Q. Which is it biological or caused by trauma? If it biological, does this mean that my parents have it.
A. The BPD is a disorder where physical and emotional trauma cause the same problems. In my first book I explain why this happens – I believe the underlying problem is due to glial cell malfunction causing short circuits and “re-entry” rhythms in the brain – particularly the limbic system and temporal lobes.
The genetics are likely 50/50.
Q. From a medical perspective thyroid disorder & B.P.D –
A. They can be separate or related. Having thyroid problems is not related to the BPD. Having the BPD is strongly related to low thyroid. Studies at NIMH in the 1980’s revealed a “blunted” response to normal thyroid stimulation. Many, many borderlines have low thyroid with normal, low normal or low T7 or FTI tests, but perfectly normal or low TSH’s. This is referred to as “secondary,” “Tertiary,” or “non-primary” hypothyroidism – meaning the problem is not due to the thyroid gland itself, but due to the brain’s regulatory system in the hypothalamus (part of the limbic system) and/or pituitary gland.
Q. Is there anything I need to know if I’ve diagnosed with both?
A. Make certain the TSH doesn’t get too low if on medication – since that can cause bone loss. Review the symptoms of hypothyroidism (also in my book) with your physician. Additionally, tegretol can cause falsely low thyroid levels and in my experience can definitely cause clinical hypothyroidism as well. This is an area of medicine that has not been well worked out yet.