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Complex Borderline Personality Disorder: How Coexisting Conditions Affect Your BPD and How You Can Gain Emotional Balance
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for BPD—especially if you have a coexisting condition. BPD rarely occurs alone. For the first time, this groundbreaking guide offers a tailored approach to managing the symptoms of complex BPD. If you’ve been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), or suspect that you might have it, you should know that not everyone experiences the condition in the same way. BPD actually manifests on a spectrum, and while some people may encounter extreme symptoms and consequences on one end, others may be less affected on the other. In addition, if you’re struggling with other conditions—such as bipolar disorder, depression, psychotic symptoms, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)—you may have complex BPD (C-BPD), and may benefit from expanding your knowledge and building your skills, so you can seek out a symptom management plan that is tailored to your unique needs. In Complex Borderline Personality Disorder , psychologist and BPD expert Daniel J. Fox offers a new understanding and awareness of the complexity of BPD, and helps you lay the groundwork needed to manage your symptoms more effectively. You’ll find checklists of specific symptoms to help you identify coexisting conditions related to BPD. And with this guide, you’ll feel more empowered to move forward in your life with all the knowledge, skills, and abilities you’ve learned. A clinician's guide is available as a downloadable resource for therapists wishing to use this book with their clients.
256 pages, Paperback
Published January 2, 2022
120 people are currently reading
595 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 3, 2021
Complex Borderline Personality Disorder by Daniel J. Fox is aimed at people who have borderline personality disorder along with a co-occurring mental disorder. It describes how these combinations can present and how to manage them.
The co-occurring conditions that it addresses are bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, ADHD, and PTSD/complex PTSD. The author refers to BPD in combination with any of these other disorders as complex BPD, or CBPD. For each combination, there’s a chapter that focuses on symptoms followed by a chapter that focuses on management of the conditions. There’s an emphasis on gaining awareness of and insight into your symptoms, and the book guides readers through teasing apart what symptoms related to what. There are exercises throughout the book, and the author encourages readers to start a journal to make notes and do the exercises in.
The author describes personality disorders this way: “Personality disorders are best defined as the inability to adjust your thoughts and behaviors based upon the environment you’re in.” He explains that CBPD is very common among people with BPD, but without a systematic approach to assessment, the chances of missing a co-occurring disorder are over 50%.
The book differentiates between surface structure content and core content. Core content “makes up the internal part of yourself that represents how you think and feel about yourself, others, and your world,” while “Surface structure content are the behaviors or symptoms that rise to the surface as a result of the core content.” The author explains that medications can help to manage surface content but not core content.
The section on depression talked about differentiating major depressive episodes from what the author referred to as BPD depressive episodes, which are short and intense, with an identifiable trigger. The interplay between these was described in terms of the relationship between core content and surface content.
The section about psychosis wasn’t diagnosis-specific, and it included quasi-psychotic symptoms (which sounds like what I’ve heard referred to as micropsychosis in the context of BPD), dissociation, and dissociative identity disorder (DID). The case study that was given involved an individual who developed a brief psychotic disorder in response to significant stress rather than someone with a chronic psychotic disorder. To me, this section was the weakest, as I found it vague and a bit too much of a hodgepodge.
The chapter explaining PTSD and complex PTSD (C-PTSD), on the other hand, I thought was quite well done. It involved case studies of a war vet with PTSD, someone who had C-PTSD related to childhood abuse, and someone with combined C-PTSD and BPD. I thought the author did a good job of distinguishing the different features and identifying what overlapped and what didn’t.
Overall, I found this book quite interesting. I liked the emphasis on building insight and teasing apart symptoms. Probably most readers aren’t going to have all of the CBPD combinations that the book covers, but I think most readers with BPD will find at least some bits that are more broadly relevant throughout the whole book. This is the first book I’ve come across that deals with BPD and co-occurring conditions, and it’s an important subject area to address.
The author also brings his own conceptualizations to this book; the term complex BPD is his own, and from what I can gather from Google, he’s also come up with the distinction of core content and surface structure content. This offers readers a perspective that’s different from what they’ve read in other books, and I think that’s a good thing. I also think readers will find the book quite validating, and they'll come away from it with a greater understanding of their condition.
