rehab for BPD

[brownkat36]

I have never posted on a message board. I just returned from the hospital where my 33 year old daughter is recovering from her 4th suicide attempt this year. She almost died this time from a Tylenol overdose. My question is this:  are there inpatient rehab facilities that can help her? The last two psychiatrists have diagnosed major depressive disorder, severe anxiety with cluster B personality disorder.

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

[mimi99]

I'm so sorry to hear that your daughter is so ill. You must feel so powerless to help. My BPD is also a daughter 24. We have struggled to get her help on an inpatient basis. She was hospitalized twice in the last year for suicidal ideation, but once she was at the hospital (and away from the daily responsibilities that overwhelmed her) she quickly cheered up and convinced the docs that she was stable.

It has been difficult for us to get long-term treatment for an adult child. We can't afford to pay for anything that her insurance will not cover, and we are also limited by her lack of willingness to do anything until things get overwhelming for her again.

There are some long-term options for adults, but they are pricey. If you google BPD treatment there are several facilities that will come up. I can't speak for the effectiveness of any of them, but it is a place to start.

[Mary47]

Does it matter if the facility is close to where you live?  If so can you give a general sense of where that is?  My daughter was in and out of McLean Hospital outside of Boston for two years. Five times on the locked "short term unit" for suicidality. Stressful, panicked, devastated--  doesn't begin to describe the feelings. Hang in there!

[lbjnltx]

Hi brownkat36,

Welcome to the Parenting Board, we are glad that you are here looking for input regarding your daughter's care.  It's tough out there and this is a safe and supportive place to look for support for yourself, info on BPD, and how to help your daughter.

You use the term "rehab" which is usually attached to addiction recovery.  Does your daughter suffer with an addiction in addition to her psychiatric issues?  If so, looking for dual diagnoses inpatient facilities may help in your search for resources.  The problem with long term inpatient care for adults is that the patient must commit to the program and want to go.  Does this describe your daughter?

As others have mentioned, insurance usually will not cover the cost of inpatient care for long... .if at all.  Do you have the financial resources available to support your daughter in long term inpatient care (3+ months)?  My insurance will cover more inpatient care for addiction than for mental illness. 

I look forward to your reply and supporting you as you seek help for your daughter.  I also would be remiss if I didn't ask how you are doing.  We must take care of self before we are able to take care of another. 

lbjnltx