The Economics of BPD
Borderline personality disorder is an Axis II disorder, classifying it as a personality/mental retardation disorder. Despite the vast number affected by the disease, many insurance companies do not recognize BPD as an illness and therefore do not cover it. With relapse rates between 50-60%, the lack of insurance coverage causes major economic hardship for many families of BPD patients. One of the compelling characteristics of BPD is the patient’s willingness to seek out help and the willingness to accept treatment. But with hospital stays and medical bills starting around $6,000 many patients have to rely on those close to them for help. This leads to strained relationships with people they are close to and longer than normal bouts with the disorder.
In recent year’s clinical psychologist have given false diagnosis for people with BPD in order to treat them. They diagnosis them with an Axis I disorder, such as bipolar disorder or manic depressive, so insurance companies will cover the majority of the cost of treatment. Because many patients with BPD also have other disorders it is not an unethical practice. There is a movement underway to actually rename the disorder in order to get it classified under Axis I.