QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
Does the BPD’s rage and destructive behaviors manifest differently in men and women? That is, are dyslimbic men more likely to lash out physically to their partners, and women more likely to hurt themselves or their children? Could men who are chronic abusers be those with untreated Dyslimbia and Sociopathic P.D.?
ANSWER:
In general men are more violent when out of control, but it’s not an absolute thing. I know of many women who physically abuse their spouses and children. Many chronic abusers have the BPD – a.k.a. Dyslimbia. I don’t know the statistics but it’s unlikely the antisocial personality disorder would be associated with abuse. The reason is that emotions – particularly fear – trigger BPD dysphoria (anxiety, rage, depression and despair). Antisocials are generally not anxious and don’t respond the same way.