BPD

Posted by Stephen Long MD on August 14, 1999 at 12:49:41
Dear HFHS
I'm a Family Physician in my 50's. I run a rural clinic,in a medically underserved area. The other day I lost control at home with my wife, over a trival matter(it seems now). The argument esulated to the point I was in a blind rage and threw anything I could find. I threw pictures that hit my wife and caused brusing, I found out later. I love my wife dearly, I can't believe I actually did this. I alway new I had a temper but I thought at my age and position I could control it. I feel like I've been kicked in the gut! As a child my father had a severe temper w/outbursts that intimadated my 2 bros. and mother. I grade school and high school it seems now that I was always fighting. After high school 1966 I joined the US Army being trained as a Medic I went directly to Viet Nam. When discharged from the Army attended College and Med.school. I'm terribly ashamed, but it seems that I haven't grown out of this. I council my of my patients re; anger and the effects of it. Of course ETOH worsens my reaction. It has always made my sick to hear of abuse in a relationship. I do not feel comfortable talking to a mental health provider, of course because I feel I know what they are going to say. I'm reading a few books on BPD, which seem to make sence. The anger books really do not seem to apply completely but offer insite. What can I do,? of course I've expressed my regret to my wife but its not enough. Does our profession make this worse, I wonder? I've started Zoloft wich seems to help.I know Thta I have to get rid of all the etoh in the house as a starter Thank for reading this.

Posted by HFHS.MD-AJ on August 18, 1999 at 21:56:41
Dear Dr. Long,
Irritability may be due to a number of psychiatric disorders such as major depression, alcohol abuse/dependence, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder. Evaluation by a trained mental health professional is essential, as proper treatment will be dictated by the correct diagnosis. A good starting point is abstinence from alcohol, with monitoring for any signs of withdrawal. Marital counselling may help you and your wife work on these issues together.
This response is provided for general educational purposes only. Always consult your physician for any health concerns.