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How Life is For a Bipolar Borderline Personality Disorder Person

Patricia Patterson — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:22:56 +0000

Group of borderline disorders that share common characteristics of mood instability like fear, anger, self- mutilation and others are often referred to as bipolar borderline personality disorders. Individuals who suffer from this type of mood disorders are said to have omnipresent or widespread instability of moods which makes it hard for them to be in a relationship long-term; or in some cases to be comfortable around other people.

This type of disorder condition is seen often equally in both women and men also. Borderline disorder can start earlier in life, but most of the time it is demonstrated fully as people get older. Individuals who have this type of disorder are often more likely to get in and get out of relationships; too afraid to be abandoned. As soon as they are into any relationship they become more controlling and may not want to let go. They are said to be indiscriminate in their sexual activities. They find themselves in a vicious cycle of love and hate relationship, which is their allusion of being in love, even though they are the ones who will quickly abandon the relationship without any apparent reasons. Those who suffer from this condition often will look for acceptance from others to make them feel wanted and complete.

Bipolar Borderline Personality Disorders is a combination of manic-depressive moods and borderline personality disorder. It is not a rare case when you are already diagnosed with one or two of these disorders. Borderline personality disorder is mostly distinguished with manic depressive episodes including some similar signs or symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Often, it is hard to deal with individuals who have this type of personality disorder because they can also be aggressive and manipulative. One in every fifthly person in America is diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and sometimes even more. The cause of Bipolar Borderline Personality Disorders is said to be unknown however, environment and genetic factors are said to play a major role in its development.

A great percentage of people with Borderline Disorders claimed to have been abused as a child. Neglected or abandoned by parents or caregiver. Most researches indicates their vulnerability to stresses of the environment in their earlier lives when there were younger, helpless, and unable to control what is happening to them. The unhappy earlier life or memory of abuse are often factors which will lead to making bad judgments as a grown-up when it comes to making life decisions like choosing life partner for example.

Bipolar Borderline Personality Disorder as most other types of mental disorder conditions are often emanated from mania or depression. And like most depression disorder, this type of disorder is often treated with mood stabilizing drugs or antidepressants. Also, people with this type of condition are treated with psychotherapy or talk-therapies to help see if they can self analyze themselves on emotional level. This type of treatment involves one on one therapy with the psychotherapist to build a solid relationship. Bipolar can occur time after time, or even get worse over time, and this is one reason proper treatment with therapies and medication are very crucial. In most case, individuals who suffer from borderline disorders are treated more imperiously with anti-psychotic medications which are intended to help them from injuring themselves or even commit suicide.

Ben Paul is an expert author who has written extensively about different types of medical and health related matters. If you want to know more about causes and symptoms of depression and anxiety visit this page about aderall or other related pages like: online medicine for depression and much more.

Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown Talk Bipolar Disorder

GirlShrink — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 03:14:33 +0000

In an issue of Sister 2 Sister magazine, Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown talked with Jamie Foster Brown about their lives.

In the article, Brown discusses a variety of issues including having learning and mood disorders his entire life. He also mentions that the couple is undergoing marriage counseling, and that they are trying to have another child.

Brown says that he knew they needed help when the police were called to break up a domestic dispute at their Atlanta home during the Christmas holidays. He also says that the couple had a fight after Whitney tried to force him to take his bipolar disorder medication.

In the article Bobby says:

“When I was younger, I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, so I know that bipolar and ADD is basically the same thing.”

“When I checked into Betty Ford I was wondering what was wrong with me. I was trying to figure out why was I going through these different changes. I mean, I could be happy one moment and then the next minute I’m like angry. Totally. Full of fire and rage. And I didn’t know what was wrong. I went to the doctor and they talked to me and they did all these tests on my brain and on my mental stability and they came up with the diagnosis that I’m bipolar.”

Brown says that he decided to switch medications and is on one that is better for him and relaxes him.

Learn more about bipolar disorder if you are married to someone with the disorder-Click Here!

