BPD and PTSD often co-occur due to similar causative factors, such as traumatic events. Early traumas contributing to BPD can make it difficult for patients to cope with traumatic events later in life, and BPD symptoms can increase the chances of experiencing repeated psychological trauma. Symptoms of both disorders include mood swings, anxiety, and impulsive behavior.
BPD and PTSD often occur together, may have some of the same symptoms, and may have similar causative factors. Both disorders are thought to be more likely to occur in those who have experienced traumatic circumstances, such as domestic violence, abuse, rape, war, or accidents. People who experience such traumatic events early in life are considered to be more likely to develop borderline personality disorder (BPD), especially if the trauma has been prolonged, as is the case with domestic violence or child abuse. It is believed that people who experience singular or prolonged psychological trauma later in life are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People with BPD may be more likely to develop PTSD in response to psychological trauma, and experts believe that BPD and PTSD frequently occur together.
According to studies, more than half of those with BPD also suffer from PTSD. BPD and PTSD can occur together because early traumas that contribute to BPD can make it more difficult for these patients to cope with traumatic events later in life. People with BPD may have trouble distinguishing between traumatic events from the past and traumatic events from the future. When they experience trauma, they are likely to remember or even feel as if they are reliving the trauma from the past. Some professionals speculate that some BPD symptoms, including impulsive behaviors, recklessness, and a tendency to engage in fickle romantic relationships, may increase the BPD patient’s chances of experiencing repeated psychological trauma later in life.
The symptoms of BPD typically make it difficult for these patients to control their moods, form a workable self-image, get along with others, or trust others. As a result, BPD and PTSD can occur together because individuals with BPD often lack a healthy sense of self or social support network, things that can be important when coping with trauma. People with BPD may also struggle with fears of being abandoned and may develop depression, anxiety and paranoia.
Many of the symptoms of PTSD are similar to those of BPD. Much like people with BPD, people with PTSD often find themselves haunted by past traumatic events, reliving their memories, and sometimes even feeling as though the events are repeating themselves. BPD and PTSD can both cause people to remain hyper-alert for signs of danger in the environment, so that these people may never feel safe no matter where they are. Both disorders can cause mood swings, anger management issues, depression, anxiety, impulsive behavior, and suicidal ruminations.
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