BPDFamily.com

Hello,
My sister passed away in 2012. At the time, she was diagnosed and I believe she was being treated for Bipolar disorder.
I always struggled with this diagnosis as those I know with Bipolar disorder would have changes in mood for no reason. They also would linger in a mood for long periods. My sister on the other hand would flit back and forth between moods extremely erratically. She struggled with writing bad checks, shoplifting, and frequented the hospital. But more often than not the impulsive behavior was triggered by a relationship conflict or a perceived rejection. Her hospital life was a significant part of her identity. She had a compromised immune system, but struggled with binge eating and would purchase hospital paraphernalia like crutches/ wheelchairs, etc. and often had some random injury or medical issue. Later in her life the medical aspects of her life were the only part she would discuss. The majority of the things she shared were not in fact true. She struggled with lying from a very young age creating false realities that were better versions of her life when she was younger and worse versions of her life when she was older. The focus of the lies seemed to always relate to attention seeking behavior.  She was desperate for strong friendships, but never was able to maintain lasting friendships other than a marriage. I am still trying to understand her better and BPD seems to be a closer fit to what I experienced as her sister. To be honest, I'm not sure what I am looking for in posting this... Possibly affirmation that I am on the write track.. But possibly to share my experience for the first time. Thanks. 

My mother was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder (called manic-depressive at the time) when I was about 2 years old.  When I was in college, she received the additional BPD diagnosis.  Similar to you, Bipolar alone never seemed to fully explain my mom's behavior.  BPD was a much better fit for about half of her symptoms.  I believe she suffers from both, as her medications for Bipolar help to level out her mania and depression.  But her BPD is ever present.  It's a rough combination.  So there's a possiblity your sister's diagnosis was correct, but not complete.   

Bipolar and BPD can seem similar. They can also be comorbid.

 COMPARISON: BiPolar Disorder vs BPD (https://bpdfamily.com/message_board/index.php?topic=162165.0;all)

I hope that we can support you BA99TJ

*welcome*

Hi BA99TJ,

Your sister passed away  in 2012, and it sounds like you are trying to understand your sister, and resolve some things through better understanding?  Am I close, or way off base?

From what you described about your sister, it sounds like she may have had significant trauma in her past, and these were symptoms of that trauma, and unhealthy coping mechanisms.  Does that fit?

Let us know how we can help.