The co-occurring conditions that it addresses are bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, ADHD, and PTSD/complex PTSD. The author refers to BPD in combination with any of these other disorders as complex BPD, or CBPD. For each combination, there’s a chapter that focuses on symptoms followed by a chapter that focuses on management of the conditions. There’s an emphasis on gaining awareness of and insight into your symptoms, and the book guides readers through teasing apart what symptoms related to what. There are exercises throughout the book, and the author encourages readers to start a journal to make notes and do the exercises in.
The author describes personality disorders this way: “Personality disorders are best defined as the inability to adjust your thoughts and behaviors based upon the environment you’re in.” He explains that CBPD is very common among people with BPD, but without a systematic approach to assessment, the chances of missing a co-occurring disorder are over 50%.
The book differentiates between surface structure content and core content. Core content “makes up the internal part of yourself that represents how you think and feel about yourself, others, and your world,” while “Surface structure content are the behaviors or symptoms that rise to the surface as a result of the core content.” The author explains that medications can help to manage surface content but not core content.
The section on depression talked about differentiating major depressive episodes from what the author referred to as BPD depressive episodes, which are short and intense, with an identifiable trigger. The interplay between these was described in terms of the relationship between core content and surface content.
The section about psychosis wasn’t diagnosis-specific, and it included quasi-psychotic symptoms (which sounds like what I’ve heard referred to as micropsychosis in the context of BPD), dissociation, and dissociative identity disorder (DID). The case study that was given involved an individual who developed a brief psychotic disorder in response to significant stress rather than someone with a chronic psychotic disorder. To me, this section was the weakest, as I found it vague and a bit too much of a hodgepodge.
The chapter explaining PTSD and complex PTSD (C-PTSD), on the other hand, I thought was quite well done. It involved case studies of a war vet with PTSD, someone who had C-PTSD related to childhood abuse, and someone with combined C-PTSD and BPD. I thought the author did a good job of distinguishing the different features and identifying what overlapped and what didn’t.
Overall, I found this book quite interesting. I liked the emphasis on building insight and teasing apart symptoms. Probably most readers aren’t going to have all of the CBPD combinations that the book covers, but I think most readers with BPD will find at least some bits that are more broadly relevant throughout the whole book. This is the first book I’ve come across that deals with BPD and co-occurring conditions, and it’s an important subject area to address.
The author also brings his own conceptualizations to this book; the term complex BPD is his own, and from what I can gather from Google, he’s also come up with the distinction of core content and surface structure content. This offers readers a perspective that’s different from what they’ve read in other books, and I think that’s a good thing. I also think readers will find the book quite validating, and they'll come away from it with a greater understanding of their condition.
February 11, 2024
Great book but exactly the type of book equally giving me hope things can improve and making me angry they haven't yet lol
December 11, 2021
Highly informative
For anyone suffering from CBPD, or anyone living with someone suffering from CBPD, then this book could be for you. It could also be used to assist health care workers treating CBPD sufferers. The book offers a very clinical and complex analysis of the condition, an in-depth look at the condition with examples of the different ranges of symptoms. It has some wonderful strategies for self diagnosis as well as some great ideas to help yourself and your loved ones in managing and dealing with the various issues. I particularly loved the journaling and multiple choice questions/quiz profiling. It’s not very easy to read and absorb, I had to concentrate to be able to take it all in. I found it easier to highlight/write notes on the things that were relevant to me, and then skim/speed read over certain other things. All that said, it was an extremely insightful read.
For anyone suffering from CBPD, or anyone living with someone suffering from CBPD, then this book could be for you. It could also be used to assist health care workers treating CBPD sufferers. The book offers a very clinical and complex analysis of the condition, an in-depth look at the condition with examples of the different ranges of symptoms. It has some wonderful strategies for self diagnosis as well as some great ideas to help yourself and your loved ones in managing and dealing with the various issues. I particularly loved the journaling and multiple choice questions/quiz profiling. It’s not very easy to read and absorb, I had to concentrate to be able to take it all in. I found it easier to highlight/write notes on the things that were relevant to me, and then skim/speed read over certain other things. All that said, it was an extremely insightful read.
November 15, 2022
another great book on BPD by this author! i actually think it’s better to start with this one and then do the workbook the author wrote. this one is a great tool to help diagnosis and learn more about symptoms and all the comorbid conditions. it’s a great first read when you’re not sure if you have BPD or another condition or both. there is still great exercises in it, it’s just not as heavy as his other book, so again i would recommend to start with this one, and then do the workbook.
i’m just sad that autism wasn’t part of the comorbidities listed in the book, but at least there is ADHD so that’s already something.
i also appreciated that the author included queer people in his examples, it’s still not that commun in this kind of books.
i’m just sad that autism wasn’t part of the comorbidities listed in the book, but at least there is ADHD so that’s already something.
i also appreciated that the author included queer people in his examples, it’s still not that commun in this kind of books.
