Treatment FAQ

how does treatment for depression differ from treatment for borderline personality disorder

by Alana Kshlerin Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The most significant evidence that BPD is not a variant of depressive disorder is that treatment of depression does not result in remission of BPD symptoms.

Full Answer

Can psychotherapy help with borderline personality disorder?

Psychotherapy has been a proven to help treat patients with BPD. It has shown to help relieve some symptoms. Different types of therapy that are used include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and schema-focused therapy.

What is the difference between depression and borderline personality disorder?

Depression. Definition. Borderline personality disorder is a condition during which a person exhibits unstable moods, behavior and relationships. They are also associated with reckless behavior and suicidal tendencies. Depression is a condition that causes people to be in a state of low mood. This state affects the person’s daily activities.

Can BPD and depression be treated together?

The good news is that research has shown that if a patient with both BPD and depression is treated for BPD and sees improvement in those symptoms, the symptoms of depression also seem to lift. But, this effect seems to only work in one direction (i.e., treatment solely focused on depression does not seem...

How successful is treatment dissemination for borderline personality disorder?

These findings are particularly important given that BPD is a disorder for which significant stigma may introduce barriers to successful treatment. The success of treatment dissemination depends in large part on whether clinicians are willing to use treatments and feel competent to do so. Structured Clinical Management (SCM)

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How is BPD different from depression?

While living with BPD is like constantly riding a roller coaster of emotion and turmoil, depression is like living in a painting with only one color. Although individuals with BPD at times do feel intensely depressed and down, this is just one of the many fluctuating emotions that dominate their life.

Does the treatment for MDD differ from the treatment for PDD in therapy?

PDD treatment Treatment for PDD is not significantly different from treatment for MDD. It tends to involve: methods of psychotherapy, such as CBT. medication, including SSRIs or SNRIs.

Do depression meds help with BPD?

A number of research studies have demonstrated that certain types of antidepressants are effective in treating specific symptoms of BPD. For example, SSRIs can reduce emotional instability, impulsivity, self-harm behaviors, and anger. MAOIs have also been shown to effectively treat emotional instability.

How do you deal with depression and borderline personality disorder?

What you could do to get through it:wrap up in a blanket and watch your favourite TV show.write all your negative feelings on a piece of paper and tear it up.listen to a song or piece of music you find uplifting.write a comforting letter to the part of yourself that is feeling sad or alone.cuddle a pet or a soft toy.

Is there a difference between MDD and depression?

Clinical depression is the more-severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder. It isn't the same as depression caused by a loss, such as the death of a loved one, or a medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder.

How can you tell the difference between major depression and persistent depressive disorder?

Major depression causes serious, persistent feelings of sadness and other symptoms that make functioning or enjoying life very difficult. Persistent depressive disorder is a milder but more chronic and lasting form of depression.

What is the best therapy for borderline personality disorder?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) began as a way to help manage crisis behavior, such as suicidal behavior or self-harm. It is the most commonly recommended therapy for BPD. It works with the concept of mindfulness, or being present in the moment. This helps you be aware of your emotions, moods, and behavior.

Can you have depression and borderline personality disorder?

There is a very high rate of comorbidity between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and depression. 1 This means many people who have BPD also experience problems with depressed mood. One study found that about 96% of patients with BPD met criteria for a mood disorder.

What is the best antidepressant for borderline personality disorder?

The only antidepressant medication shown to have a positive effect on BPD symptoms outside episodes of major depression was amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant [Lieb et al. 2010].

Can BPD get better without treatment?

If you think you have BPD, don't let this misconception scare you away from therapy or make you feel helpless. Even without treatment, the symptoms of the disorder will ebb and flow over time; some people with BPD are able to function at a higher level than others, so recovery is different for each person.

How long do depressive episodes last BPD?

Depressive episodes often persist for at least 2 weeks. Some people have rapid-cycling bipolar disorder and experience four or more mood episodes within a year.

What triggers a person with borderline personality disorder?

being a victim of emotional, physical or sexual abuse. being exposed to long-term fear or distress as a child. being neglected by 1 or both parents. growing up with another family member who had a serious mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder or a drink or drug misuse problem.

