Q. I have two questions:

1. I was diagnosed with BPD about 3 years ago. My symptoms and my level of functioning have improved significantly, but how do you know when you are no longer BPD?

2. I left school due to mental health issues. While I was out of school, I took many medications. I was on Prozac for the longest duration, about two years. Since I have returned to school, I have noticed a significant difference in my intellectual capacity, specifically analytical abilities. Can Prozac or any other specific medications affect intellectual abilities?

A. Current data suggests BPD is a life long illness, but no one has looked at what happens if you treat it. It is unlikely, but possible it could go away. A most logical possibility is that symptoms go away on medication (just like depression) but return if you stop medications.

There is data that some folks on antidepressants have a decrease in cognitive function. It is unclear if this is the medication, remaining untreated illness, or worsening of the underlying illness. Address those remediable scenarios above that you can.