I wrote a school paper on BPD about 18 years ago. I was sure at that time that I had it. I was already diagnosed with depression and social phobia. I received my bipolar DX years later and still felt BPD was playing a role in addition to bipolar. Last time in the hospital, I asked them about it and the doctor said I don't have BPD. My husband who worked in mental health and had many BPD clients said I don't act BPD, yet I still think I have enough traits to probably qualify. I may talk to my current therapist about it. BPD and BP are similar, yet different. I can see how misgiagnosis could happen, but if someone is trained, there are clear differences. BPD Doesn't get week or months long manias do they? Aren't there emotions more fleeting and chaotic? It's been a long time since I wrote that paper so perhaps I'm forgetting some things though. I think having a correct diagnosis is important only if the person plans to educate themselves on the illness. If you plan to educate yourself, you need the proper direction towards resources. Labels aren't important, but knowing what you should read is.