Differences Between Complex PTSD and BPD?
Differences and similarities
Complex PTSD (CPTSD) and borderline personality disorder share some common symptoms and can coexist.
The symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are similar.
But there are key differences in emotional regulation and troubled relationships that set CPTSD and BPD apart.
Knowing the differences can help people with either condition better understand themselves and get the right treatment.
What is complex PTSD?
Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is a subtype of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
CPTSD isn’t currently recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) as a separate disorder from PTSD.
But the International Classification of Diseases, 11th edition (ICD-11), used by the World Health Organization (WHO) and many clinicians, considers CPTSD a different category of PTSD.
CPTSD includes all the symptoms of PTSD plus additional symptoms that include a negative self-image, difficulty regulating emotions, and problems with interpersonal relationships
This condition is typically seen in someone who’s experienced chronic or repeated trauma, such as survivors of prolonged childhood abuse and refugees. But a single traumatic event can also cause CPTSD.
Signs and symptoms of CPTSD
The signs and symptoms of CPTSD include the three categories of PTSD symptoms:
Intrusive thoughts: Intrusive thoughts can include recurring memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional or physical reactions to reminders of the traumatic event.
Avoidance behaviors: People often avoid places or situations that remind them of a traumatic event. They may also avoid talking about anything related to the trauma.
Increased arousal: Sleep problems, irritability, heightened anger or anxiety, and difficulty concentrating are a few common arousal symptoms.
The symptoms are often strong and frequent and are primarily related to the initial traumatic event. CPTSD presents additional symptoms such as:
Emotional dysregulation: This is the inability to manage the duration and intensity of negative emotions. This may also include dissociation and disconnection from those around you.
Negative self-view: Shame or guilt are more common with CPTSD than PTSD. With CPTSD, you may feel the traumatic events were your fault or caused by a defect in yourself. These emotions can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts.
Difficulty in personal relationships: Trust is difficult for people with CPTSD because they tend to feel that people will inevitably hurt them.
Loss of belief system: Your worldview or religious beliefs change.
What is borderline personality disorder?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) affects a person’s ability to regulate their emotions.
The lack of self-regulation can lead to impulsivity and difficulty in personal relationships and affect how the person sees and feels about themselves.
Frequent changes in mood and extreme changes in point of view are common symptoms, as well as turbulent feelings about oneself and relationships with others.
BPD is more common among people who’ve experienced traumatic life experiences such as abuse and abandonment.
Signs and symptoms of BPD
To those around them, the feelings of a person with BPD can change quickly and without warning. They may also:
view the world in extremes
quickly change values or worldviews
have difficulty with impulse control
have impulsive behaviors, such as unsafe sexual intercourse, reckless driving, and spending sprees
fear abandonment and go to extremes to prevent real or perceived abandonment
experience intense, inappropriate anger
have suicidal thoughts and behavior
have a chronic sense of emptiness
experience dissociation
CPTSD and BPD may increase your chance of self-harm. If you’re considering self-harm or suicide, you’re not alone. Help is available right now. You can:Call a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.