Difference Between CPTSD and BPD, Psych2Go Explained

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) are two disorders that have many striking similarities, however are both quite different. People with either disorder can be misdiagnosed which can be problematic given that the two are treated very differently. To better understand the differences between BPD and CPTSD, in this video, we will look at signs of CPTSD that are often mistaken for BPD

To learn more about CPTSD and BPD, check out the following videos:

Writer: Sid Thompson
Script Editor: Isadora Ho
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
Animator: Zyan Méndez (IG @tomboiclub)
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

References:

[alekhein]

To all experiencing BPD and CPTSD, I see you and I hear you. I was diagnosed with both and I understand where a lot of this all comes from. Complex developmental trauma takes everything to treat and every second of it is worth it because you are all so very much worth it.

[channeling]

I do have CPTSD. It’s the consequence of parental neglect, ADHD rejection and long term bullying.
I don’t like to call myself a victim. I am a product of indifference and silence from relatives and educational institutions.
Teachers out there. If you see patterns, not only say something, make sure you recommend mental healthcare professionals
There’s a lot of single abusive/neglecting parents out there that don’t even know what they’re doing.

[psychologymatters]

Signs it is PTSD, not BPD
1:57 1. BPD has an inconsistent self-concept
2:26 2. CPTSD usually does not provoke fear of abandonment
2:55 3. People with CPTSD are less likely to self-harm
3:20 4. with CPTSD, you are more likely to avoid relationship

[derekbacharach]

BPD has been a diagnosis of convenience for trauma-uninformed clinicians for decades, often assigned to female patients they did not understand ("careful, she's borderline"). For anyone given this convoluted diagnosis, I would strongly encourage you to ask the clinician who diagnosed you if they are trauma-informed. If they get defensive or cannot say anything but what PTSD stands for, get another opinion. If you want to be nice, recommend the book The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk. If they haven't heard of the book... don't walk, run away.

[vasilikiphant]

I almost got diagnosted with BPD but then it turned out that I have CPTSD and my mom had BPD, and all the similar symptoms were me mirroring and projecting her in order to survive, so much that I did them unconsciously when I grew older. Psychotherapy helped a lot but still I have a long way to go!

[MsAudities]

Misdiagnosis for BPD seems to happen mostly to Autistic and ADHD folks who have C-PTSD (more commonly misdiagnosed among women/femmes). I don't believe this is a coincidence. The unstable sense of self in BPD can be due to a combination of complex trauma/abuse and Autistic mirroring, while the unstable negative/positive self-image can be a combination of complex trauma/abuse and ADHD Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria. In my experience and studying, BPD diagnoses are most often given to a neurodivergent person with C-PTSD.
When your Complex trauma includes tons of abandonment, esp used as a weapon by a narcissistic parent/guardian, then you absolutely will have fear of abandonment. If your C-PTSD includes a ton of bullying, you absolutely will be terrified of rejection. Rejection and bullying happen disproportionately to Neurodiverse persons. We need more neuro in our psych and more research on comorbidities. The information within academic and clinical psych is still woefully behind, underfunded, and under-researched, especially when it comes to Autism. We are only now undoing part of the extremely ableist, bigoted rhetoric that is accepted about Autism. A small part.
As with everything, these subjects are much more complexly layered even than they appear.

[khalilahd.]

These two disorders are so similar and can be difficult to differentiate. I’ve been learning about both disorders in school but this is a clear explanation of both so thank you and a great way to define childhood trauma so thank you 🙏🏽💜

[MsKeroseneLamp]

"Always in high alert." Hyper vigilance isn't always actively looking out for danger but behaviors that you have developed and normalized to avoid it without thinking too much about it.

Such as paying attention to how people walk and the sound of their steps to perceive their mood.

Switching topics when you and the person you're with were steering the conversation towards a subject that set off your abuser, thinking it'll upset them too

Shutting doors and closing cabinets quietly because you got your butt jumped for letting the door close loudly behind you or your abuser slammed things a lot when they were angry.

Always using headphones so you can quietly listen to whatever you want because your abuser got onto you for not keeping things quiet when you were with them.