April 30, 2023
Daniel Fox is possibly the most compassionate psychologist towards those of us with BPD. I love the way he specifically lists several disorders and details how easily diagnosis’s can overlap and be confused for other things. He also offers DBT-like exercises for those with comorbid conditions. I’m in awe in his dedication to destigmatizing BPD and providing helpful information and tools.
December 26, 2021
ARC audiobook provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
“Complex Borderline Personality Disorder” explores borderline personality disorder (BPD) with a focus on living with BPD and co-existing conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, psychotic symptoms, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). The author identifies this co-existence as complex BPD (C-BPD).
The book is broken down into chapters that commence with a discussion about BPD and C-BPD and are followed by a breakdown of a sampling of co-existing conditions as noted herein. The book follows a formula in which each chapter is broken down essentially into three parts: (1) a sampling of a case study involving a patient pre- and post-diagnosis and the struggles and successes relevant thereto; (2) a more clinical discussion of the co-existing condition and how it manifests in conjunction with BPD; and (3) an exercise for the reader to participate in.
As someone who lives with BPD and a co-existing condition, thereby making me a C-BPD patient, I was intrigued by the premise of this book. I have read plenty of material regarding both BPD and my co-existing condition, but never a book that explores what the combination of the two looks like. The topic was excellent, and the foundational format of each chapter the book (case study, clinical discussion, reader participation) was perfect. Unfortunately, I don’t think the format was executed as well as it could have been. The author places a large portion of each chapter on the case study, and the clinical discussion seems more like an afterthought. The reader participation exercises were a fantastic idea, but I felt that it could have been executed better.
Overall, I found this book to be more of a middle-of-the-road examination of C-BPD. The premise was strong, and the format was excellent. However, the execution was mediocre. I have read a lot of material, both clinical and not, about BPD and my own personal co-existing condition. I felt the majority of these other materials surpassed this book. The book had the potential to be a great read if only it spent a bit more time on the clinical aspect of each chapter and improved the reader participation exercises somewhat. I feel this book might best relate to someone who is new to BPD and a co-existing condition diagnosis. It seems like an appropriate starter work for people who haven’t really read any other materials on the topic. However, if the reader is more experienced and familiar with other texts on the subjects, it might not be worth their time. All in all, I loved the premise of this book but felt the execution was lackluster.
“Complex Borderline Personality Disorder” explores borderline personality disorder (BPD) with a focus on living with BPD and co-existing conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, psychotic symptoms, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). The author identifies this co-existence as complex BPD (C-BPD).
The book is broken down into chapters that commence with a discussion about BPD and C-BPD and are followed by a breakdown of a sampling of co-existing conditions as noted herein. The book follows a formula in which each chapter is broken down essentially into three parts: (1) a sampling of a case study involving a patient pre- and post-diagnosis and the struggles and successes relevant thereto; (2) a more clinical discussion of the co-existing condition and how it manifests in conjunction with BPD; and (3) an exercise for the reader to participate in.
As someone who lives with BPD and a co-existing condition, thereby making me a C-BPD patient, I was intrigued by the premise of this book. I have read plenty of material regarding both BPD and my co-existing condition, but never a book that explores what the combination of the two looks like. The topic was excellent, and the foundational format of each chapter the book (case study, clinical discussion, reader participation) was perfect. Unfortunately, I don’t think the format was executed as well as it could have been. The author places a large portion of each chapter on the case study, and the clinical discussion seems more like an afterthought. The reader participation exercises were a fantastic idea, but I felt that it could have been executed better.
Overall, I found this book to be more of a middle-of-the-road examination of C-BPD. The premise was strong, and the format was excellent. However, the execution was mediocre. I have read a lot of material, both clinical and not, about BPD and my own personal co-existing condition. I felt the majority of these other materials surpassed this book. The book had the potential to be a great read if only it spent a bit more time on the clinical aspect of each chapter and improved the reader participation exercises somewhat. I feel this book might best relate to someone who is new to BPD and a co-existing condition diagnosis. It seems like an appropriate starter work for people who haven’t really read any other materials on the topic. However, if the reader is more experienced and familiar with other texts on the subjects, it might not be worth their time. All in all, I loved the premise of this book but felt the execution was lackluster.
