Confused - has this happened to anyone else here (BPD? Bipolar?)

[BioAdoptMom3]

Our DD14 entered a residential treatment center an hour away on Thursday afternoon.  We are very impressed so far with her care there and she seems to be thriving.  For 3 years she has seen a psychiatrist with whom we have been very satisfied.  If you count the times she has been in inpatient crisis stabilization she has had several therapists and all of the above have suggested BPD traits.  We are also dealing with an adopted child who knows she was abandoned in the hospital NICU at birth and is the biological child of drug addicts.  After giving as much history as we knew and interviewing with the child psych (her alone and us) he came to us saying he was 100% sure we were dealing with bipolar rather than BPD based on not only the interviews, but upon the fact that she responded very well when her doctor added Abilify to her Prozac 2 years ago and when we occasionally forget to give it to her we can tell the difference the next day.  He has 28 years experience as a child psych, so I am sure he knows his stuff.  He also seemed to be a good listener and asked lots of questions.  She already seems to be responding positively to the new bipolar meds (and continuation of Abilify).  I hope and pray this is TRUE!  Treatment would be so much easier.  However I cannot get past the fact that we have a child who cuts, has an eating disorder, major peer relationship issues, anxiety including social, depression, suicidal ideation and a history of attempts.  She had 5 crisis stabilization admissions in less than a year!  Could he be correct?  Could she have both?  Do you think maybe we are dealing with bipolar plus adoption issues which would make it appear more like BPD traits?  DH and I are very confused!

Thanks!

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[theplotthickens]

Yes, they can have both!  Mine does.  BPD is an Axis II diagnosis, which has been historically considered "untreatable" 

Bipolar with trauma will cause the exact same symptoms as bipolar with BPD.  Treating her for trauma may help the emerging BPD, if she is open to it. 

It sounds like you have a great care team there!  You are really blessed!

[jellibeans]

Dear BioAdoptMom3

I have no experience with bipolar but I am optimistic about this new DX? Especially since she is repsonding to meds... . I can see how you can feel so thrown by this new DX but I think I would let it run it's course and see how she does... . certainly you have already seen some positive signs. I am so sorry your dd has been struggling so but this RTC sounds like they really know their stuff... . please keep us posted... .

[theplotthickens]

I want to recommend a book to you - it is so awesome and EMPOWERING to parents.  It is called, "What Works for Bipolar Kids" by Pavuluri.  Seriously, this book helped me more than thousands of dollars worth of therapy.  Very positive and practical!  Highly recommend getting your hands on it asap!

[BioAdoptMom3]

Thank you all so much for your empathy and for helping to gain a peace of mind about this!  I am going to the library tomorrow and will look for that book!  And, very interesting about the combo of BiP and trauma and how it mimics BPD!