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The question was submitted 27/10/2007

Subject: Which Diagnosis?

I've been labelled with BPD, and stuck in DBT, but it just seems like Im getting more and more traumatised!
My emotions are being manipulated into confusion, and Im losing my sense of self? I don't know who I am anymore, how Im supposed to feel think or act?

Ive been comparing notes with others in DBT and I am 'way off' their base! One night I stumbled across 'Complex PTSD' and it fits me like a glove! I was shocked! It also said if your psych puts you as BPD, find another doctor whose more competant! Even a magistrate ruled a case in my favour for PTSD!

What I want to know, is there a difinitive difference between the two diagnosis's?

Answer from DepNet

There are numerous diagnostic classifications. Sometimes they use the same words or terms to describe a disorder and sometimes different terms. PTSD usually relates to the adverse symptoms experienced after a single or repeated traumatic event, usually in adulthood (like warfare, or a serious accident). Complex PTSD relates to a set of symptoms that usually follow repeated traumatic experiences in childhood like repeated sexual or physical abuse. Both forms of stress disorder can be very disabling.

There is a clear similarity for many patients between symptoms of complex PTSD and those experienced by patients diagnosed with BPD. Other patients show clinical differences.

While DBT is a valuable therapy, like all treatments it is not necessarily ideal for everyone. Medicines have a limited role in these disorders but can sometimes be useful. Do discuss these issues with your psychiatrist and discuss therapeutic alternatives and options. DBT may still in some way be a useful option, but other treatment elements may need to be considered.

The answer was published on DepNet 05/11/2007