Understanding the Differences and Overlaps of CPTSD vs BPD
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether you have complex PTSD (CPTSD) or borderline personality disorder (BPD), or if you’ve been given conflicting diagnoses, many people have had similar experiences.
These two conditions have a lot in common, and the confusion around them is real.
Many people who receive a BPD diagnosis have a history of complex trauma, and CPTSD is often overlooked or misdiagnosed as BPD.
But, CPTSD and BPD are not the same.
While they share some overlapping traits, they have key differences, especially when we look at what causes them, how they show up, and what healing looks like.
If you're reading this and feeling like you relate to both, you're not alone. These are labels, not life sentences, and more than anything, they are reflections of how your nervous system learned to survive up to this point. The goal here isn’t to diagnose yourself, but to help you make sense of your experiences with more self-compassion.
Let’s break it all down in a way that’s clear, direct, and actually helpful.
What’s the Difference Between CPTSD and BPD?
While both CPTSD and BPD involve emotional dysregulation, relationship struggles, and deep-seated shame, here are some key differences:
| Feature | CPTSD | BPD |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Chronic trauma, neglect, or repeated relational harm | Often tied to childhood trauma, but with more emphasis on attachment wounds |
| Emotional Regulation | Waves of dysregulation + numbness | Rapid emotional shifts + intense reactions |
| Sense of Self | Deep shame and self-criticism | Unstable or unclear identity |
| Relationships | Struggles with trust, hyper-independence, or avoidance | Intense, stormy relationships with a fear of abandonment |
| Self-Destructive Behaviors | May struggle with self-worth and self-neglect | More impulsive behaviors (self-harm, reckless choices) |
| Dissociation | Common (emotional numbing, zoning out, losing time) | Can happen, but emotional intensity is more dominant |
Why Are CPTSD and BPD So Commonly Confused?
One of the biggest reasons for the confusion is that CPTSD isn’t officially recognized in the DSM-5 (the manual used for psychiatric diagnoses in the U.S.). This means that even though many trauma survivors fit the CPTSD criteria, they’re often diagnosed with BPD, PTSD, or another related disorder instead.
Another issue? Bias in mental health treatment.
Women and marginalized groups are more likely to be diagnosed with BPD, even when their symptoms point to trauma.
Many clinicians still view BPD as a personality flaw rather than a trauma response, leading to misdiagnosis.
Traditional treatment models often focus on managing behaviors instead of addressing the underlying trauma.
If you've ever felt dismissed or misunderstood in therapy, this is likely why. It’s not because you’re “too much” or “broken” it’s because trauma-informed care is still catching up. You and your struggle are not the problem.
Can You Have Both CPTSD and BPD?
Yes. Some people meet the criteria for both CPTSD and BPD, and that’s valid.
If you relate to both, it might be helpful to ask:
Do I experience intense fear of abandonment and shifting self-identity? (More common in BPD)
Do I struggle with feeling emotionally numb or shut down? (More common in CPTSD)
Do I find myself stuck in patterns of unstable relationships? (Can happen with both)
The key thing to know is that labels don’t define your healing path. Whether you connect more with CPTSD, BPD, or both, the focus should be on what actually helps you feel safe, regulated, and connected.
Healing from CPTSD and BPD
Instead of focusing on whether you “have” CPTSD or BPD, focus on what’s actually helpful for you.
What symptoms disrupt your life the most?
What patterns cause pain in your relationships?
Where do you feel the least control?
What are you willing to turn towards and sit with?
There’s your place to start.
Some of the most effective trauma-informed approaches include:
EMDR therapy- Helps process traumatic memories and shift deep-seated beliefs.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)- Works with different emotional “parts” to heal inner wounds.
Somatic therapy- Helps reconnect with your body and regulate your nervous system.
Attachment-based therapy- Helps build trust and healthier relationship patterns.
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)- Originally designed for BPD but also useful for trauma recovery.
If therapy feels overwhelming or inaccessible, start small:
Notice your triggers and patterns instead of judging yourself for them.
Try grounding techniques when you feel emotionally flooded.
Learn about attachment styles and how they might be shaping your relationships.
Build routines that help regulate your nervous system (consistent sleep, movement, etc.).
What to Do Next
If this all feels like a lot, start by tracking what actually affects you the most. Are you struggling with emotional intensity? Relationship instability? Chronic dissociation? Instead of worrying about labels, focus on the patterns you want to shift and what tools help you feel more in control.
If you can, find a therapist who understands trauma and attachment wounds. If that’s not an option right now, look for books, podcasts, or online spaces that explain these patterns without shame or judgment.
The more you understand your nervous system, the easier it is to work with it instead of against it.
This isn’t about “fixing” yourself, but about understanding yourself.
The way you react, the way you feel, the struggles you have.
They all make sense given what you’ve been through.
But you’re not stuck. The more you learn about how trauma affects your emotions, identity, and relationships, the more power you have to shift things in ways that actually help.
Healing isn’t just possible, it’s practical. And it starts with knowing yourself, finding what helps, and making small shifts that add up over time.
🧡,
Looking for trauma therapy in Horsham, PA?
Reclaim Therapy is a group of passionate trauma and EMDR therapists who specialize in treating PTSD, CPTSD and eating disorders. We firmly believe that all people are deserving of reclaiming their lives from struggle, shame, and suffering. If you’re looking to start therapy, we’d love to talk with you about how we can support you.