Is Asperger’s The Same As The BPD?
QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
In the last year, I have found out that my son is exceptionally highly gifted but also suffers mildly from a spectrum disorder called “Asperger’s Syndrome”. For about two years now, I have considered a diagnosis of BPD for myself and have had to “fight” professionals to accept that I am BPD. Upon reading the literature on AS, I find that many of the symptoms of adults suffering from AS are similar if not identical to that of BPD. The major difference I find in myself regarding these two disorders is that I did not speak until 4 and a half and was a “toe-walker”.
Also, I have tried Luvox, Paxil, Risperdal, Zyprexa, Zoloft and Prozac to absolutely no avail (except a severe weight gain that adds to my melancholy). I am wondering if you have come across this same thing in your practice and if you have seen the same similarities that I am referring to? Personally, I find that allowing myself to have social anxiety, and planning for it, helps me more than anything else that I have tried. At this point in time, I am leading a completely normal life and can literally “predict” and therefore “plan” for any episodes I might have. I’d really love your feedback on this.
ANSWER:
Asperger’s and the BPD are completely different, although there’s no reason both can’t be present. The BPD is characterized by mood swings, anger, impulsiveness, and stress intolerance. In general those with the BPD prefer to be with other people, whereas those with Asperger’s have a marked impairment in the ability to get along with others. Your situation is likely complicated by the generalized anxiety disorder, which worsens when taking an SSRI medication. My screening test may be of help to you.
