The study of mental illness often leads many to misperceive any disorder as a psychotic spectrum disorder`s. This is true of borderline personality disorder as well. Since the treatment of BPD and psychopathy are inseparable, it seems to many that this disorder should be categorized as part of this spectrum.
Let’s determine right away that this is a misperception. Certainly, BPD can present with short-term psychotic symptoms. It is they that cause some confusion among patients’ relatives and inexperienced specialists. But in general, it is not correct to attribute borderline personality disorder to the psychotic spectrum. Let us examine in more detail why this is so.
What is BPD and how it manifests
When studying borderline personality disorder dissociation psychosis, the first thing to understand is what the diagnosis of BPD is. In this disorder, a person exhibits instability, hypersensitivity etc. BPD often records:
- fluctuating emotions;
- fast-paced relationships;
- anxiety and fear of being alone;
- sudden changes in behavior;
- identity disorder.
Such people have tremendous mood swings. They can be hyperactive as well as extremely irritable and fall into severe depression. In addition, BPD psychosis can mark strong changes in a person’s self-esteem. In general, their behavior, although associated with the manifestation of sharp emotions, to the psychotic spectrum this diagnosis can still not be attributed.
What can be considered a psychotic spectrum disorder
When dealing with borderline personality disorder considered psychotic spectrum disorder one must also realize. Psychotic disorders are associated with stable symptoms. Among them, the most frequently mentioned manifestations are:
- delusions;
- hallucinations;
- disorganized thinking.
People with BPD do not have stable moments with the manifestation of any of these symptoms. However, persistent confusion leads many to mistakenly categorize BPD as part of this spectrum, although this is not a correct step.
Reasons why BPD is sometimes categorized as a psychotic spectrum
The main reason why borderline personality disorder psychotic features explained is that people with this disorder may exhibit symptoms such as:
- paranoia;
- dissociation;
- hallucinations and delusions.
However, the last point is very rare. Moreover, such manifestations pass in a short period. Even in the most complex situations with BPD, these symptoms pass in a few hours. And in most patients with this diagnosis, they can even pass in minutes.
In addition, these symptoms can only occur if the person diagnosed with BPD has experienced severe stress. Therefore, stable psychotic spectrum disorder should not be confused with the brief onset of symptoms in BPD.
Conclusion
As you can see, borderline disorder psychotic-like experiences are likely to occur. But the difference is that they will not be permanent and short-term. However, in any case of their manifestation, it is worth immediately going to specialized specialists.
Only with their help, it will be possible to correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment. Otherwise, you can mistakenly engage in self-medication. And this will lead to irreversible and not the best consequences. Therefore, despite all your knowledge, do not ignore the possibility of obtaining qualified help for the mental state of your loved ones. Especially if they show any format of such symptoms.