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My dBPDh was originally diagnosed with bipolar. He has always had very black depressions and very wild highs.

We're in the UK and upon diagnosis of BPD instead of bipolar the Psychiatrist apparently advised my H that he wouldn't prescribe him anti depressants now because "you can't treat BPD with drugs".

Now for about a month my H has been sliding into a depression again. He is going to his psychological therapy group and doing all his self help things but this depression is seemingly debilitating adn he doesn't know why he is depressed.

I have mentioned that I think we should go back to the Psychiatrist and state that my H wants to  go back on anti depressants. Surely the BPD psychological treatment could continue alongside drugs for the depression?

Does anybody have any experience of this? I'm no doctor but I know when I see someone with clinical depression and surely it needs managing as well as the BPD?

If we go to the Psychiatrist is it likely they will listen? The alternative is to go to our GP (who is very good) and ask for them to prescribe anti d's but not sure if she will given the H is under the psych team.

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks PT

Hi PeppermintTea,

while "you can't treat BPD with drugs" is absolutely correct that does not mean sometimes drugs can support someone doing therapy and is depressed. It would be important to understand the reasoning. Did the T feel there was no need or wanted to get down to a clean baseline level? Changes should be done with the T. Arbitrary changes in the medication regime sounds risky as depression and BPD are a common but dangerous combination. If you feel you do not trust the T you have to look for another one (don't know how difficult that is in the UK, might be a pain).


Nobody is giving anyone drugs just because someone wants them. Drugs are for people who need them... .


After 4 weeks is certainly worth checking whether there is a need. Also to provide feedback even if the T does not change it now. So there is already a data point to look back later and decide to change it.

Hi PeppermintTea,

How are you? I am in the uk and my husband has BPD. So i completely understand where you're coming from. They are absolutely right in saying that you can't treat BPD with drugs.

However... . if he is struggling with depression alongside BPD this is something that can be treated with medication. It may not treat all of his symptoms but might make it easier to manage. I would suggest if he has been on them before and found one particularily helpful, ask to be put back on them. Whichever way, go and see the psychaitrist as you're right the GP will have to refer to the CMHT anyway before perscribing.

I hope this helps a little. This advice also comes from my husband (who has BPD) but he does also have a First Bsc in Psychology so I'd hope he knows what's talking about.

Good luck 

Just to update ... . H was prescribed anti depressants and after 2 weeks they are definitely making a big difference.

Its hard to describe - clearly the anti -d 's don't have any impact on the BPD behaviours but they seem to lift his mood enough that he can then implement the strategies he learns in psychology group which enable him to manage himself better.

Suffice to say that things are a lot smoother here since the drugs have kicked in!

Relief!

PT x

Peppermint, that echoes my experience.  Unfortunately, my BPDboyfriend stopped taking them and has been having an awful time since then.  He's going back on them soon though, thankfully.  I agree they don't change the BPD, but helping depression really does help overall.