Q. What is the difference between PTSD and BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder)?
I am finding it difficult to see where I fit in.

A. I have had several letters asking this question. As I have known very little about BPD, I did some research into the current thinking on BPD. As nearly as I can see, trauma doesn't by itself cause BPD. The newer thinking on this painful experience is that there is a strong biological component to Borderline Personality Disorder.

What the current thinking suggests to me is that some people, unfortunately, have a more difficult time with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder than others. The feelings experienced by trauma survivors are, by themselves, quite painful. I suspect that people with BPD have more pain.

I don't think that trauma causes BPD nor do I believe that BPD causes PTSD. These are two different conditions. Some people have both.