QUESTION:

Recently, I received an opinion from a website that stated unambiguously that BPD is a condition from which one does not recover. But that when the symptoms are under control, the condition does not interfere with leading a fulfilling life; however, that extreme stress can cause regression. Is that really the best with which the medical community can provide? Frankly, I think it is discouraging. Do you have anything more hopeful to say?

DR. HELLER'S ANSWER:

You bet! I don't believe that at all, and I've got the experience to show that isn't true. How great the person does totally depends on how much they're willing to do for that happy life.

There are four keys:

1. getting all the diagnoses correctly made
2. getting all the chronic symptoms treated effectively
3. having a written, clear cut medication plan for stress related problems - stresscan cause seizures, but they are manageable!
4. retraining the brain.

The better the individual becomes at being happy, changing their perspective on stress, and using medications when needed the less frequently problems come up.

According to the data, a "fulfilling life" means they can hold a job even though the social and personal life is a disaster throughout life - and it's only beautiful, brilliant and rich people who really do much better.

I don't believe that! I've seen too many miracles to believe otherwise. It's not a "regression", it's a stress related seizure that's easily manageable with temporary medication. Life then goes on when the seizure is over.

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