November 7, 2021
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This book explores a newly coined term: Complex Borderline Personality Disorder. Dr. Daniel J. Fox describes what he calls 'CBPD' as when a person has a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder as well as one or more co-morbid mental health conditions. This book in particular explores BPD in combination with five other disorders: bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, ADHD and PTSD. Each disorder has two chapters dedicated to it, reading both will help you to understand that particular type of CBPD as well as some suggestions of how to cope with it.
As someone who lives with borderline personality disorders and more than one co-morbid condition, I found this book to be incredibly insightful. I even left it with a few new coping mechanisms and insights into my mental health, and at this point in my recovery especially with BPD, I usually find content to be very surface-level and very rarely containing any new coping skills for me. I highly recommend this for anyone experiencing BPD in conjunction with any of the five disorders listed above, it definitely helped me gain some insight!
This book explores a newly coined term: Complex Borderline Personality Disorder. Dr. Daniel J. Fox describes what he calls 'CBPD' as when a person has a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder as well as one or more co-morbid mental health conditions. This book in particular explores BPD in combination with five other disorders: bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, ADHD and PTSD. Each disorder has two chapters dedicated to it, reading both will help you to understand that particular type of CBPD as well as some suggestions of how to cope with it.
As someone who lives with borderline personality disorders and more than one co-morbid condition, I found this book to be incredibly insightful. I even left it with a few new coping mechanisms and insights into my mental health, and at this point in my recovery especially with BPD, I usually find content to be very surface-level and very rarely containing any new coping skills for me. I highly recommend this for anyone experiencing BPD in conjunction with any of the five disorders listed above, it definitely helped me gain some insight!
March 24, 2022
Es cierto que tal vez el aspecto clínico sea abordado de forma muy superficial aquí, pero creo que es una buena introducción al momento de identificar y tratar trastornos que se presentan de forma simultánea en una persona con BPD. Este libro está dirigido tanto para la persona con C-BPD y su psicólogo/terapeuta, ayudando a la persona con C-BPD a identificar sus síntomas, trabajar en ellos y reconocer cuando un psicólogo/terapeuta está capacitado para tratarle y así acelerar y asegurar su proceso de recuperación. Aún así, tal vez este libro no sea la mejor recomendación para alguien que ya está familiarizado con el tema y quiera profundizar, pero creo que independientemente de estar familiarizado con el tema algo de provecho podrán sacar de este libro teniendo en cuenta que es de los pocos libros (si no el único) sobre C-BPD que está dirigido a la persona que lo padece tratándole con empatía y humanidad.
March 29, 2022
This book is perfect for clinicians working with individuals experiencing CBPD. I would recommend this to any one of my clients needing this support, as the book is an easy read & very relatable. The author was able to use real life stories/situations/experiences to help the reader understand the complexities of BPD while also dealing with a co-occurring disorder. This book is also a fast read, & provides tools to use in addition to help facilitate self reflection and action to managing CPBD. I would also recommend this to colleagues as an addition to the support their client's might be receiving in treatment.
October 18, 2022
I work in the mental health field and work closely with people who are diagnosed with BPD. In my experience these people often have a co-morbid diagnosis. This is a good resource for people to turn to when they are looking to educate themselves on their condition. I have recommended it to my clients.
The tasks are easy to follow and really help. While the author goes through a number of co-morbidities such as ADHD, depression etc, parts wont apply to everyone but there is something for everyone
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The tasks are easy to follow and really help. While the author goes through a number of co-morbidities such as ADHD, depression etc, parts wont apply to everyone but there is something for everyone
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 31, 2022
Great resource, but…
I love the info, so for clinical purposes, 5.
But argh! Get over the political language environment.
That said, I think some of the illustrative examples are a little drawn out, but I guess they help. Over all, it’s a good resource. I recommend at least reading it. The insight is probably going to be valuable, even if you find the PC language tedious.
I love the info, so for clinical purposes, 5.
But argh! Get over the political language environment.
That said, I think some of the illustrative examples are a little drawn out, but I guess they help. Over all, it’s a good resource. I recommend at least reading it. The insight is probably going to be valuable, even if you find the PC language tedious.
May 18, 2022
As always, Dr. Fox patiently and compassionately breaks down difficult concepts and long standing stigma to offer hope and guidance to those working through BPD and coexisting conditions. I enjoyed reading this latest book and have learned a lot.
