BPD and Disassociate Identity Disorder

Written by Dr. Leland Heller

QUESTION:

My question concerning DID (Disassociate Identity Disorder) and BPD being on a continuum. I now understand that since I have DID, I also must have BPD, so apparently it was considered a given under my Axis II , so they listed "deferred" instead of "none" since the DID would cover both. Correct me if I misunderstood. I agree that all DID are BPD.

Anyway, on to the main question. I have read many posts here on temporal lobe epilepsy. I was tested for seizures several years ago, for the

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symptoms I experienced while in a fragmented state. The symptoms were a buzz, like an electrical shock going from my left inner ear area and spreading across my head. It feels like my brain is being "zapped" by electricity. The sensation shoots down the entire left side of my body, and has at times made me fall. Afterwards, I am aware that I feel numbness in the base of my tongue, and that I must be careful to avoid flashing or flickering lights, they will set it off. At severe times even moving my eyes will cause this seizure-like feeling to occur. Mostly this happens under extreme stress.

My EEG report showed bi-temporal slowing of the brain waves during one of these episodes. It was labeled nonspecific. The follow up tests to rule out organic causes, included CAT SPECT, and MRI. Those all showed no organic cause for the unusual EEG. Is nonspecific bi-temporal slowing of EEG, a direct indicator of BPD. If so is it related to the altered states of consciousness experienced both by BPD and DID patients?

I have heard you speak of epilepsy in the deeper brain structures. How does that manifest? Also, how do you determine if there is epilepsy of the deeper structures? Is there imaging equipment that can reveal this?

Well, true to my nature, (which I'm Trying to change) I fear I have placed too many questions in this post. I hope you can be forgiving, as sometimes, I feel as I have not been clear enough when communicating about these seemingly vague (to others) symptoms, and I get the brush off line of "These are Psychosomatic indicators, or body memories, which I have had involving Electro shock for the purpose of coercive control. What's your take on this stuff????

DR. HELLER'S ANSWER:

Not quite correct. While many suspect it's true, this association is not proven yet.

Seizures in deeper structures manifest just like you described. There is no way to determine this so far. It's like having a submarine 200 feet below calm seas and trying to determine which direction it is going. Oftentimes the best approach is to treat the individual with medications like Tegretol and see if the symptoms stop. I haven't encountered an individual with DID yet who didn't need Tegretol on a regular basis combined with an SSRI, especially Prozac.

I disagree with the remarks you've been told.

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