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Bipolar Disorder/BP or BPD?
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Question
How can one tell whether a 17 year old male has bi-polar or
borderline personality disorder? The DSM-IV criteria for bpd
seems most applicable but he has recently been told by a
psychiatrist that he has bp. Can a diagnosis be done by other than a psychiatrist? They seem totally oriented towards brain
chemistry problems & meds almost discounting childhood experience in their diagnosis. thanks much.
Paul:
Only a psychiatrist is able to diagnose. Bipolar disorder and BPD are very similar, often overlapping in symptoms. Most psychiatrists will treat for bipolar first. BPD can only be diagnosed when all else is ruled out as it is a learned behavior rather than chemical. Chemical problems are eliminated one by one first.
Joyce A. Anthony
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Answers by Expert:
Joyce A. Anthony
Expertise
I can answer questions dealing with bipolar disorder in a parent, yourself or your child. I can give suggestions and insight into what can be expected of many medications for bipolar disorder. My most extensive knowledge is in children with bipolar disorder. Here I can give advice on dealing with daily events, schools, medication and professionals.
Experience
I am the daughter of a bipolar/schizophrenic parent, am bipolar myself and am raising a bipolar child. I have a background in Psychology from Gannon University, have run several parenting classes for those parenting bipolar children and have had extensive experience with medications, the school system, homeschooling a special needs child, dealing with counselors, doctors and other professionals in the mental health field. I write for a bipolar website, with the focus on educating the child with bipolar disorder on his/her illness.
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