January 27, 2024
"Complex Borderline Personality Disorder: How Coexisting Conditions Affect Your BPD and How You Can Gain Emotional Balance" by Daniel J. Fox is a comprehensive guide that sheds light on the intricate nature of Complex Borderline Personality Disorder (CBPD). This disorder, marked by intense emotional fluctuations and complex behavioral patterns, is explored in depth to provide understanding and clarity for individuals directly affected by CBPD and those supporting them.
The book begins by navigating the depths of CBPD, emphasizing its complexity and the challenges it poses for diagnosis and treatment. The author introduces stories like Pam's and Martin's to illustrate the intricate nature of CBPD, often co-occurring with conditions like bipolar disorder and depression. The importance of recognizing personality traits and distinguishing between core and surface content in CBPD is highlighted as essential for effective treatment. Managing the emotional tides of CBPD becomes the focus of the next section. Using the example of Wendy's journey, the book explores strategies for tracking mood swings, identifying triggers, and creating safety plans. The emphasis is on developing self-awareness and building a support system to navigate the unpredictable mood episodes associated with CBPD.
Healing from trauma is a significant aspect covered in the book, discussing the challenges of overcoming trauma, PTSD, and self-harm behaviors. The stories of Colby, Karen, and Malcolm illustrate the deep impact of trauma on individuals with CBPD. The importance of recognizing signs of PTSD and C-PTSD, building resilience, and practicing self-compassion are highlighted as crucial steps in the process of healing. The final section focuses on reshaping relationships in CBPD. It explores the transformative journey of turning struggles into strengths, fostering understanding, and establishing healthier connections. The importance of resilience, awareness of the complexities of CBPD, and the narrative shift from pain to growth are discussed as key components of this transformative journey.
In summary, Daniel J. Fox's book provides a nuanced and insightful exploration of Complex Borderline Personality Disorder. It addresses the challenges associated with CBPD and offers practical strategies for managing mood instability, healing from trauma, and reshaping relationships. The emphasis on self-awareness, resilience, and empowerment makes this book a valuable resource for individuals dealing with CBPD and those supporting them on their journey to emotional balance.
The book begins by navigating the depths of CBPD, emphasizing its complexity and the challenges it poses for diagnosis and treatment. The author introduces stories like Pam's and Martin's to illustrate the intricate nature of CBPD, often co-occurring with conditions like bipolar disorder and depression. The importance of recognizing personality traits and distinguishing between core and surface content in CBPD is highlighted as essential for effective treatment. Managing the emotional tides of CBPD becomes the focus of the next section. Using the example of Wendy's journey, the book explores strategies for tracking mood swings, identifying triggers, and creating safety plans. The emphasis is on developing self-awareness and building a support system to navigate the unpredictable mood episodes associated with CBPD.
Healing from trauma is a significant aspect covered in the book, discussing the challenges of overcoming trauma, PTSD, and self-harm behaviors. The stories of Colby, Karen, and Malcolm illustrate the deep impact of trauma on individuals with CBPD. The importance of recognizing signs of PTSD and C-PTSD, building resilience, and practicing self-compassion are highlighted as crucial steps in the process of healing. The final section focuses on reshaping relationships in CBPD. It explores the transformative journey of turning struggles into strengths, fostering understanding, and establishing healthier connections. The importance of resilience, awareness of the complexities of CBPD, and the narrative shift from pain to growth are discussed as key components of this transformative journey.
In summary, Daniel J. Fox's book provides a nuanced and insightful exploration of Complex Borderline Personality Disorder. It addresses the challenges associated with CBPD and offers practical strategies for managing mood instability, healing from trauma, and reshaping relationships. The emphasis on self-awareness, resilience, and empowerment makes this book a valuable resource for individuals dealing with CBPD and those supporting them on their journey to emotional balance.
January 27, 2024
Summary:
Complex Borderline Personality Disorder or CBPD is an intricate form of Borderline Personality Disorder, often accompanied by conditions like bipolar disorder and depression. This complexity demands a nuanced understanding of both the individual’s personality traits and the co-occurring conditions. You’ve seen how symptoms can be misinterpreted, leading to challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. The journey through CBPD is marked by learning to track mood swings, develop comprehensive safety plans, and build supportive networks. You’ve also discovered the importance of distinguishing between the core beliefs and surface symptoms of CBPD, which is essential for effective treatment.
