Q. I have a 20 year old daughter who was only recently diagnosed as being BPD. She was hospitalized in November & December. She is currently under the care of a therapist as well as a psychiatrist and seems to be doing well using Wellbutrin. What rights do I have as a parent? I understand that due to her age patient confidentiality comes into play and that I can't readily get information. I truly believe that I might be able to help in my daughter's treatment if I were given the chance to have input. I'm concerned that she is continuing to fabricate (or to lie). She told the counselor at her college that her Father & I were separated, that her fiancee had committed suicide. All of these were lies. Is the telling of these fabrications instrumental to the BPD to explain her sometimes bizarre coping skills (i.e. self mutilation)? Should I just call her therapist?
A. Once an individual is 18, they are legally an adult, and have confidentiality. The therapist cannot discuss her case with you without your daughter's permission.
Lying is not a BPD trait. Often lies develop a "life of their own" - and when told enough times they become reality to the person telling the lie.
One problem borderlines have is that when psychotic - like in a rage - they misinterpret things and when the episode is over they remember them as real. The misinterpretation can be remembered as real.