C-PTSD and BPD

The terms Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) are often used interchangeably as the two conditions share many similarities - particularly in their roots of childhood trauma and repeated traumatic experiences. Both can involve PTSD-like symptoms such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors. However, there are distinct differences between the two:

• C-PTSD results from prolonged, severe trauma, typically experienced during childhood. It encompasses emotional dysregulation, persistent negative self-concept, and difficulties in maintaining relationships due to the impact of trauma on one’s sense of self and trust in others.
• BPD is characterized by emotional instability, a deep fear of abandonment, and unstable relationships. While individuals with BPD often have trauma histories, the nature of the trauma may not be as prolonged or severe as that seen in CPTSD.

It's important to seek the right type of support and treatment for C-PTSD and / or BPD symptoms. 

It can be helpful to understand and recognize the symptoms of each of these conditions, but please avoid self-diagnosing. Only a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or a registered psychologist, can provide an accurate diagnosis.

Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms (according to the DSM-IV) include:

• Intense Fear of Abandonment: Extreme efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.
• Unstable Relationships: A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation.
• Identity Disturbance: Unstable self-image or sense of self.
• Impulsivity: Impulsive behaviors in areas such as spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, or binge eating.
• Recurrent Suicidal Behavior or Self-Harm: Suicidal gestures, threats, or self-mutilating behavior.
• Emotional Instability: Intense mood swings, often lasting only a few hours.
• Chronic Feelings of Emptiness: Persistent feelings of emptiness.
• Inappropriate Anger: Intense and inappropriate anger or difficulty controlling anger.
• Paranoia or Dissociation: Transient stress-related paranoia or severe dissociative symptoms.

Complex PTSD Symptoms (according to the ICD-11) include:

• Re-experiencing the Trauma: Intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares about the traumatic events.
• Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of the trauma, including thoughts, feelings, people, places, and activities associated with the trauma.
• Negative Cognitions and Mood: Persistent negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world; feelings of detachment from others; and inability to experience positive emotions.
• Affective Dysregulation: Difficulty regulating emotions, frequent mood swings, and an overall sense of emotional instability.
• Disturbances in Relationships: Difficulty maintaining close relationships, feelings of isolation, and persistent distrust of others.
• Negative Self-Concept: Deep feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, and self-blame related to the trauma.
• Hyperarousal: Increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, and sleep disturbances.
• Dissociation: Feelings of detachment from oneself or reality, experiencing the world as unreal, or having an altered sense of time.
• Somatic Symptoms: Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, and muscle tension related to stress and trauma.

Yes, it is possible to experience symptoms of both C-PTSD and BPD. 

Psychotherapy can be incredibly beneficial for individuals struggling with C-PTSD, BPD, or both, and their loved ones. 

It is essential that your therapist has experience supporting clients with C-PTSD and BPD, and that you feel comfortable with them. There are several different types of therapy or counselling approaches that are beneficial including (but not limited to):

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Particularly effective for BPD, DBT helps individuals manage emotional dysregulation, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve relationships.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Beneficial for both C-PTSD and BPD, CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Effective in helping both C-PTSD and BPD symptoms by changing how one reacts to uncomfortable thoughts and emotions, increasing self-awareness, and improving psychological flexiblity.
• Schema-Focused Therapy (SFT): Focused on identifying and reducing the powerful, unhelpful, negative beliefs about yourself and the patterns (relationships, behaviours, emotions,etc) they create. 
• Trauma-Focused Therapy: This approach is tailored to address the root causes of trauma and helps individuals develop coping skills to manage their symptoms and emotional responses.

Understanding and addressing the complexities of C-PTSD and BPD requires a compassionate, knowledgeable approach. Our therapists are experienced in working with individuals dealing with these conditions and are dedicated to providing the support and strategies needed for healing.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of C-PTSD or BPD, reach out to us. Our team is here to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences, develop coping mechanisms, and work towards a brighter, more stable future.

Take the first step towards healing and contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified therapists. We are here to help you navigate your journey to wellness with understanding and care.