What is the difference between a BPD and a Major Depressive Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness characterised by dysregulation of emotions and impulses, an unstable sense of self, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships, often accompanied by suicidal and self-harming behaviour. Major depressive disorder (MDD) commonly co-occurs with BPD.

Is BPD a major depressive disorder?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) commonly co-occurs with BPD. Patients with BPD often present with depressive symptoms. It can be difficult to distinguish between BPD and MDD, especially when the two disorders co-occur.

Can MDD and BPD be treated concurrently?

When MDD and BPD co-occur, both conditions should be treated concurrently. MDD co-occurring with BPD does not respond as well to antidepressant medication as MDD in the absence of BPD. MDD is not a significant predictor of outcome for BPD, but BPD is a significant predictor of outcome for MDD.

What is the difference between depression and BPD?

4  For example, whereas depression is typically associated with feelings of sadness or guilt, depression in BPD has been described as being associated with feelings of anger, deep shame (i.e., feeling emotionally like a bad or evil person), loneliness, and emptiness.

How many people with BPD have a mood disorder?

One study found that about 96% of patients with BPD met criteria for a mood disorder. In this study, about 83% of patients with BPD also met criteria for the major depressive disorder, and about 39% of patients with BPD also met criteria for dysthymic disorder.

What is the meaning of depression?

Instead, this term refers to the experience of depressed (blue or low) mood. Depression is more than normal sadness. There are a number of mental health conditions that may include elements of depression, including mood disorders, schizoaffective disorder (a psychotic disorder that includes mood symptoms), and some personality disorders ...

What is the number to call for depression?

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

Can BPD and depression co-occur?

Many people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) also experience problems with depression. In fact, it is very uncommon that BPD and depression do not co-occur. 1  But what is unique about depression in BPD, and how might having both conditions affect your treatment options?

Does depression help with BPD?

The good news is that research has shown that if a patient with both BPD and depression is treated for BPD and sees improvement in those symptoms, the symptoms of depression also seem to lift. This effect seems to only work in one direction (i.e., treatment solely focused on depression does not seem to alleviate BPD symptoms in patients who have both conditions).

Do people with personality disorders have poorer responses to treatment?

There is fairly conclusive evidence that patients with both a personality disorder and depression have poorer responses to treatment than those without a personality disorder. A meta-analysis of studies examining treatment outcome in individuals with both personality disorders (PDs) and depression found that people with PDs have poorer responses to treatment regardless of the treatment modality (i.e., medications or psychotherapy). 5 

What are the symptoms of borderline personality disorder?

Individuals may plan or attempt suicide during an episode. A major depressive episode and depressed mood in borderline personality disorder have distinguishing symptoms. A depressed mood may manifest as feelings of sadness, depression or loneliness.

How many people with BPD have a history of major depressive disorder?

Researchers have found that 83% of those diagnosed with BPD have a history of major depressive disorder. Because of the shared biological features between the two disorders individuals with BPD may be particularly vulnerable to depressive episodes.

What is the impact of co-occurring disorders?

In addition, co-occurring disorders can have an intensely negative impact on the quality of life of those suffering with a mental illness. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by impairments in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and an instability of affect, impulse control and emotion.

How do you know if you are depressed?

Sleep patterns may also be affected, as the individual may experience difficulty falling asleep or may sleep more often and feel more fatigue. A general loss of energy and decreased physical activity are also symptoms of a major depressive episode. Increases in worry or agitation may be present, along with feelings of worthlessness and guilt. Recurring thoughts of suicide, death and dying are also symptoms. Individuals may plan or attempt suicide during an episode.

Is affect a major depressive disorder?

However, unlike major depressive disorder these are typically related to a specific interpersonal issue such as an argument. Affect plays an important role in BPD and major depressive disorder. Negative affect in particular has been linked to most psychological disorders.

Is affect intensity related to depression?

