Misdiagnosis of borderline personality disorder

[6][7] Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), recognized in the ICD-11 but not in the DSM-5, shares core features with BPD, such as emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, and a negative self-concept, complicating their differentiation.

[6][8] Relationship instability in BPD typically involves rapid shifts between idealization and devaluation, whereas in C-PTSD, it stems from difficulty forming close connections.

[9] Understanding these differences is crucial for clinicians to accurately diagnose and differentiate between C-PTSD and BPD, especially when comorbid with PTSD, underscoring the importance of comprehensive evaluations.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests, with symptoms varying widely.

[16] This finding highlights a concerning bias: clinicians may hold negative perceptions of BPD, which can influence their judgments and lead to inadequate or inappropriate treatment.

[16] Consequently, a misdiagnosis of BPD can result in stigmatization, reduced quality of care, and a potential overlooking of the patient’s actual condition.

[1][10] Consequently, treatment plans tailored for BPD, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), may not be as effective for individuals with ASD, who might benefit more from interventions focused on sensory processing and social skills training.

[1][10] Misdiagnosis can also contribute to increased stigma and misunderstanding of the individual's needs, potentially exacerbating mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

[15] Alternatively, people who are diagnosed with BPD who may instead have BD or C-PTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder) may be deprived of psychopharmacological interventions that would decrease symptoms severity.