Borderline personality disorder is considered one of the most complex disorders known to psychologists today. It is highly stigmatized as well as misunderstood in society and the mental health community alike. Misdiagnosis is so common with BPD patients because the symptoms are so complex. Sometimes, when conducting an evaluation, the individual may not be able to fully express their feelings, triggers, and interfering behavior. On the other hand, a lot of therapists tend to stay away from diagnosing their patients with BPD because many therapists share the general stigma that surrounds patients with BPD – that they are very hard to treat.
The Symptoms of BPD
It is important to understand that to be properly diagnosed with BPD, the individual must qualify for at least five of the nine symptoms that it comes with –
- Fear of abandonment
- Unstable relationships
- Unclear or shifting self-image
- Impulsive, self-destructive behaviors
- Self-harm
- Extreme emotional swings
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- Explosive anger
- Feeling suspicious or out of touch with reality
Why Misdiagnosis Is So Common with BPD
According to NAMI, “misdiagnosis is so common with BPD due to some similarities between symptoms like impulsive behavior, intense emotions, and suicidal thinking. However, they are very different diagnoses with different treatment methods, so it is crucial for mental health professionals to understand and know the difference.” This is crucial in terms of treating BPD as the disorder requires intense care and, more specifically, dialectical or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Another reason why misdiagnosis is so common in patients with BPD is the misconception that only women can experience this disorder due to the fact that women are often overrepresented in most studies and treatments related to the disorder. “The epidemiological rates of BPD in males and females are roughly equal. However, females are overdiagnosed, and males are underdiagnosed significantly,” NAMI says.
The Problem with Misdiagnosis in BPD Patients
A lack of understanding about BPD already prevents people from seeking treatment. For those who are able to seek help, it is important that professionals make sure that they are getting the proper treatment, and that starts with getting the correct diagnosis. Of course, there are many other factors that influence the accuracy or inaccuracy of a BPD diagnosis. However, the more individuals with BPD and their families become aware of these problems, the more they can advocate for accuracy.