Myths and Controversies

Myth-BPD is not treatable

Truth-BPD is treatable. Hard work and effective treatment can reduce the symptoms of BPD and you can go into "remission"

Myth-All people with BPD are victims of childhood abuse

Truth-While some people with BPD were abused, it is not true of all people, and thinking that way can change the way people interact with you or talk to you and can make you feel like their own experience isn't understood. There is no known cause of BPD at this time. However, the cause is generally seen as a combination of biological and environmental factors

Myth-BPD is a variation of Bipolar

Truth-BPD and Bipolar are completely different disorders. Although the symptoms of each may appear similar, they are two very distinct illnesses. Because even healthcare providers lack knowledge about BPD, people wirh BPD are often misdiagnosed with Bipolar. 

Myth-Only women get BPD

Truth-Recent research has shown that the rates of women and men are comparable. While women tend to exhibit symptoms like mood swings and feelings of emptiness, men tend towards behavioral impulsivity

Myth-If you know one person with BPD, yoi know them all

Truth-Every person is unique, even if they have BPD. The way symptoms of BPD show themselves is different in every individual. Each person experiences BPD in very different ways

Myth-People with BPD are dangerous

Truth-In actuality, it is more likely for people with personality disorders to be a danger to themselves, not others

Myth-BPD isn't a valid diagnosis

Truth-BPD is a universally accepted mental health diagnosis

Myth-People with BPD are manipulative and attention-seeking

Truth-People with BPD act in many ways, but not because they want to

Myth-Suicide threats by people with BPD aren't serious

Truth-All suicidal threats should be taken seriously

Myth-People with BPD aren't capable of love

Truth-People with BPD can be tremendously kind and loving people

Myth-People with BPD can't take care of themselves

Truth-Many people with BPD have families, friends, and jobs