This exploration also emphasizes the power of resilience and the transformation of struggles into strengths. It’s about reshaping relationships and redefining personal narratives to move from a place of pain to one of growth and hope. By understanding and managing the complexities of CBPD, you can lead a more controlled, fulfilling life, redefining your existence not by your disorder, but by your journey toward empowerment and relational harmony.
Complex Borderline Personality Disorder or CBPD is an intricate form of Borderline Personality Disorder, often accompanied by conditions like bipolar disorder and depression. This complexity demands a nuanced understanding of both the individual’s personality traits and the co-occurring conditions. You’ve seen how symptoms can be misinterpreted, leading to challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. The journey through CBPD is marked by learning to track mood swings, develop comprehensive safety plans, and build supportive networks. You’ve also discovered the importance of distinguishing between the core beliefs and surface symptoms of CBPD, which is essential for effective treatment.
This exploration also emphasizes the power of resilience and the transformation of struggles into strengths. It’s about reshaping relationships and redefining personal narratives to move from a place of pain to one of growth and hope. By understanding and managing the complexities of CBPD, you can lead a more controlled, fulfilling life, redefining your existence not by your disorder, but by your journey toward empowerment and relational harmony.
November 10, 2025
From the videos I‘ve seen so far by this guy he indeed does seem to understand the internal complexities of personality disorders.
This book is therefore informative about bpd and other co-occurring conditions and includes some good practices to help you manage the symptoms (it’s basically like dbt therapy).
Still, the examples felt a bit too…stereotypical?
Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely enough people out there who will see themselves in those but I think especially when it comes to personality disorders they can manifest very differently in each person (especially if you have a more outwardly quiet and self blaming type).
I think my least favorite was the comorbid adhd-type example. This is like the most stereotypical negative representation of adhd, and all in all it was relatable but not everyone with it is as disruptive to the outside.
But overall the book can be quiet useful and I gained valuable insights about this topic, I am just not sure if focusing on examples of individual cases is a good method to handle the explanations.
Forming examples for EACH subtype etc. would STILL be insufficient since it’s impossible to represent every single person affected by this illness so I can get why it was done like that (and including none at all would make everything way too theoretical and detached so like hmm I think I‘m too nitpicky)
This book is therefore informative about bpd and other co-occurring conditions and includes some good practices to help you manage the symptoms (it’s basically like dbt therapy).
Still, the examples felt a bit too…stereotypical?
Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely enough people out there who will see themselves in those but I think especially when it comes to personality disorders they can manifest very differently in each person (especially if you have a more outwardly quiet and self blaming type).
I think my least favorite was the comorbid adhd-type example. This is like the most stereotypical negative representation of adhd, and all in all it was relatable but not everyone with it is as disruptive to the outside.
But overall the book can be quiet useful and I gained valuable insights about this topic, I am just not sure if focusing on examples of individual cases is a good method to handle the explanations.
Forming examples for EACH subtype etc. would STILL be insufficient since it’s impossible to represent every single person affected by this illness so I can get why it was done like that (and including none at all would make everything way too theoretical and detached so like hmm I think I‘m too nitpicky)
January 27, 2024
Complex Borderline Personality Disorder or CBPD is an intricate form of Borderline Personality Disorder, often accompanied by conditions like bipolar disorder and depression. This complexity demands a nuanced understanding of both the individual’s personality traits and the co-occurring conditions. You’ve seen how symptoms can be misinterpreted, leading to challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. The journey through CBPD is marked by learning to track mood swings, develop comprehensive safety plans, and build supportive networks. You’ve also discovered the importance of distinguishing between the core beliefs and surface symptoms of CBPD, which is essential for effective treatment.
January 1, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What intrigued me to request this book was my BPD diagnosis in 2021. I've been diagnosed with both depression and anxiety when I was about 14 years old, so I've been trying to understand how all these things are intertwined and work together. This book was very helpful and a good foundation with a lot of great tasks and exercises that I found to be helpful in further understanding myself and my mental health.
What intrigued me to request this book was my BPD diagnosis in 2021. I've been diagnosed with both depression and anxiety when I was about 14 years old, so I've been trying to understand how all these things are intertwined and work together. This book was very helpful and a good foundation with a lot of great tasks and exercises that I found to be helpful in further understanding myself and my mental health.