Studies have shown that affect intensity is related to BPD and depression. Because affect intensity is also associated with depressive symptoms, the relationship between BPD and major depressive disorder may be partially explained by affect. Because emotion regulation deficits exist in both BPD and major depressive disorder the combination of high negative affect may result in deleterious effects.

Can a psychiatrist treat BPD?

Licensed medical professionals, including psychiatrists and psychologists, can provide the proper treatment for depression with co-occurring borderline personality disorder.

Study on Depression and BPD

A recent study conducted by Jessica C. Levenson of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Psychology examined those questions.

Talking to Your Family Member about Getting Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment

Contact Clearview today for a Confidential Consultation. Call us at (866) 756-8819 now to speak to an admissions counselor about treatment programs.

Why is it important to get treatment for borderline personality disorder?

Treatment can help you learn skills to manage and cope with your condition. It's also necessary to get treated for any other mental health disorders that often occur along with borderline personality disorder, such as depression or substance misuse.

What medications are used for borderline personality disorder?

Medications may include antidepressants, antipsychotics or mood-stabilizing drugs.

How to reduce impulsiveness?

Reduce your impulsiveness by helping you observe feelings rather than acting on them. Work on improving relationships by being aware of your feelings and those of others. Learn about borderline personality disorder. Types of psychotherapy that have been found to be effective include: Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

What is a DBT?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT includes group and individual therapy designed specifically to treat borderline personality disorder. DBT uses a skills-based approach to teach you how to manage your emotions, tolerate distress and improve relationships.

What is transference focused psychotherapy?

Also called psychodynamic psychotherapy, TFP aims to help you understand your emotions and interpersonal difficulties through the developing relationship between you and your therapist. You then apply these insights to ongoing situations.

How to share information with a mental health provider?

Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Someone who has known you for a long time may be able to share important information with the doctor or mental health provider, with your permission.

What is a good psychiatric management approach?

Good psychiatric management. This treatment approach relies on case management, anchoring treatment in an expectation of work or school participation. It focuses on making sense of emotionally difficult moments by considering the interpersonal context for feelings. It may integrate medications, groups, family education and individual therapy.

How many studies have been published on borderline personality disorder?

The Cochrane review of psychological therapies for borderline personality disorder, which analyzed 28 studies published until 2011, is among the most significant additions to the literature on treatments for BPD in the last 5 years [5]. The major randomized controlled studies can be characterized in four major waves (Table ​(Table1).1). The first wave of studies compared specialized therapies for BPD to TAU. In this first wave of studies, DBT and MBT were established as EBTs [1, 9–11]. Additionally, a short-term group therapy, STEPPS, was added to TAU and found to be more effective than TAU alone in reducing symptoms of BPD, negative mood states, and impulsivity while increasing functioning [4].

What is mentalization in BPD?

Mentalization refers to the complex capacity human beings develop to imagine the thoughts and feelings in one’s own and other’s minds to understand interpersonal interactions [41]. Therein lies its mechanism of change. MBT proposes that BPD symptoms arise when a patient stops mentalizing, leading patients to operate from pathologically certainty about other’s motives, the disconnection from grounding influence of reality, and a desperate need for proof of feelings through action. Attachment interactions become hyperactivated, feeding into distress and difficulty coping, rather than providing safety and security, rendering the therapeutic process with BPD difficult.

What is SCM in BPD?

Like GPM, SCM provides a structured framework for approaching treatment for BPD (see Table ​Table22for comparisons). This framework is guided by a number of generalist principles and is meant to make treatment understandable and predictable for patients. There is an emphasis on sharing the borderline diagnosis with patients, psychoeducation, alliance building that is based both on contractual (e.g., goal agreement) and relational factors (e.g., trust, reliability, liking), encouragement of family involvement, limited reliance on psychopharmacological intervention, some guidance on managing co-morbid conditions, and explicit safety planning. Both GPM and SCM recommend intersession contact be used sparingly. However, SCM takes a more cautious approach, advocating for “vigorously supporting the patient on the telephone if necessary” [47, p. 69], vehemently pursuing clients who have not come to treatment, and a willingness to meet them at home or elsewhere when safety risk is elevated. This may have more to do with differences in the legal climate of the UK versus the USA than with beliefs about the utility of intersession contact. Also, SCM includes specifically articulated weekly group therapy. Group therapy is open on a rolling basis for patients and includes psychoeducation and a framework focused on problem solving.

