2008-01-18
Dr Jane Greer: What is borderline personality disorder?
We all know people whose behavior we don’t understand, who do things that make no sense to us because it seems to be self destructive and hurtful.
Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan are good examples of this behavior displayed in public figures. Because of their extraordinary talent they are in the glare and scrutiny of the public eye (they don’t even need their last names to identify them any longer!). Their seemingly incomprehensible behavior becomes breaking news everyday as everyone tries to make sense of it all.
In truth, what people are seeing is in fact, mental illness. It is often layered and buffered by drug and alcohol abuse in an effort to tame the demons and keep them at bay, but it is important to gain some awareness of what true mental illness is all about and what, not only our young celebrities are up against, but what many others are coping with as well. Most people haven’t got a clue as to what they’re dealing with, or have a remote understanding of what seems like totally irrational and inexplicable behavior to an outsider. However, there are clinical explanations as to why Britney and Lindsey – like others – behave the way they do. Many of you may have experienced this with a sibling or friend without knowing at the time exactly what you were dealing with.
I will be dealing with these issues, and others, during the ”DOCTOR ON CALL ” show at www.healthylife.net on Friday February 1, at 11:am EST and 8:00am PST when my guest will be Dr. Perry Hoffman, a national expert on Borderline Personality Disorder.
Interesting statistics we will discuss are:
1. Four million adults in the United States have borderline personality disorder. While its prevalence is as high as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, it is much less well known.
2. Borderline personality disorder is a misunderstood illness with a high level of stigma even among professionals.
3. Borderline personality disorder is a leading cause of adult suicide, as 10 percent of adults with this disorder take their own lives.
4. Borderline personality disorder is a highly treatable disorder and has been called the “good prognosis diagnosis.”
Also joining the program will be Amanda Wang. Recently diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Amanda Wang has organized a support group in New York City for those affected by this disorder. The movement is coming from an incredible need to understand, educate and give access to available treatment. Amanda is also working on a formal venture to define new solutions for the BPD/SI community. Her organization is using its first year to bridge different resources, communities and professionals together and, by doing so, help build the next generation of effective, sustainable and social enterprises.
January 18th, 2008