Recommended Reading: Adult Bipolar Disorders: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Getting Help by Mitzi Waltz

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Lisa Angelettie, M.S.W., is a psychotherapist, author, and life coach. She has been helping people make smarter life choices since 1998. Get more free tips like this when you subscribe to the GirlShrink newsletter .

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New Treatment For Bipolar Disorder

GirlShrink — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 03:14:17 +0000

Researchers at the McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts have found that the magnetic fields generated by a MRI scanner can immediately and significantly improve the mood of patients with biploar disorder.

In their study, there was mood improvement in 23 out of 30 patients with bipolar disorder.

The scientists are planning a larger study, and predict that if this study replicates these results, bipolar patients may be able to receive the treatment during a 20-minute visit to the doctor.

A person with Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression, is often defined as a someone who experiences moods that shift from high to low and back again in varying degrees of severity. The two poles of bipolar disorder are mania and depression. It is common for the person to be depressed more often and experience only one bout of mania to be considered for bipolar disorder.

Depression symptoms:
Refusing to get out of bed for days
Sleeping more often
Tired but unable to sleep
Instances of uncontrollable crying
Uninterested in things you once enjoyed
Ignoring daily responsibilities
Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless for a long period
Unable to make basic decisions
Thoughts of suicide

Mania symptoms:
Feeling like superman. Even if it is unsafe or illegal.
Requiring less than normal sleep, but not feeling tired
Living, Spending, or Dressing excessively and lavishly.
Indulging in risky sexual behavior. Increased libido.
Having hallucinations or delusions
Extremely energetic

Consider starting to learn more by choosing our recommended reading selections:

New Hope for People with Bipolar Disorder : Your Friendly, Authoritative Guide to the Latest in Traditional and Complementary Solutions, Including: Proper Diagnosis of Depression & Manic-Depressive … (New Hope)
by Jan Fawcett, Bernard Golden, Nancy Rosenfeld, Frederick K. Goodwin

Loving Someone With Bipolar Disorder by Julie A. Fast, John D. Preston

*Details of this study were previously reported at WomansDay Magazine 4/2004

Click Here! for help if you are in a relationship or married to someone with bipolar disorder.

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What Is Bipolar Disorder II?

GirlShrink — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 03:13:54 +0000

Most people are familiar with the term Bipolar Disorder a.k.a. Manic Depression. It is when someone experiences moods that shift from high to low and back again in varying degrees of severity. The two poles of bipolar disorder are mania and depression.

In America, mental health professionals use the DSM IV reference book as a source for diagnosis. Therefore in America, we include another diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder II, which involves symptoms of depression and hypomania instead of full-blown mania as in Bipolar Disorder I.

Hypomania is a less extreme form of a manic episode.

Symptoms include:
Feeling totally confident in yourself
Finding your focus on projects
Feelings of extra creativity and innovation
Issues that cripple your during depression, you are suddenly able to just brush off
You feel like you are ‘king of the world’ without feeling too invincible

Sounds like someone you know? Possibly yourself? Well, it could be and the best way to know is to seek help from a medical or mental health professional in your area.

Consider starting to learn more by choosing our recommended reading selections:

Loving Someone With Bipolar Disorder by Julie A. Fast, John D. Preston

*Symptom descriptions are based on the criteria for hypomania as stated in the DSM IV

Interested in Social Security Disability for Bipolar Sufferers
** Reprinting of the article above is welcome! **
The article above may be freely reproduced provided that: (1) you include the following resource box in its entirety; and (2) you only mail to a 100% opt-in list. Here’s the resource box to use if reprinting the article above:

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Maurice Benard Is Advocate For Bipolar Disorder

GirlShrink — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 03:13:36 +0000

Maurice Benard is a very popular soap actor on General Hospital (ABC), as the role of the complex character – Sonny Corinthos. In addition to Maurice being a very popular character on this favorite television soap, off-camera he is popular as well – but as a voice in the battle against bipolar disorder.

Unusual for most actors, Maurice has been very open about his personal battle with the bipolar disorder. He has made appearances on television programs such as The View, Entertainment Tonight, and Oprah – and has been interviewed in many print media outlets.

