Fact 11: Co-occurring Disorders
It’s not uncommon for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) to have co-occurring disorders. In fact, the overlapping nature of mental health conditions means that a person with BPD might be wrestling with another psychological issue simultaneously, complicating both diagnosis and treatment.
Depression is one of the most common co-occurring disorders with BPD. Feelings of worthlessness, persistent sadness, and a bleak outlook on life aren’t just symptomatic of BPD but resonate with depressive disorders as well. Differentiating between the two and treating them can be a complex endeavor but is vital for holistic healing.
Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias, can also frequently coexist with BPD. The chronic feelings of emptiness and fear of abandonment in BPD can interweave with anxiety symptoms, intensifying the mental distress experienced by the individual.
Substance abuse is another shadow that often lurks behind BPD. Drugs or alcohol might be seen as coping mechanisms, offering temporary relief from the emotional whirlwind. But, in reality, they further exacerbate the condition, creating a vicious cycle of impulsivity, regret, and dependency. (11)
