Medications and BPD - does it really work?

[Depression = 72% of members]

I'm wondering if anyone has known anyone with BPD who underwent treatment that included medication. I know there is no specific medication for BPD, but there are anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, and anti-psychotic drugs.

Have you know a person with BPD who tried medication, and was it effective at countering problematic BPD behavior?

[iamupsidedown]

I'm wondering if anyone has known anyone with BPD who underwent treatment that included medication. I know there is no specific medication for BPD, but there are anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, and anti-psychotic drugs.

Have you know a person with BPD who tried medication, and was it effective at countering problematic BPD behavior?

[drumdog4M]

My layperson understanding is that the answer generally is no. Medications often are used to deal with co-morbidities like depression and anxiety, and certain symptoms (e.g., mood stabilizers). But the disorder cannot currently be effectively treated with medication. Drugs, however, often are part of the patient's overall treatment plan. Interestingly, one study I read suggests that the treatment-resistant form of depression that accompanies BPD often does not remit until the BPD itself is treated.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is considered the most effective current treatment for BPD. Mentalization Based Treatment or Schema Therapy are also being used.

There are many resources on the treatment of BPD on the website.

In sum, one cannot medicate their way out of BPD. Hope that helps.

[kells76]

Hi iamupsidedown, welcome, and great question.

There have been a few discussions about your very topic, because people are curious along with you.

Here's a thread on whether amino acids/omega-3s/probiotics are helpful:

https://bpdfamily.com/message_board/index.php?topic=334618.0

Here's a long thread on treatment via medications:

https://bpdfamily.com/message_board/index.php?topic=141634.0

Update us on your thoughts on those, plus your own experiences, whenever works for you--

kells76

[SinisterComplex]

I'm wondering if anyone has known anyone with BPD who underwent treatment that included medication. I know there is no specific medication for BPD, but there are anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, and anti-psychotic drugs.

Have you know a person with BPD who tried medication, and was it effective at countering problematic BPD behavior?

In short...No. But there is a twist...medication can help, but only in the context that the person with BPD remains constant and consistent with it in addition to DBT. The medication by itself only suppresses and doesn't necessarily treat or cure. Make sense?

There has to be an entire treatment plan in place...diet, medication, therapy, etc for best results.

Cheers and best wishes!

-SC-