May 27, 2023
the adhd example was comically exaggerated and mostly surface level, i struggled taking much from that chapter besides a chuckle, which is what i mainly purchased the ebook for. i wish inattentive adhd was taken more into consideration, as the example was a pretty dramatic portrayal in comparison to others (typically adult women) that i’ve seen with adhd.
i do like the multiple diverse examples for ptsd & c-ptsd, and the coping strategies for combatting trauma were great—i think his work really shines in this area.
i do like the multiple diverse examples for ptsd & c-ptsd, and the coping strategies for combatting trauma were great—i think his work really shines in this area.
February 8, 2025
it felt like a compassionate and insightful guide. It breaks down the challenges of BPD, especially when combined with other conditions, and offers practical ways to regain emotional balance. The book is easy to follow, non-judgmental, and packed with useful exercises. Dr. Fox’s approach is really helpful when it comes to feeling understood rather than stigmatized, making this a valuable read for anyone navigating BPD or supporting someone who is. Highly recommended for its clarity, depth, and hopefulness.
November 26, 2023
On YouTube and in print, I find the way Dr Fox explains borderline personality disorder to be enlightening and helpful. This disorder can be overwhelming, especially when mixed with other conditions - in my case, as with many, depression, CPTSD, ADHD and possibly autism.
A helpful book that I will be coming back to for future therapeutic exercises in my daily mindfulness practices.
A helpful book that I will be coming back to for future therapeutic exercises in my daily mindfulness practices.
August 12, 2024
It's ok
Bought it for a book discussion, fell asleep during the discussion. If you are doing DBT with patients hopefully you figured this out during your consultation meetings and from having an open mind.
Bought it for a book discussion, fell asleep during the discussion. If you are doing DBT with patients hopefully you figured this out during your consultation meetings and from having an open mind.
August 16, 2023
The book includes helpful skills and reminders for those with BPD. It discusses PTSD and ADHD also + how that looks like alongside a BPD diagnosis.
January 1, 2024
Wonderful follow up to his first book.
Read
December 17, 2024read for school
January 7, 2025
Not much of a self-help book, more of an explanation of how comorbid disorders can increase difficulties with BPD. More informational than personally helpful for clients.
April 14, 2025
hmmmmmm.......... reminds me of SOMEONE!!! joke lang!
July 28, 2025
It had some interesting thoughts and ideas in it, some things I will likely try and implement.
October 5, 2024
note dump in progress, stories were kind of helpful to understand how it affects everyone differently
“It’s okay to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something really, really brave,” and I commend you for it.”
Notes:
- CBPD stands for a more intricate form of Borderline Personality Disorder (often accompanied by conditions like bipolar disorder and depression)
- the presence of CBPD means these behaviors could also be symptoms of co-occurring conditions, adding layers of complexity to both diagnosis and treatment.
- By maintaining a detailed mood journal, you create a valuable tool for recognising patterns and potential triggers
- Integrating proactive self-care routines also becomes vital
- It begins with reaching out and forging healthier relationships, ones that respect your newfound boundaries and understanding.
“It’s okay to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something really, really brave,” and I commend you for it.”
Notes:
- CBPD stands for a more intricate form of Borderline Personality Disorder (often accompanied by conditions like bipolar disorder and depression)
- the presence of CBPD means these behaviors could also be symptoms of co-occurring conditions, adding layers of complexity to both diagnosis and treatment.
- By maintaining a detailed mood journal, you create a valuable tool for recognising patterns and potential triggers
- Integrating proactive self-care routines also becomes vital
- It begins with reaching out and forging healthier relationships, ones that respect your newfound boundaries and understanding.
January 3, 2026
3
didn’t automatically cure me so what’s the point. lol no but seriously it’s a good instructional and informative book especially for those navigating *gestures vaguely* whatever all this is for the first time like me
i just got overwhelmed thinking about how i really have to make the conscious effort all the time to control everything (as a retired control freak??) when the fact that it’s all weighing me down is the reason i’m paralyzed in the first place. i’m really envious of the people who don’t have this problem
didn’t automatically cure me so what’s the point. lol no but seriously it’s a good instructional and informative book especially for those navigating *gestures vaguely* whatever all this is for the first time like me
i just got overwhelmed thinking about how i really have to make the conscious effort all the time to control everything (as a retired control freak??) when the fact that it’s all weighing me down is the reason i’m paralyzed in the first place. i’m really envious of the people who don’t have this problem
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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