Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a personality disorder characterized by patterns of instability in mood, self-image and interpersonal relationships, associated with behaviors of impulsivity. Because BPD is often associated with suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviors, it may be misdiagnosed or mistaken for depression. However, in other cases, an individual may be experiencing comorbid depression and BPD. In order to properly identify whether you are struggling with Major Depression or Borderline Personality Disorder. AMFM Mental Health Treatment has over a decade of experience providing comprehensive mental health care for those struggling with mood and personality disorders. If you’re interested in depression or BPD treatment, call our compassionate admissions team today to learn more about the resources that are available to you.
Because of the themes of low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, low self-image, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, feelings of emptiness, and self-harm, BPD symptoms may also look like the symtoms of a depressive episode (in an individual with bipolar disorder) or Major Depressive Disorder.
Though the symptoms of BPD may reflect those of an affective disorder like depression or bipolar disorder, BPD is not classified as a variant of either MDD or BD. There are important differences. For example, treatment of depression does not result in remission of BPD symptoms. An important longitudinal study found that effective treatment of BPD tends to result in remission of depression, and antidepressants often show only modest benefit for depressive disorders that co-occur with BPD.2 Depressive symptoms are present in the majority of people with BPD. To address the difficulty differentiating clinically distinct MDD from depressive symptoms that are integral to BPD psychopathology, recent studies suggested that depressive symptoms arising from a primary diagnosis of BPD (i) may exhibit transience and be stress reactive, (ii) lack a robust clinical response to antidepressant medication and/or electroconvulsive treatment and (iii) are responsive to BPD-appropriate psychotherapy.3
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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers resources and shared conversations about suicide to the forefront of global discussions. They also sponsor “Out of the Darkness” campus walks to increase awareness of suicide prevention through social media outreach, volunteer opportunities, and more.
AMFM Mental Health Treatment offers residential, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs for people at risk. If you’re interested in mental health programming for adults and adolescents, don’t hesitate to reach out today.
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Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Clinical Depression is a mood disorder that is known for causing persistent sadness, a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, and a range of other emotional and physical symptoms. Symptoms of depression can affect your daily routine, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Depression can affect individuals of varying ages and other demographics. While depression is more commonly diagnosed among women, men may experience more stigma regarding mental health difficulties, which prevents them from seeking help. Causes of depression can vary, including generics, experiences you’ve had in life, and a chemical imbalance within your brain. Depression therapy can help you in overcoming depression and may include the use of depression medications and holistic therapies.
Depression can present differently among those experiencing depressive symptoms. There are several types of depressive disorders, each of which have their own features and recommended treatments. While this is not an exhaustive list of mental health depression conditions, it does highlight some of the most common:
There are a variety of different antipsychotic medications and antidepressant medications that have been proven as effective treatment (in combination with psychological treatment) for depression and BPD. Some types of antidepressants are listed here, but inquire with a licensed medical professional or psychiatrist for detailed information on different treatments. Never take psychiatric medication unless it is prescribed to you, and be sure to consult with medical professionals in case of external risk factors.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are antidepressant medications that treat different neurotransmitters in order to block the reabsorption of serotonin or norepinephrine, keeping more of the chemicals in the synaptic cleft. Some popular SSRIs include Sertraline, Fluoxetine Citalopram and Escitalopram. Both SSRIs and SNRIs are effective treatments for depression, but depend upon the individual, and should be approached with medical guidance and mental health professional advice.
If you’re currently on medications for any other medical conditions, it’s important to review any over-the-counter medications and their interactions with a medical professional. Click here to learn more about the importance of medication management.
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I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Therapeutic treatment for depression and BPD is always recommended, whether in combination with psychiatric care, or separately from psychiatry. While small lifestyle changes like daily physical activity, regular exercise, and stepping outside into the sunlight when possible are helpful tactics, psychotherapy is highly regarded as the most effective method of mental health care for those struggling with mental disorders.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that’s focused on restructuring and reprogramming maladaptive and negative thought processes. Psychologists are trained to help you change your cognitive and emotional processes in order to outgrow coping mechanisms that may no longer be serving you.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress.