[angiem]

I have cptsd from growing up with abusive and neglectful parents, a very dramatic divorce they went through in which I was placed in the care giver position, constant bullying and discrimination in educational centers I assisted, in jobs I had, a long term turned toxic relationship turned long term toxic situationship... All of which has left me in an extreme constant high alert, always analyzing and decoding people around me. Constantly denying my own needs and avoiding to ask for help. Its really tough you guys. I have isolated myself and gone through some extreme anxiety the last year. I dont know how to explain the feeling, I hope everyone going through anything like this sees the light at the end of the tunnel and finds the strength to pull through... You got this ❤️

[cpproductions]

I definitely have C-PTSD instead of the PTSD I was diagnosed with. It's basically impossible for me to trust anyone because everyone in my life proved they couldn't be trusted time and time again.

[emmemoore]

As an autistic, I have curious to see the similarities and differences between autism in women and BPD; it is a common misdiagnosis as well, especially in women. It is also possible to have both.

[Iceofficial]

I been diagnosed BPD and to make simple it. This disorder more focus on relationship.

This is our cycle
1.We attach to new person
2.we overshare our problem
3.they get tired and starting to make a distance
4.we clingy so that we can avoid abandonment
5.if they still leave us alone, we find new person.
6. Repeat it from number 1

[kaseyburgess]

If you or someone you love has BPD or CPTSD, remember that you're not a monster as some people portray, but rather you're a soldier fighting your inner demons and past traumas. You may have a long way to go, but you are strong and capable. Never give up and never lose sight of your loved ones. You got this. Bless you all.❤️

NOTE: CPTSD is not only found from military soldiers, but average citizens that has gone through something traumatic like car accident or witnessing death.

[Jess-knvl]

I describe CPTSD as a cluster of many symptoms on a spectrum. You arent gonna find 2 people the same. Its like yes the overlaps, if you draw three overlapping circles with CPTSD in the center. Those 3 circles would be PTSD, borderline and bipolar disorder. This is my opinion and experiences only. Take care friends 🌱

[Mousexxo]

Really enjoyed the little fusion disorder dance at 1:32, all jokes aside, thanks for shedding light on these issues, people need to understand the severity of mental health.

[iriemonmon]

As someone who was formally diagnosed with PTSD by my psych, this video makes me want to cry. I witnessed the of my mother in my childhood, and there's definitely a sharp contrast in my mannerisms pre and post. It's a daily struggle, but I push myself to get up and live every day.

[k-onenthusiast]

1. BPD has an inconsistent self-concept. 1:57
2. CPTSD usually does not provoke fear of abandonment. 2:26
3. People with CPTSD are less likely to self-harm. 2:55
4. With CPTSD, you are more likely to avoid relationships. 3:20

[hachikos]

thanks for being respectful towards bpd. i find that most online convos surrounding bpd often boil down to either "everyone with bpd is a disgusting monster who wants to hurt you" or teenagers insisting they have it after watching a single video. was refreshing to see something more objective for once. this video was really informative, my ex has cptsd while i have bpd & it's kind of funny how accurate your descriptions were to us.

[tmtsniper]

Extremely helpful, people online are conflating the two conditions. This video is extremely clear.

[nickp]

I have an inconsistent sense of self for sure and I definitely have a fear of abandonment. That’s why I tend to avoid relationships. I also have this sort of automatic self shut off switch, that when I get close to someone in a relationship, I shut off and pull away and lose interest. Happens all the time. Like…I WANT a deep and meaningful relationship, but when it gets there I lose interest in the person. I’m happier and less stressed out when things are kept at a distance, but at the same time I desire that close level of intimacy. Then when I get it I no longer want it. It’s weird.

I would NEVER think about self harm though. Never in a million years. I am actually very resilient, self aware and proactive in my life. I’m an amateur boxer, I do yoga multiple times per week and I always kill it at my job. And I’m very social in my life. I know I have CPTSD, but not sure if I have BPD as well. I feel like I’m some ways I do, but I’m very mentally healthy in my daily life so idk.