Borderline Personality Disorder: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

New Harbinger Guides for the Newly Diagnosed

by Alexander L. Chapman, Kim L. Gratz

Two experts on borderline personality disorder (BPD) present the fifth book in the New Harbinger Guides for the Newly Diagnosed Series. This easy-to-read book offers an introduction to BPD for those who have recently been diagnosed, outlines the most common complications of the illness and the most effective treatments available, and provides readers with practical strategies for staying on the path to recovery.

Genres: Self Help, Mental Health, Nonfiction, Psychology, Reference, Mental Illness

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Theresa Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, the book isn't bad. However, because I'm already a nurse and have worked with psych patients, I already knew most of the information in the book. It was a good refresher but it was obviously written for someone who is newly diagnosed with BPD. But even for someone who is newly diagnosed, I still thought it was too basic.

The style of the book overall was good. It describes what BPD is, it describes various treatments that include talk therapy and medication therapy. I did like that it was recommended that talk therapy be included if one is also in medication therapy. In my opinion, it's crucial for every patient with a mental health disorder receiving mediation therapy to seek talk therapy.

Some of the things I would have liked to be included in the book was more description of the different medications. Almost to the degree that they different types of talk therapy were described. Not to the degree of a drug guide perhaps but just a bit more detail of each one instead. I would have like more description of the symptoms, more information about onset of symptoms and when would be a good time for someone to seek help. I would have like more case study examples where the patients are NOT self-harming or suicidal as well. As it is one symptom of nine, and one needs to have five of the nine, there must be many case studies available where patients don't have this symptom at all.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in return for a honest review. One other thing I will include in the notes to the publisher and author which I think people should know in advance is that this book comes in PDF form and not an ePub form. I personally read everything on my iPhone where PDF books are difficult to read even after increasing the font. One still has to increase the size of the page with every page turn which slows down the reading process. I was able to convert the PDF to an ePub file. However, the file converted to a badly formatted ePub book. It might be good if NetGalley actually increased the options for the readers or of NetGalley made it so all books are in ePub form for non-Kindle users.

I give it three of five stars. For me, three stars signifies a rating of "Good."

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not just 'A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed' - this is 'THE Guide for the Newly Diagnosed.' There is enough information that you learn something new on every page, but not so much information that you feel overwhelmed. Each chapter features a helpful summary. The authors are compassionate and honest. This is the most hopeful I have felt since my diagnosis.

[Freya Abbas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mediocre but this publisher seems pretty good and I will check out their book on secular Buddhism and how it can help with BPD symptoms.

[Natalie Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a quick understanding of BPD, without being overwhelmed with the internet and it's oh so official doctor's, then this book is for you.

The tone is compassionate and kind. There are plenty of sources, so you know it's not opinion, but scientifically studied answers. The book covers everything from symptoms, myths, treatment, and the effect on your loved ones.

The most helpful part is the discussion on emotions and how to effectively regulate them.

Informative, but not overwhelming!

[Celestial · Rating 5 out of 5]

i didnt read all of the book so know that this is only about the strategies it offers for relief from intensive emotions.

there's clear, step by step examples of how to handle overwhelming emotions. it's useful for BPD for sure, i think it'd help me even if that isn't why i initially came to this book. i came to this book for overwhelming emotions involving fear, and the strategies here helped me in the moment. ive taken notes on it and will make a note on my phone's home screen about it. i enjoy that it's highly straightforward and easy to understand, without much nuance from what i saw.

[Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear, easy-to-understand primer on the basics of borderline personality disorder. Written with enough practical advice to get you started on the path to recovery, the authors also put those practical suggestions into a solid theoretical framework based on empirical research. Even if you think you know what's going on, I'd recommend this book to anyone who lives with borderline personality disorder in their lives, be it their own or a loved one's.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

this basically comes down to the fact that i’m not the target audience. i don’t have bpd but someone i know does. so this was me trying to get to understand that diagnosis better.

probably helpful for a person newly diagnosed, but i can’t help that it felt really repetitive with only 135 pages. i also found myself skipping sections cause it didn’t really pertain to me.

[Kamryn Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a very easy read and if you don’t already know very much about BPD it is a very beneficial read. I did already know the basics of BPD because of others in my life with it and I did not feel like I learned much that was new. However, the resources that were put into this book have been very helpful for me and I have been able to articulate some of this better for myself and others.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Help for the newly diagnosed

Great resources and treatment plans to keep yourself on track as you learn to handle being a BPD patient. Highly recommend DBT therapy it’s worth it’s weight in gold.

[Andrea Calderón · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book as a first contact with BPD when you just got diagnosed. I have been trying to follow some of the advice the author shares and some days have been better than others. I'm definitely feeling less alone.

[Taylor Kundel-Gower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise, practical, and helpful introduction to gaining a basic understanding of BPD and learning to relieve the symptoms.

[Sheila Howes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful introduction to BPD but a shame it was American centred

[Emmie Must · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful

[giada · Rating 2 out of 5]

i didnt notice how short it was when i started reading it, but i really think it's not comprehensive enough

[Moth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

I read this for class research on BPD. It’s a good primer for someone with or without BPD, and it does a great job at explaining emotions and feelings after diagnosis.

[Suzinnebarrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the eyes of the world, Borderline Personality Disorder simply equals: cray-ZEE! Of course, just like the autism spectrum, it has many levels going from the mild to the severe. That said, this book offers very useful advice for the newly diagnosed. It's the soothing voice and helping hand that the overemotional train wreck that BPD sufferers cry out for. Step by step, this book offers the gateway to a more level and sane existence. Sit with your diagnosis; don't do anything immediately. Research on the internet and seek out good and reliable information from government (.gov) or websites or those with ".org'" suffixes. Dotcoms (.com) are going to want to sell you something, so avoid those. Eventually find support.

