Although it has been said that women with BPD outnumber the men diagnosed with the condition,(75% v 25%),  new studies may suggest that it is actually more 50/50, and it is likely that men are more frequently misdiagnosed or fail to seek help a lot less than women.

















The failure to seek help is usually due to the stigma of mental health and outdated views that men should be emotionally strong and more capable of dealing with 'stuff'.
It is views like these that men are expected to live up to and may lead them to feel extra pressure to cope silently and alone.



One study found that when 52 professionals from a mental health agency in California assessed patients, they were unable to accurately diagnose the presence of BPD in males--even though the symptoms were identical to those of females.

This results, in part, in the way anger is interpreted differently depending upon whether it comes from a man or a woman. A suggested reason for the diagnosis discrepancy is gender stereotyping amongst professionals; because women are more likely to have BPD, specialists are more likely to diagnose it in women. Common misdiagnosis' in males are Anti-Social Personality Disorder, Narcissism or Substance Abuse.



 

Many are referred to a therapist because of "anger management" problems and aggression or because of problems related to addiction.


Males in their earlier years are typically stigmatized with negative labels, such as: anti-social, aggressive, defiant, violent, criminal, oppositional, narcissistic, etc  Many males may fail to even be assessed / diagnosed as they are instead placed in prison due to the borderline traits of emotion/impulse driven behavior.



Men with BPD, compared to men suffering from other personality disorders, have shown more evidence of dissociation, image distortion, frequency of childhood sexual abuse, longer experiences of physical abuse, and experiences of loss at an early age.



Men, of all ages, suffering with the symptoms of male borderline personality disorder can improve over time and live productive lives.











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It is important to remember that men should be treated with the same compassion, understanding and support as women, their feelings and thoughts are just as valid and important.





Many males find talking to friends or family members about feelings to be uncomfortable and embarrassing but talking is the first step to managing BPD and it will also help those around you understand why you need to be alone sometimes or why you seemingly snap for 'no reason'....there is no shame in admitting you need support and asking for it should be seen as a strength rather than a weakness.







The more men that seek help and speak up about their experiences the more it will help lessen the stigma and allow others to feel less alone and may make it more likely that others will seek a diagnosis and not be overlooked.