Is There a Difference in Length of Life for Borderlines?
QUESTION:
Dr. Heller,
Does the life expectancy of someone with BPD differ from someone without the disorder?
ANSWER:
I’ve never seen any data, but it stands to reason that the length of life statistically is significantly shorter. The reasons include suicide, lack of compliance with medical advice, cigarette smoking and other substance use, self-destructive behaviors, obesity, AIDS, and the enormous toll anxiety, anger and depression take on the body.
