatic stress disorder is a type of PTSD. CPTSD is characterized by
repeated traumatic events happening over a long period of time, whereas PTSD is usually a
single incident, or incidents, that happen in a
relatively short time span. People with this disorder may have difficulties trusting others, difficulties regulating emotions, being on constant high alert, having flashbacks and
nightmares to traumatic events. So in what ways are they similar? BPD and CPTSD have many
overlaps with one another. Both tend to have difficulties
regulating emotions and can have unstable relationships. They are also characterized
by mood swings, a fear of abandonment, disassociation, and negative perceptions of self. However, here are some of the
ways that they are different. Number one, BPD has an
inconsistent self-concept. One of the big overlaps
between the two disorders is the tendency to have a
negative perception of self. The difference lies in
the fact that with BPD this self-concept can change dramatically in a short period of time. It's possible for people
to go from feeling broken and worthless to having an
exaggerated sense of self-worth. In comparison, the self-identity
in those with CPTSD remains the same, though
it's consistently negative, broken, or worthless. Number two, people with CPTSD usually do not have the
same fear of abandonment. Fear of abandonment is often
present in either condition, but it manifests
differently between the two. With BPD, this fear of abandonment can lead to frantic efforts to avoid it. They may threaten others,
block them from leaving, or even cut them out of
their life altogether. Compared to this, people with CPTSD will struggle more with
trust and avoiding others. Number three, people with CPTSD are less likely to self-harm. People with BPD have
an increased incidence of self-harming and impulsive behaviors that are not typically
seen in the same way as those with CPTSD. While suicide and self-harm
can happen to those with CPTSD, those with BPD may be more
impulsive in their actions. BPD is also much more
associated with suicidal actions than those with CPTSD. And number four, with CPTSD, you are more likely to
avoid relationships. People with CPTSD are more
likely to avoid relationships and push people away
as a defense mechanism than those with BPD. Since people with BPD have a higher tendency
to fear being alone, they'll try to find more opportunities to be with other people. While people with either
disorder may push others away, those with BPD often do so to avoid abandonment or rejection, whereas those with CPTSD will do so because they feel threatened. While the two disorders
have many similarities, they require very different treatments and have different
causes and complications. Did you find this video helpful? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to like,
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