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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
age onset for BPD?
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
age onset for BPD?
by worriedcoworker, Nov 29, 2004 12:00AM
I work with a woman who is now 32 whose mother is a diagnosed BPD, possibly with other factors at work (I belevie she is also an alcoholic). I've worked with this woman (the daughter) for about 3 years now and have noticed a real change in her over the last several months, which on broaching the subject with other coworkers, it appears others are seeing the same things. This once very on-top-of things woman has become very lax about her work, including attendance, and often inappropriate and attention-seeking in her behavior. Reactions to caffeine are more extreme than I recall in the past. She does have two small children (her husband is a stay-at-home parent) and I know the financial situation is tight and stressful, but the changes I'm noticing seem beyond discouragement, overtiredness, etc. Her attention to her appearance has taken a dramatic turn and she seems not to notice at all when she's getting a negative reaction, whereas she used to be very in tune with the subtle interactions of people. She always seemed a very capable and mature young woman and now I'm concerned that she may be entering something more serious than a slump, or a phase.
I am wondering if there is a typical onset age for BPD or related disorders. While we are not close friends, I do care about her and am concerned that she may get fired, and become the stay-home parent of two small kids, without the root causes of this problem being addressed. I'm not sure what to do or if I'm 'seeing things' that are normal overstress. But it just seems like a very dramatic change.
Appreciate any help you can suggest.
thanks,
worriedcoworker
I am wondering if there is a typical onset age for BPD or related disorders. While we are not close friends, I do care about her and am concerned that she may get fired, and become the stay-home parent of two small kids, without the root causes of this problem being addressed. I'm not sure what to do or if I'm 'seeing things' that are normal overstress. But it just seems like a very dramatic change.
Appreciate any help you can suggest.
thanks,
worriedcoworker
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Nov 29, 2004 12:00AM
, Nov 29, 2004 12:00AM
I think the best you can do for her is share your observations and your intentions of helping her prevent getting fired. Be sure not to make any connection to bpd or any other diagnosis, just your observations about the changes in her, and your concern. It may be the mirror she needs to pull herself together.
Member Comments (1)
by naynay18, Dec 07, 2004 12:00AM
I definitely agree with the comment of letting the woman know about your observations. If she is bipolar, making that suggestion to her straight up could make for a pretty sticky situation. She could become defensive and maybe even spaz out. It's definitely best if ppl w/BPD are able to put 2 and 2 together themselves if possible.