How does MBT help with BPD?

MBT aims to stabilize the problems of BPD by strengthening the patient’s capacity to mentalize under the stress of attachment activation [41]. MBT therapists adopt a stance of curiosity, and “not knowing” in order to encourage patients to assess their emotional and interpersonal situation through a more grounded, flexible, and benevolent lens. Prioritizing the maintenance of mentalizing, MBT therapists support patients to think through hyperactivated states themselves, rather than providing prepackaged or intellectualized explanations, insights, or skills. Outpatient MBT involves 50 min of weekly individual therapy, 75 min of group therapy, and a reflecting team meeting which serves to support clinical team members in their mentalization in the process of treatment [25]. Developed within the National Health Services (NHS) in the United Kingdom, MBT provides a tenable model for treating personality disordered patients settings where patients and clinicians face scarce resources.

What is the best EBT for BPD?

The most well-known, well researched, and widely available EBT for BPD is DBT [39, 40]. Informed by clinical experience with suicidal personality disordered patients who did not improve with standard cognitive behavioral therapy intervention, Linehan developed DBT by incorporating the concept of dialectics and the strategy of validation into a treatment focused on skills acquisition and behavioral shaping. DBT formulates the problems of BPD as a result of the transaction between individuals born with high emotional sensitivity and “invalidating environments” that is, people or systems (i.e., families, schools, treatment settings, workplaces) that cannot perceive, understand, and respond effectively to their vulnerabilities.

What is evidence based treatment for BPD?

Evidence-based advances in the treatment of BPD include a delineation of generalist models of care in contrast to specialist treatments, identification of essential effective elements of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and the adaptation of DBT treatment to manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and BPD. Studies on pharmacological interventions remain limited and have not provided evidence that any specific medications can provide stand-alone treatment.

What are the co-morbidities of BPD?

Investigators have also adapted the established evidence based treatments for BPD to manage the usual complex co-morbidities of BPD including substance use disorders substance use disorders (SUDs) [32], eating disorders (EDs) [33], and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [34]. BPD patients who present with acutely symptomatic co-morbidities of these types are often challenging to manage with strictly BPD oriented treatments [35]. Conversely, in SUD and ED treatments, individuals with co-morbid BPD may also present with problems that are difficult to manage in those treatment environments. Efforts to target BPD with its co-morbid disorders simultaneously have been developed and studies of their feasibility and effectiveness have been published in the last 5 years [15•, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38].

What is borderline personality disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder, characterized by a long-term pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, distorted self-image, marked impulsivity, and affective instability. Individuals with BPD have significant functional impairment, high rates of comorbid mental disorders, substance use, deliberate self-harm, and suicidal ideation and behavior [1, 2]. By Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) definition, BPD has an onset in adolescence or early adulthood, with enduring patterns of inner experience and behavior that deviate markedly from societal and cultural norms, and are stable and inflexible [3]. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) [4] refers to BPD as emotionally unstable personality disorderbut has similar diagnostic criteria to the DSM-5.

What is the first line of treatment for BPD?

Clinical practice guidelines recommend psychotherapies as first-line treatments for BPD [16–19], in particular, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a structured and manualized therapy.

How common is BPD in women?

The estimated prevalence of BPD in the general population in Western countries ranges between 0.4 and 3.9% [10]. Women are more frequently diagnosed with BPD than men, but it is unclear whether BPD is actually more common in women than men. In clinical psychiatric populations, the prevalence of BPD is high and estimated at 10% for outpatients and 15–25% for inpatients [11, 12]. Individuals with BPD are also frequent users of general primary care. The lifetime prevalence of BPD among primary care patients is about four times higher than in the general population [13]. Consequently, the societal costs of BPD are substantial; the annual direct healthcare costs and indirect costs in terms of lost productivity are >16 times higher among patients with BPD compared with matched controls without BPD [14].