EMDR Therapy is a renowned method of reprocessing most often used in trauma therapy. By activating the prefrontal cortex through a series of bilateral stimulation, qualified professionals can lead you through traumatic experiences, helping you to alleviate the distress symptomized by trauma.
ECT is a form of “Shock Therapy,” designed for brain stimulation, and only utilized in cases of severe depression. While ECT has historically gotten a bad reputation, when properly administered it can be a useful tool for those who cannot accept psychiatric assistance.
TMS is a type of therapy that uses magnetic pulses to treat depression by stimulating certain areas of the brain. This is a noninvasive method of treatment that some mental health programs offer.
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By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.
I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
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AMFM Mental Health Treatment has extensive experience treating a variety of mental health disorders–through evidence-based therapies, support groups, mental health resources and more–including but not limited to the following:
Recovery can feel isolating; mental health programming can provide treatment options and cohesive plans to help you or your loved one as you move forward.
Reaching out for help in your mental health journey can be difficult, emotional and overwhelming. With A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment, we’re with you throughout your journey, offering compassion, guidance, resources, and understanding the whole way. There are many mental health providers out there, and we want to connect you with the right fit. If you are interested, confused, or need help regarding mental health care, give AMFM a call. You or your loved one don’t have to walk through this alone.
Leichsenring F, Fonagy P, Heim N, Kernberg OF, Leweke F, Luyten P, Salzer S, Spitzer C, Steinert C. Borderline personality disorder: a comprehensive review of diagnosis and clinical presentation, etiology, treatment, and current controversies. World Psychiatry. 2024 Feb;23(1):4-25. doi: 10.1002/wps.21156. PMID: 38214629; PMCID: PMC10786009.
Beatson, J. A., & Rao, S. (2013, October 29). Depression and borderline personality disorder.
Rao S, Broadbear J. Borderline personality disorder and depressive disorder. Australasian Psychiatry. 2019;27(6):573-577. doi:10.1177/1039856219878643
Więdłocha M, Marcinowicz P, Komarnicki J, Tobiaszewska M, Dębowska W, Dębowska M, Szulc A. Depression with comorbid borderline personality disorder – could ketamine be a treatment catalyst? Front Psychiatry. 2024 Apr 29;15:1398859. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1398859. Erratum in: Front Psychiatry. 2024 Oct 28;15:1507504. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1507504. PMID: 38742125; PMCID: PMC11089186.
Flayton, L. (2024, November 19). Understanding the difference between bipolar and borderline personality disorder. NewYork-Presbyterian. https://healthmatters.nyp.org/understanding-difference-bipolar-borderline-personality-disorder/
Ghasemi P, Shaghaghi A, Allahverdipour H. Measurement Scales of Suicidal Ideation and Attitudes: A Systematic Review Article. Health Promot Perspect. 2015 Oct 25;5(3):156-68. doi: 10.15171/hpp.2015.019. PMID: 26634193; PMCID: PMC4667258.
“Facts About Suicide | Suicide Prevention.” CDC, 26 March 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html. Accessed 11 April 2025.
“Warning Signs of Suicide – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).” National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide. Accessed 11 April 2025.
CDC. (2022). Suicide Prevention Resource for Action: A Compilation of the Best Available Evidence. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/pdf/preventionresource.pdf
Burdick KE, Millett CE, Russo M, Et. al, The association between lithium use and neurocognitive performance in patients with bipolar disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2020 Sep;45(10):1743-1749. doi: 10.1038/s41386-020-0683-2. Epub 2020 Apr 29. PMID: 32349118; PMCID: PMC7419515.
Chokhawala K, Stevens L. Antipsychotic Medications. [Updated 2023 Feb 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519503/
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