Should someone who's well medicated and in therapy still have a lot of symptoms?

[FallenOne]

I'm asking because my ex was diagnosed and getting pretty heavy treatment, and still has a lot of the noticeable traits of BPD.

[flourdust]

My wife was on many medications and had 10 hours of DBT and individual therapy every week for over a year. I can't say I saw any improvement. The psychiatrist said that there really weren't any medications that were strongly indicated for BPD, so medication adjustment was unlikely to lead to any major change. As for the therapy, she was compliant, but she would not take responsibility for her behavior or express a desire to change them -- without that, it's just going through the motions.

[Naughty Nibbler]

Hey MatS:   

There are so many variations in situations with people with BPD (pwBPD), that you really can't compare all  pwBPD.  Most pwBPD have a collection of issues, perhaps including depression, an anxiety disorder, bipolar, ADHD/ADD, OCD, etc.  There are a variety of meds that may or may not work for a given individual.  Sometime, it can be a trial and error effort to get the best combo of meds that will work on a given individual

With therapy, a lot is possible if someone cooperates and wants to improve.  For those who don't want therapy, and perhaps enter therapy begrudgingly, you can't expect much of a good result.  Results can, also, depend on a given individuals probable root cause of BPD.  Is it likely genetic, environmental or a combo of both?  In either case, if someone is actively participating in therapy, you would think that they would learn some coping skills to provide some level of improvement.  Sometimes, perhaps when there isn't progress with one therapist, a different therapist should be consulted. (if possible and insurance and/or finances allows)

I'm thinking that some people might have a remission in their BPD behavior, others might successfully manage their behavior and reduce the level and occurrences of dysregulation.  Some might not improve, for various reasons.