A new study reveals harrowing experiences of misdiagnosis of borderline personality disorder in autistic adults

In an innovative phenomenological study, researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) have explored the lived experiences of autistic adults who were previously diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
In an innovative phenomenological study, researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) explored the lived experiences of autistic adults previously diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

The study used interpretive phenomenological analysis and involved conducting one-to-one, semi-structured interviews with 10 participants. Each participant shared overlooked autistic traits from childhood and explained how being misdiagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) had a significant impact on them. This research sheds light on the difficulties of differentiating between autism and BPD, particularly among autistic women who are frequently misdiagnosed.

In recent years, numerous studies have delved into the links between autism and BPD, revealing significant overlaps and challenges in differentiating between these two conditions. Notably, many individuals on the autism spectrum, especially women, have reported being misdiagnosed with BPD.

Stigma and diagnostic overshadowing

Many participants believed that being diagnosed with BPD (borderline personality disorder) led to significant stigma and diagnostic overshadowing, resulting in harmful experiences. They felt that healthcare professionals often neglected their true condition and imposed treatments that were not only unhelpful but also detrimental.

Harmful treatments and masking

“Treating BPD by encouraging the ‘masking’ of behaviours was found to be harmful. Masking, or hiding true autistic traits, has been linked to an increased risk of suicide among autistic individuals. Participants felt powerless, unable to challenge the BPD diagnosis even when they believed it was inaccurate.”

The transformative impact of correct diagnosis

Getting diagnosed with autism was described as “life-changing,” providing profound validation and enabling individuals to embrace their authentic selves. The autism diagnosis shifted the emphasis from attempting to alter their identity to recognizing and encouraging their unique qualities, leading to a considerable improvement in their mental health and overall well-being.

Barriers to autism diagnosis

Participants encountered significant obstacles in obtaining autism assessments after being diagnosed with BPD, leading to delayed access to appropriate support and prolonged struggles.

Comparing stigma

While autism is stigmatized in society, it is distinctly different from the severe stigma associated with BPD. Autism stigma often questions competence, whereas BPD stigma implies individuals are broken and potentially harmful.

Dr. Bruce Tamilson, the primary author of the study and a Psychiatry MSc student currently working as a consultant Neuropsychiatrist and Liaison Psychiatrist in London, added, “This research is crucial in understanding the issue of misdiagnosis and its significant impact on autistic individuals. By sharing these stories, the study aims to humanize and improve mental health services, nurturing a more inclusive and empathetic healthcare system. The experiences of the participants serve as a strong call to action for clinicians and researchers, highlighting the necessity for accurate diagnoses and appropriate support for all individuals.”

Autism and Borderline Personality Disorder- Is there a link?




Borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder




Autism and Borderline Personality Disorder.

Fascinating video video on the link between autism and BPD.

What’s your view? Have your say at AutismTalk




Borderline personality disorder – and introduction to BPD




Borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a disorder of mood and how a person interacts with others. It’s the most commonly recognised personality disorder.




In general, someone with a personality disorder will differ significantly from an average person in terms of how he or she thinks, perceives, feels or relates to others.

The symptoms of BPD can be grouped into four main areas:

emotional instability – the psychological term for this is ‘affective dysregulation’

disturbed patterns of thinking or perception – (‘cognitive distortions’ or ‘perceptual distortions’)

impulsive behaviour

intense but unstable relationships with others

The symptoms of a personality disorder may range from mild to severe and usually emerge in adolescence, persisting into adulthood.

Read more about the symptoms of BPD.

Causes of BPD

The causes of BPD are unclear. However, as with most conditions, BPD appears to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Traumatic events that occur during childhood are associated with developing BPD. Many people with BPD will have experienced parental neglect or physical, sexual or emotional abuse during their childhood.




Read more about the causes of BPD.

When to seek medical advice

If you’re experiencing symptoms of BPD, make an appointment with your GP. They may ask about:

how you feel

your recent behaviour

what sort of impact your symptoms have had on your quality of life

This is to rule out other more common mental health conditions, such as depression, and to make sure there’s no immediate risk to your health and wellbeing.

You may also find MIND a useful website.

Read more about how BPD is diagnosed.

Treating BPD

Many people with BPD can benefit from psychological or medical treatment.

Treatment may involve a range of individual and group psychological therapies (psychotherapy) carried out by trained professionals working with a community mental health team. Effective treatment may last more than a year.

Read more about treatments for BPD.

Over time, many people with BPD overcome their symptoms and recover. Additional treatment is recommended for people whose symptoms return.

Associated mental health problems

Many people with BPD also have another mental health condition or behavioural problem, such as:

misusing alcohol

generalised anxiety disorder

bipolar disorder

depression

misusing drugs

an eating disorder – such as anorexia or bulimia

another personality disorder – such as antisocial personality disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder- Please share to help us raise awareness of Borderline Personality Disorder


Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder

Donnee Spencer has produced this brilliant image to help raise awareness of Borderline Personality Disorder.

Please do share far and wide.

As you may know Donne produces loads of these wonderful images. To show your support for her and her battle with multiple sclerosis please go to her FaceBook page My Life with MS.