QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

Is it possible for someone who seems to have a straight head on their shoulders, and know what they want in their life, and are very intelligent to have this disorder?

ANSWER:

Absolutely. I have many successful individuals with the BPD as patients. It’s when they feel trapped, fearful, angry or cornered that problems begin. One of the great confusions about the BPD is that people must be a total wreck. While many are, the vast majority are not. They hold jobs and do the best they can raising a family.