Distinguishing BPD from Other Personality Disorders
Antisocial Personality Disorder – BPD patients may act antisocially at times but unlike APD patients BPD will feel personal shame and remorse for acting this way. Antisocial acts are looked upon as matters of survival and bring about a great deal of anxiety in patients with BPD. APD patients feel no anxiety for acting antisocially.
Histrionic Personality Disorder – individuals with BPD have less stability in relationships and employment and have a lower functionality level than those with HPD. They also maintain a lower self image and continually repeat acts of self mutilation.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder – BPD patients experience stages of highs and lows where as SPD maintain a relatively stable flat period of lows. The psychotic symptoms that are associated with both disorders are viewed as trait-like stress related that come in stages for patients with BPD. On the other hand, SPD patient’s psychotic behaviors are only viewed as trait-like. The abuse of drugs and alcohol and rates of depression are higher with BPD.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – BPD patients do not show symptoms of PTSD, such as hypervilgence exaggerated startle responses, or efforts to avoid traumatic events, even though they have experienced some trauma. BPD is more based on stress related symptoms where as PTSD is based solely on traumatic events. A high percentage of patients diagnosed with BPD are also diagnosed with PTSD.