In his most recent interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Maurice revealed how his life wasn’t as “perfect” as it appears to be to most Americans. Although he has a loving wife of 14 years (Paula) and two daughters, Maurice also has had a long-time battle with bipolar disorder– a mental illness which at one point left him suicidal and in a mental institution.

Now that he is winning the battle against his mental illness, Maurice works as an advocate and is currently working with the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) on the Bipolar Disorder: Do You Know It? campaign to teach America the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness which presents mood swings that range from blissful to bleak. Another term for bipolar disorder is manic depression, and it is a disorder which presents itself usually during adolescence or soon after.

Click Here! if you are married to someone with bipolar disorder and need help.

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** Reprinting of the article above is welcome! ** The article above may be freely reproduced provided that: (1) you include the following resource box in its entirety; and (2) you only mail to a 100% opt-in list. Here’s the resource box to use if reprinting the article above:

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Traditional Treatments For Bipolar Depression

GirlShrink — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 02:31:15 +0000

Treatment Options
A variety of medications are used to treat bipolar disorder. Many people with bipolar disorder are on a cocktail of medicines, which may include between two and five medications. Some people with bipolar disorder add to or replace their western medication with herbal or holistic options. But even with optimal medication treatment, many people with the illness have some residual symptoms. Symptom management is considered one of the only useful non-medication treatments of bipolar disorder. This treatment teaches how to lessen the severity of mood swings by recognizing and managing triggering symptoms or events.

Medication
There is no cure for bipolar disorder, however their medications can be used to prevent a person from going out of control. Medications, called “mood stabilizers” can sometimes be used to prevent or mitigate manic or depressive episodes. Because mood stabilizers are generally more effective at treating mania than bipolar depression, periods of depression are also sometimes treated with antidepressants, although this carries a risk of inducing mania (especially when no mood stabilizer is also prescribed). In severe cases where the mania or the depression is severe enough to cause psychosis (and recently sometimes in less severe cases as well, although this remains controversial), antipsychotic drugs may also be used. (See the end of the article for an external resource on psychopharmacology.) Medications work differently in each person, and it takes considerable time to determine in any particular case whether any particular drug is effective at all since bipolar disorder is usually episodic, and patients may experience remissions and periods of virtually normal functioning whether or not they receive treatment. Evaluation of patients is usually carried out using a “life chart” which graphs moods over a long period of time, ranging from weeks to years. It is also generally necessary to “titrate” the dosage of a drug, seeking to achieve the most effective treatment possible while minimising side-effects. Most mood stabilizers have common side-effects which may range from inconvenient to having a major impact on quality of life; many also have potentially dangerous side-effects which make medical monitoring of patients undergoing drug treatment vitally important. For details of particular drugs, see the section below. Often a customized combination of medications are needed to stabilize moods.

Compliance with medications can be a major problem because some people becoming manic lose insight, or an awareness of having an illness, and discontinue medications; then they often suffer a manic episode and may suddenly find themselves initiating multiple projects often being scattered and ineffective, or may go on a spending spree or take a poorly planned trip landing them in an unfamiliar location without cash. The manic periods, euphoric as they may be, are often disastrous because of the impulsiveness and irrationality that comes with them. Contrary to the patient’s wishes, the depression does not respond instantaneously to resumed medication, typically taking 2-6 weeks to respond. Other reasons cited by individuals for discontinuing medication are side effects, expense, and the stigma of having a psychiatric disorder. In a relatively small number of cases stipulated by law (varying by locality but typically only when a patient poses a strong threat to himself or others), patients who do not agree with their psychiatric diagnosis and treatment can legally be required to have treatment without their consent.

While bipolar disorder can be one of the most severe and devastating medical conditions, fortunately many individuals with bipolar disorder can also live full and mostly happy lives with correct management of their condition. Compared to patients with schizophrenia, persons with bipolar disorder are more likely to have periods of normal functioning in the absence of medication. Although schizophrenic patients may have remissions with relatively high levels of functioning, schizophrenic patients tend to suffer some impairment during these intervals, if they are not medicated, in contrast to persons with bipolar disorder who often appear completely normal when they are between mood swings.

