We believe that determining whether the person in your life with borderline traits functions on a "high functioning" or "low functioning" basis is critical to understanding how to best proceed. Information on why this makes a difference can be found on the following pages:
BPD411 - Low -vs- High Functioning BPs
BPD411 - Situational Competence
This page will help you figure out where your significant other falls on the scale. It must be pointed out that this is not scientific, nor is it generally accepted or known in the mental health care community. It has, however, grown out of a lot of experience in the online NonBP community. This list assumes that they have already met the criteria for BPD in the DSM-IV.
Indicators of Low Functioning BPD
Cutting
Hospitalization
Improvement of Symptoms with Age
Inability to Control Behaviors in Public
Acknowledgement by Friends and Neighbors that there is a Significant Problem
They More Often Accept the Diagnosis of BPD
Are More Often in Individual Therapy for their OWN Problems
More Often Abusive to Strangers or Friends in Public
Often are Homemakers or Have Some Difficulty in Maintaining a Career Even With a Good Education
Can’t "Keep it Together" in all Situations
Indicators of High Functioning BPD
Lack of Physical Self Mutilation (More Prone to Simple Self Sabotage)
Situational Competence in most places other than the home
Highly Successful Professionally
Well Thought of in the Community
Lack of support for the Non by family and friends ( Elmer Fudd syndrome )
Are More Often in Couples Therapy to Solve the Non’s Problems or Relationship Issues.
Often have a high degree of education and often find employ in fields that support their traits (therapist, police officer, prison guard, doctor, lawyer)
Are often perfectionists in some areas of their lives and sometimes do achieve near perfection in these areas.
Indicators That Don’t Make a Difference
Abusive to Significant Others
Are Sometimes Very Dangerous, Even Without a History of Being Dangerous
* Note that this is NOT a part of the DSM or any other professional psychological organization, this diagnostic instrument is based entirely upon our experiences and observations at BPD411. Use caution in applying the results of your observations.
BPD411 Home - Services - Resources - Partners - Contact Us - Mailing List
Disclaimer: The information on this site (http://www.bpd411.org) is based on personal experiences of the authors and members of our e-mail mailing list. It is NOT meant to replace professional advice or take the place of counseling, therapy or additional personal research.
Copyright (c) 1996-2003 Turtle Island Center Family Services [1996] Incorporated More