A chapter giving a definition of this personality disorder is followed by another discussing myth and stigmas surrounding the disorder. Movies like "Fatal Attraction" certainly played a part in the serious stigma connected with BPD. Glenn Close yielding that knife in the air is not your typical afflicted. Most do their suffering in isolation, and, if anything, they take their turbulence out on themselves rather other people. Some case studies are included too, and I always find them very interesting. How does BPD manifest itself in other people? Not everybody has been thrown into a rubber room or been heavily medicated.

Two full chapters discuss the various treatments available and also how to find the treatment that's a good fit for you or your family member. Borderline Personality inevitably takes its toll on friends and family so there's a chapter dedicated to that. It's one roller coaster ride for sure, and the next trauma/drama/meltdown is always looming up ahead.

The final two chapters deal with coping and developing a healthy lifestyle. Dialectical Behavior Therapy and mindfulness are often suggested as effective ways to cope with the surge of overwhelming emotions.

Certainly a useful, straightforward and very concisely written guide for patients and their parents.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.

This book is a simple layout of what BPD is and how to deal with it. It's written on a very easy level, which I think is brilliant, especially for those that are not from a psychology background, but have been diagnosed with BPD or know someone who has it.

I highly recommend this book for anyone diagnosed with BPD, or who is close to someone who has been diagnosed, or anyone who is just interested in BPD itself. But a warning that the book highlights: don't self diagnose!! It's very easy to read this and say, "woah that's totally me", and diagnose yourself as having BPD. DON'T DO IT! Make sure the diagnosis is done by a professional. And if you do read this and get those feelings that you may have BPD, talk to someone! This book has amazing suggestions on the help that is out there, but reaching out to a professional to get that diagnosis is the first step.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was first introduced to BPD when I watched the movie "Girl, Interrupted". I found the main character relatively normal and I didn't really understand what BPD signified so I researched online. After visiting several sites, I began to worry because I thought that I had BPD as well. It wasn't one of those times where I begin to read about the symptoms of an illness and began to feel like I had the symptom; I considered going to a psychologist to get checked out.

After reading this book, I felt that I could relate to a lot of the scenarios but I also felt that some of the symptoms didn't quite fit me just right. Nevertheless, the book was helpful in some ways but it did seem kind of basic. Personally, I wished that there were more scenarios of how people diagnosed with BPD acted around people.

**received the book for free via Goodreads First Reads**

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was diagnosed as a Borderline Personality 2 years ago. I have carried the shame and stigma with me all that time. I have watched my personal life and relationships become more and more chaotic and unstable until I've driven away multiple lovers and friends; then had the audacity to ask why I was alone. I have watched as my ability to reason logically has been replaced by an amazing talent for being impulsive, reactionary and emotional.

This book did not make me feel better. It didn't make me understand and it wasn't a touchy feely read that gave me hope for a bright and better future where I could be "all better." It *did* give me the courage to own this part of my life. To accept it as a part of who I am, how I was raised and the choices I made. It has made me brave enough to talk about it and share my story.

[Jessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This answered a few of the questions I was having since my mother was diagnosed. It is a small enough size it can be placed in a purse and easily carried to doctor offices so the questions in the book can be used.
I will also be using the print out suggested in the book.

All around just a good book that is actually worth getting.


Also I can vouch for aroma therapy working, I bought my mother a wax warmer, instant calm also she can control the scents, mix them, whatever she likes without having to worry about forgetting a burning candle.

I will be passing this book along to her soon.

[Vicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Apparently I did not read the description well enough when I agreed to review for Net Galley. This book is for people with borderline personality disorder and ways to live with it. I was expecting more info on symptoms, how to diagnose, etc because of my interest in psychology. Have taken many psyche classes in college. Unless you have been diagnosed, it's not really informative for someone just wanting to get into psychology. Again feel this was my error. As far as the book, it read like it was for a child. Just not interesting at all to me. If you have been diagnosed, it may be more informative to you.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Be advised that this book is written for lay people, newly diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and the people that know them. As such, I found it to be quite informative. The descriptions of BPD were thorough but relateable, covered in terms and descriptions that were easy to comprehend. The authors also spent quite a bit of time covering various treatment options and plans. The book is well written, obviously well researched, and would serve the purpose it was designed to address quite well.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very informative on how to actually manage BPD unlike a lot of other books on simply understanding it. It's a very short and helpful book that's very easy to understand. It's helpful to both the people that suffer from BPD and people that simply wish to understand them. I like that a lot of this book is quotable. It will make it much easier to express what goes on with BPD. Very glad I picked this up.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really learn anything from this book that I hadn't already read on various websites. I was hoping for some eureka moments but they didn't come. Disappointed. But I would still recommend it for anyone who has been newly diagnosed and is looking for an easy and interesting bit of insight into their condition.

*I was kindly given a copy of this book by the publishers for review purposes*

[Angela Sorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the book was very insightful for people trying to understand the diagnosis or help someone with the new diagnosis. It helped me to know how to treat future clients of mine rhat struggle with BPD and do so effectively.

[Peregrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BEST resource for anyone with BPD, especially right away after diagnosis. Reading over the first "What now?" chapter three weeks later was literally me being like, "Oh, wow, I wish so hard that I had this then."
Either way, though, fantastic resource. My favorite so far.

[Jackson Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this to my sister who i honestly felt needed this book. It ended up turning into a joke and we laughed about it. the 5 star rating was worth the laugh.

[Leejmorrr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Tanya-Marie Zahrte · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find this book to be lacking current information on the BPD disorder.

[Erika Powers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the brevity. Good review of Linehan's therapy. Good for starters. Overall it's probably good but having read a lot about BPD already, I didn't get much out of this book.