Wondering if BPD gets better as you get older?

[katallasso]

Hi Y'all,

As I have looked over the internet on the subject of BPD and ran into people in chats with it, I'm wondering if it mellows with age?

I realized that something was amuck in my late 20's, 30's were not horrible, but I can say the 40's were awful. But for the last year the hi's and lo's have been barely noticeable. Wonder if it has anything to do with menopause? Have any of your noticed this. Or are you all in your 40's and the one's who have mellowed aren't posting anymore?

Just wondering....cause I can think of no other reason for the change....unless the Lord just decided to have mercy.

Becky

 

[Zippety13]

If anything I've heard the opposite--that it gets worse with age. You tend to develop it in your 20s... and then it just tends to go downhill from there unless you recieve treatment. But don't take my word for it. I haven't put much thought into it since I was told I was misdiagnosed in January (pdoc thought I was bipolar because I went through a major depression caused mostly by ADD... and because I'm a sanguine personalitied person... yes, i just made up that word, hehe).

 

[Zippety13]

Oops, did you mean bpd or bp? Cuz they're different. I just automatically assumed you meant bipolar disorder since you were in the bipolar forum but BPD technically means borderline personality disorder.

 

[katallasso]

I'm speaking of bipolar then, not bpd. Ya know my mother is bipolar and she got better also as she got older and was not on meds, wouldn't admit a problem. This is why I wonder.

By the way....I like your made up word.

Becky

 

[vpbrett]

If you really want an answer to your issue, I suggest you check your local library. There are books which deal with specifically with the subject of Bi-Polar in elderly clients.
On a personal note I'm 53 and in complete remission. I do maintain a litium level however, but there is hope for you.

 

[Alive again]

Wow, interesting topic. I think there are a lot of variables. Mine has progressed over time from depression and finally on into bp in the last 2 or so years due to ongoing stress and poor choices in relationship issues with my hubby and me. I am 45 now, so I always wondered if my menopause, yes it is early made it worse. I will have to ask some questions and look into this topic. I do know that without treatment it is a progressive illness, worsening over time. But have not checked into what happens with treatment. I am just thankful to be at a place where I and my hubby are learning about making better choices to help with all the "environmental" triggers. Blessings

 

[MaryBurwell]

Hi Y'all,

As I have looked over the internet on the subject of BPD and ran into people in chats with it, I'm wondering if it mellows with age?

I realized that something was amuck in my late 20's, 30's were not horrible, but I can say the 40's were awful. But for the last year the hi's and lo's have been barely noticeable. Wonder if it has anything to do with menopause? Have any of your noticed this. Or are you all in your 40's and the one's who have mellowed aren't posting anymore?

Just wondering....cause I can think of no other reason for the change....unless the Lord just decided to have mercy.

Becky

I haven't had it for too long-several years. I've learned to deal with it better. i'm alot more comfortable with the idea of it because I know more about it and understand it better. I guess i've learned how to change myself and pinpoint the areas I need to deal with so i've learned to control it in some ways. i guess alot of people just know me better now so they are used to me and know how to communicate with me.

 

[Zippety13]

I'd say people just learn more about themselves as they get older and are more likely to have either gotten the help/therapy they need or found the right combination of drugs. I've seen no evidence in my reading that says it goes away purely by virtue of aging. I really think it would have to do more with people actually getting help and solving the issues at hand--behavioral, emotional, etc.

 

[Jeshu]

My doctor told me that statistically older patients settle down a lot and there are far less reports of psychosis and or breakdowns. I figure that it must have alot to do with the fact that everything has been worked through for them and the right combination of medications have been found.

 

[eastofeden]

I have been diagnosed with bipolar ever since I was 10 and I read this part in a book that basically said that if you get untreated at a late age (like in your teens+ it will most likely progress WITHOUT treatment. I'm currently on: Risperdal (bipolar), Concerta (ADHD), Lamectal (to combine it all together) and Fisol (fish oil help with overall wellness). However, it depends on the medication and your reaction to it. I have been tried on many medications before I found the right combination. So it will take a bit of suffering, but eventually, you should find the ideal result you want. Again, if you are UNTREATED and have been diagnosed with Bipolar at an early age, or in your teens, it WILL get worse (most likely).

Bipolar and BPD have very similar symptoms. Google the differences and you should find the answer between the symptoms.