Mod note: This post was split from the following thread: https://bpdfamily.com/message_board/index.php?topic=338257.0This thread is really helping me to clean up some puzzling perceptions that I've struggled with in regard to my exBPDh behaviors. He had a psychotic break 15 months ago and during that time our couples counselor (now my therapist) struggled with a diagnostic label to attempt to describe his behaviors. Bi-polar was in the mix but didn't quite fit for him and we've tentatively landed on likely BPD with strong NPD traits (I know that we don't have a firm diagnosis but if it walks like a duck...).
My ex cycles through periods of extreme mania followed by crushing depressions. Now I actually think that he is cycling from NPD to BPD traits during these times. During his manic periods, his level of grandiosity knows no bounds (it's actually repulsive to experience his level of inflated ego in this phase) and his resultant depressive periods are dark (he is the victim, the martyr and the blamer etc.). Now, I think that he is cycling from NPD to BPD traits during these times. During his psychotic break, I literally saw him cycle through these states back and forth several times in the space of a hour - truly horrifying/mesmerizing to witness.
I have limited contact with him now but viewing his behavior within the context of this framework will help me provide appropriate support my son who still has to interact with him and who is as yet unaware of his PD.
Warmly,
B