Lithium salts

The use of lithium salts as a treatment of Bipolar Disorder was first discovered by Dr. John Cade. Lithium salts have long been used as a first-line treatment for bipolar disorder. In ancient times, doctors would send their mentally ill patients to drink from “alkali springs” as a treatment. They did not know it, but they were really prescribing lithium, which was present in high concentration in the waters. The therapeutic effect of lithium salts appears to be entirely due to the lithium ion, Li+. The two lithium salts used for bipolar therapy are lithium carbonate (mostly) and lithium citrate (sometimes). Approved for the treatment of acute mania in 1970 by the FDA, lithium has been an effective mood-stabilizing medication for many people with bipolar disorder. Lithium is also noted for reducing the risk of suicide. Although lithium is among the most effective mood stabilizers, most persons taking it experience side effects similar to the effects of ingesting too much table salt, such as high blood pressure, water retention, and constipation. Regular blood testing is required when taking lithium to determine the correct lithium levels since the therapeutic dose is close to the toxic dose.

The mechanism of lithium salt treatment is believed to work as follows: some symptoms of bipolar disorder appear to be caused by the enzyme inositol monophosphatase (IMPase), an enzyme that splits inositol monophosphate into free inositol and phosphate. It is involved in signal transduction and is believed to create an imbalance in neurotransmitters in bipolar patients. The lithium ion is believed to produce a mood stabilizing effect by inhibiting IMPase by substituting for one of two magnesium ions in IMPase’s active site, slowing down this enzyme. Lithium orotate is used as an alternative treatment to lithium carbonate by some sufferers of bipolar disorder, mainly because it is available without a doctor’s prescription. It is sometimes sold as “organic lithium” by nutritionists, as well as under a wide variety of brand names. There seems to be little evidence for its use in clinical treatment in preference to lithium carbonate. Self-treatment without medical monitoring is potentially dangerous.

Anticonvulsant Mood Stabilizers

Anticonvulsant medications, particularly valproate and carbamazepine, have been used as alternatives or adjuncts to lithium in many cases. Valproate (Depakote and Depakene) was FDA approved for the treatment of acute mania in 1995, and is now considered by many to be the first line of therapy for bipolar disorder. It is preferable to lithium because its side effect profile seems to be less severe, compliance with the medication is better, and fewer breakthrough manic episodes occur. However, valproate is not as effective as lithium in preventing or managing depressive episodes, so patients taking valproate may also need an SSRI or other antidepressant as an adjunct medicinal therapy. Some research suggests that different combinations of lithium and anticonvulsants may be helpful. Newer anticonvulsant medications, including lamotrigine, gabapentin, and topiramate, have been studied to determine their efficacy as mood stabilizers in bipolar disorder. Lamotrigine is particularly promising, as there is evidence it acts as a mood stabilizer and particularly helps bipolar persons with severe depression. Topiramate has not done well in clinical trials, which may be because it seems to help a few patients very much but most not at all. Unfortunately, there are several controlled studies that show that gabapentin is very effective for certain types of epilepsy and has a mild side effect profile, but is ineffective for bipolar disorder. Nevertheless, many psychiatrists continue to prescribe topiramate and gabapentin for bipolar disorder, although this is becoming increasingly controversial.

According to studies conducted in Finland in patients with epilepsy, valproate may increase testosterone levels in teenage girls and produce polycystic ovary syndrome in women who began taking the medication before age 20. Increased testosterone can lead to polycystic ovary syndrome with irregular or absent menses, obesity, and abnormal growth of hair. Therefore, young female patients taking valproate should be monitored carefully by a physician. It should be noted, however, that the therapeutic dose for a patient taking valproate for epilepsy is very different than the therapeutic dose of valproate for an individual with bipolar disorder.

Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs

In some cases, the newer atypical antipsychotic drugs such as risperidone, quetiapine and olanzapine may help relieve severe or refractory symptoms of bipolar disorder and prevent recurrences of mania. Several of the atypical antipsychotic drugs are now FDA approved for treatment of bipolar mania. However, more research is needed to establish the safety and efficacy of atypical antipsychotics as long-term treatments for this disorder.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acid are also used as an alternative or additional treatment for bipolar disorder. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids which can be found in wild salmon, flaxseed and even walnuts. To receive a significant dose, however, omega-3 fatty acids must usually be taken in the form of a fish oil supplement. It has been hypothesized that the therapeutic ingredient in omega-3 fatty acid preparations is eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and that supplements should be high in this ingredient to be beneficial.

Psychotherapy

Certain types of psychotherapy or psychosocial interventions, in combination with medication or instead of medication, often can provide tremendous additional benefit. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, family systems therapy, and psychoeducation.

Electroconvulsive therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy is sometimes used to treat severe bipolar depression.

Recommendation: Try Hypnosis Therapy For Depression

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What Is Bipolar Disorder?

GirlShrink — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 02:25:40 +0000

A person with Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression or bipolar depression, is often defined as a someone who experiences moods that shift from high to low and back again in varying degrees of severity. The two poles of bipolar disorder are mania and depression. It is common for the person to be depressed more often and experience only one bout of mania to be considered for bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Depression is not something that can be ignored or that will just go away. Many people with this mental disorder often enjoy the “mania” part of the disorder and will often discontinue their medication. It’s very important that medication be continued in order to avoid much of the inappropriate behavior that can result during the bouts of “mania”.

If you know someone or you suspect of being bipolar yourself…it is important that you seek the consult of a mental health professional. Obtain a diagnosis. Create a treatment plan. Take your medication. Work with your psychotherapist. Explain to your loved ones. Stay connected with people. Know that this disorder is very manageable.

Consider starting by educating yourself with one of our recommended reading selections:

1. Married to Mania

2. New Hope for People with Bipolar Disorder : Your Friendly, Authoritative Guide to the Latest in Traditional and Complementary Solutions, Including: Proper Diagnosis of Depression & Manic-Depressive … (New Hope) by Jan Fawcett, Bernard Golden, Nancy Rosenfeld, Frederick K. Goodwin

3. Loving Someone With Bipolar Disorder by Julie A. Fast, John D. Preston

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Misdiagnosing Narcissism – The Bipolar I Disorder

GirlShrink — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:57:07 +0000

Guest Author: Sam Vaknin

(The use of gender pronouns in this article reflects the clinical facts: most narcissists are men.)

The manic phase of Bipolar I Disorder is often misdiagnosed as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

Bipolar patients in the manic phase exhibit many of the signs and symptoms of pathological narcissism – hyperactivity, self-centeredness, lack of empathy, and control freakery. During this recurring chapter of the disease, the patient is euphoric, has grandiose fantasies, spins unrealistic schemes, and has frequent rage attacks (is irritable) if her or his wishes and plans are (inevitably) frustrated.

The manic phases of the bipolar disorder, however, are limited in time – NPD is not. Furthermore, the mania is followed by – usually protracted – depressive episodes. The narcissist is also frequently dysphoric. But whereas the bipolar sinks into deep self-deprecation, self-devaluation, unbounded pessimism, all-pervasive guilt and anhedonia – the narcissist, even when depressed, never forgoes his narcissism: his grandiosity, sense of entitlement, haughtiness, and lack of empathy.

Narcissistic dysphorias are much shorter and reactive – they constitute a response to the Grandiosity Gap. In plain words, the narcissist is dejected when confronted with the abyss between his inflated self-image and grandiose fantasies – and the drab reality of his life: his failures, lack of accomplishments, disintegrating interpersonal relationships, and low status. Yet, one dose of Narcissistic Supply is enough to elevate the narcissists from the depth of misery to the heights of manic euphoria.

Not so with the bipolar.

