Quote:
Originally Posted by SoupDragon
I have been struggling with symptoms for ages and have just this morning read a book called Why Am I Still Depressed (Jim Phelps) - It is like the book has been written about me - I can related to so much re: hypomania. I am now feeling a bit wobbly, stunned, but also a bit reassured, relieved that I may be able to at last understand myself a little more. Not sure where to go from here, who to tell, what to do, doctor vs my T - maybe I just need to sleep on it and see how I feel tmorrow...
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I'm sorry to hear you are feeling wobbly and stunned, yet able to understand yourself better through reading this book. And
especially that you (as your later post says) have spoken with your T about it.
I have read this book (in fact, own it). While I appreciate the research of S. Nassir Ghaemi, which he often refers to, I
personally think Phelps goes too far with the theory. In taking examples to such minute symptoms, it almost brings it to the point of saying that virtually everyone has BP, which is very frustrating. It brings to mind one of the very few people I have confided in, whose response was "hell,
everyone's BP!" Um, no. Because if that were true, very serious (and well established) statistics would not so extremely disproportionate to the general population. (And since the general population includes the non-dx'd, that is a non-point, and in fact shows the other all the more strongly.)
Quote:
Originally Posted by SoupDragon
... I have been doing loads more reading since then and found a website that suggets some professionals believe that there is actually no difference between BP II and borderline personality disorder and even if there was the therapy to treat either would not differ - so I can see how a label is not essential. The only benefit seesm to be in terms of medication as anti dpressants not indicated for BP II.
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I agree that it is the treatment, not the label, that matters most. Sometimes, ADs are helpful (in
conjunction - very important point) - with mood stabilizers for some people with BP.) IIRC, that is Phelps contention, which of course is his perogative to believe.
Ok, now here's the biggie, and I'm sorry, but I just can't not say it, because it is a huge sore point with me. I hope you are not offended, because that's not
at all the intent. I'm glad you are reading and learning so much. That is very important.
Here's the thing. It
infuriates me that some professionals would say there is no difference between BP and BPD! Granted, there is some overlap of symptoms. Granted, there are people who are dx'd with both. BUT, there is a
very big difference between the two. BP is brain chemisty based. BPD is a one's way of dealing with the world on a regular basis. It is a coping mechanism (not a good one, and a frustratingly stubborn one, but a coping mechanism nonetheless). It is not
caused by brain chemistry. That is a
very big difference! And one that is incomprehensible to me that they choose to ignore!
That said, be assured that it is not a commonly held professional view. Science simply doesn't hold it up.
(On a personal note, I have BP. I can not relate
at all to symptoms of BPD that are unique to and majorly diagnostic of BPD.)
Hope that didn't come off harshly. It's not
at all directed to you, but to any professional that would promugate such a thing. BP's enough for us to learn more about as it is(!) You know? Again, so glad you are trying to learn all that you can about BP. Hope you are finding the forums here helpful!
Keep us posted ok? We're all here to give and receive support, regardless of dx!
