Is BPD Misdiagnosed With Other Illnesses?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

Hi, I was wondering if Borderline Personality Disorder is often misdiagnosed with other illnesses?  I have BPD and I have other diagnosis but I think that they are all a part of the BPD.  These include acute anxiety, psychotic episodes, dissociative episodes, OCD, and Anorexia.  Could these be a part of my BPD?

ANSWER:

The acute anxiety, psychotic episodes and dissociative episodes are part of stress-induced dysphoria (anxiety, rage, depression and despair).  OCD and anorexia are not.

Most individuals with BPD have more than one diagnosis.  My screening test ( http://www.BiologicalUnhappiness.com/screen.htm) may be helpful in this regard.