The source of her or his mood swings is assumed to be brain biochemistry – not the availability of Narcissistic Supply. Whereas the narcissist is in full control of his faculties, even when maximally agitated, the bipolar often feels that s/he has lost control of his/her brain (“flight of ideas”), his/her speech, his/her attention span (distractibility), and his/her motor functions.

The bipolar is prone to reckless behaviors and substance abuse only during the manic phase. The narcissist does drugs, drinks, gambles, shops on credit, indulges in unsafe sex or in other compulsive behaviors both when elated and when deflated.

As a rule, the bipolar’s manic phase interferes with his/her social and occupational functioning. Many narcissists, in contrast, reach the highest rungs of their community, church, firm, or voluntary organization. Most of the time, they function flawlessly – though the inevitable blowups and the grating extortion of Narcissistic Supply usually put an end to the narcissist’s career and social liaisons.

The manic phase of bipolar sometimes requires hospitalization and – more frequently than admitted – involves psychotic features. Narcissists are never hospitalized as the risk for self-harm is minute. Moreover, psychotic microepisodes in narcissism are decompensatory in nature and appear only under unendurable stress (e.g., in intensive therapy).

The bipolar’s mania provokes discomfort in both strangers and in the patient’s nearest and dearest. His/her constant cheer and compulsive insistence on interpersonal, sexual, and occupational, or professional interactions engenders unease and repulsion. Her/his lability of mood – rapid shifts between uncontrollable rage and unnatural good spirits – is downright intimidating. The narcissist’s gregariousness, by comparison, is calculated, “cold”, controlled, and goal-orientated (the extraction of Narcissistic Supply). His cycles of mood and affect are far less pronounced and less rapid.

The bipolar’s swollen self-esteem, overstated self-confidence, obvious grandiosity, and delusional fantasies are akin to the narcissist’s and are the source of the diagnostic confusion. Both types of patients purport to give advice, carry out an assignment, accomplish a mission, or embark on an enterprise for which they are uniquely unqualified and lack the talents, skills, knowledge, or experience required.

But the bipolar’s bombast is far more delusional than the narcissist’s. Ideas of reference and magical thinking are common and, in this sense, the bipolar is closer to the schizotypal than to the narcissistic.

There are other differentiating symptoms:

Sleep disorders – notably acute insomnia – are common in the manic phase of bipolar and uncommon in narcissism. So is “manic speech” – pressured, uninterruptible, loud, rapid, dramatic (includes singing and humorous asides), sometimes incomprehensible, incoherent, chaotic, and lasts for hours. It reflects the bipolar’s inner turmoil and his/her inability to control his/her racing and kaleidoscopic thoughts.

As opposed to narcissists, bipolar in the manic phase are often distracted by the slightest stimuli, are unable to focus on relevant data, or to maintain the thread of conversation. They are “all over the place” – simultaneously initiating numerous business ventures, joining a myriad organization, writing umpteen letters, contacting hundreds of friends and perfect strangers, acting in a domineering, demanding, and intrusive manner, totally disregarding the needs and emotions of the unfortunate recipients of their unwanted attentions. They rarely follow up on their projects.

The transformation is so marked that the bipolar is often described by his/her closest as “not himself/herself”. Indeed, some bipolars relocate, change name and appearance, and lose contact with their “former life”. Antisocial or even criminal behavior is not uncommon and aggression is marked, directed at both others (assault) and oneself (suicide). Some biploars describe an acuteness of the senses, akin to experiences recounted by drug users: smells, sounds, and sights are accentuated and attain an unearthly quality.

As opposed to narcissists, bipolars regret their misdeeds following the manic phase and try to atone for their actions. They realize and accept that “something is wrong with them” and seek help. During the depressive phase they are ego-dystonic and their defenses are autoplastic (they blame themselves for their defeats, failures, and mishaps).

Finally, pathological narcissism is already discernible in early adolescence. The full-fledged bipolar disorder – including a manic phase – rarely occurs before the age of 20. The narcissist is consistent in his pathology – not so the bipolar. The onset of the manic episode is fast and furious and results in a conspicuous metamorphosis of the patient.