What are the treatment classes for BPD?

As interventions, we included commonly used drug classes for the treatment of BPD, such as anticonvulsive medications, antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, benzodiazepines, melatonin, opioid agonists or antagonists, and sedative or hypnotic medications with a treatment duration of at least 8 weeks. Overall, these drug classes included 87 different pharmacotherapies. Outcomes of interest included severity of BPD, improvement of symptoms associated with BPD (e.g., aggression, anger, self-harm), general psychiatric symptoms, functioning, and adverse events. Supplementary Table 2 provides a detailed presentation of inclusion and exclusion criteria (see ESM).

When was the last systematic assessment of the efficacy and risk of harms of pharmacotherapy for the treatment?

The last systematic assessment of the efficacy and risk of harms of pharmacotherapy for the treatment of BPD was a Cochrane review in 2010 [29]. It concluded that second-generation antipsychotics and anticonvulsants have beneficial effects on individual symptoms of BPD, although the evidence was mostly based on single studies [29]. In 2017 and 2020, journal publications of focused updates of the Cochrane review did not formally assess the risk of bias of new studies and the certainty of the evidence [30, 31].

Is there a medication for BPD?

Currently, no medications have been approved by regulatory agencies for the treatment of BPD. Nevertheless, up to 96% of patients with BPD who seek treatment receive at least one psychotropic medication [20] and polypharmacy for BPD is common [21, 22]. Almost 19% of patients with BPD report four or more psychotropic medications [23]. Recommendations of clinical practice guidelines regarding pharmacotherapy vary. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom [24] and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council [25] recommend avoiding pharmacotherapies as first-line treatments except in acute crisis. Other professional societies or consensus statements view pharmacotherapies as adjunctive treatments, mainly to target symptoms of BPD, such as anger, aggression, and impulsiveness, or symptoms and comorbidities that are commonly associated with BPD, such as anxiety or depression [26–28]. Table ​Table11summarizes commonly used medication classes used to treat common symptoms associated with BPD.

Do antipsychotics reduce borderline personality disorder?

Second-generation antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants were not able to consistently reduce the severity of borderline personality disorder.

What is borderline personality disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental health disorder that usually has an onset in early adulthood . Individuals who have borderline personality disorder have difficulty managing their emotions and behaviors, leading to significant impairment in their daily functioning. Those with this condition also struggle to maintain healthy relationships. As is the case with most mental health disorders, there is no known cause, but experts believe that a combination of genetics, environment, and other variables serve as risk factors. Fortunately, borderline personality disorder seems to get better with age and is very responsive to treatment.

How is BPD treated?

BPD is mainly treated with psychotherapy, behavior therapies, and medication when necessary. Residential psychiatric treatment is most effective when it includes: Many who suffer from BPD struggle to cope with the responsibilities, routines, and stressors of normal daily life.

How to contact Rose Hill Center for Borderline Personality Disorder?

To learn more about borderline personality disorder treatment, contact Rose Hill Center by calling 866.367.0220.

How does BPD affect you?

People suffering from BPD are generally described as being overly sensitive. Minor events can cause explosive reactions , and once triggered, it takes a long time to calm down. You might say hurtful things or engage in risky and inappropriate behaviors. Once calm, you often feel guilty or ashamed, but these feelings do not prevent future episodes. It is a painful and confusing cycle for everyone, including friends and family.

What are the symptoms of BPD?

While everyone is different, anyone exhibiting five or more of the following symptoms for an extended period, starting in late adolescence, should seek mental health services from a medical or clinical professional to see if a diagnosis of BPD is warranted: Chronic feeling of emptiness. Intense fear of abandonment.

Does borderline personality disorder get better with age?

As is the case with most mental health disorders, there is no known cause, but experts believe that a combination of genetics, environment, and other variables serve as risk factors. Fortunately, borderline personality disorder seems to get better with age and is very responsive to treatment.

Is BPD a disorder?

Untreated borderline personality disorder makes it very difficult to live a productive life and often has serious repercussions for employment, financial stability, and relationships. BPD is rarely diagnosed on its own.

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