- BPD Has Destroyed My Life, Will Medications Help?
QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
Hi. I have been diagnosed with BPD for about 6 years now. Even though I have received various forms of treatment during this time, my self mutilation – particularly cutting, but also overdoses – has actually become worse this year. I live in a small state of Australia (Tasmania), and finding someone to treat me is very difficult. There is so much prejudice and stigma about BPD, even within the mental health system itself. The nearby public hospital will not admit me for psyche reasons at all, not even if I am acutely suicidal. I have lost my nurse’s registration, my chance to study medicine, and a lot of friends, due to this disorder.
I am wondering if I should really be on any medications. I stopped taking my medications about three weeks ago, and have not noticed any differences in mood etc. I was taking Zoloft 200mg mane, Sodium Valproate(Epilum) 500mg mane and 1G nocte, and thyroxine 50 microg mane. Will going back on these medications really help in the long run?
Many Thanks.
ANSWER:
Yes, medications will absolutely help in the long run. It’s also important to recognize that the BPD is not your fault, and it is treatable. The BPD section of my website has lots of useful information for you. I’m firmly convinced the BPD is a medical problem. My preference is Prozac instead of Zoloft, and Tegretol (carbamazepine) instead of valproate (Depakote). If you need thyroid you’ll likely need it the rest of your life.
