Just some thoughts: Can animals have BPD

[alindabala]

I was recently reading about BPD and decided to take an online test (e.g. https://bpdtest.co/). Interestingly, after going through the test, I noticed that a lot of the symptoms described in the test seemed to match my sun conure’s behavior pretty closely. My sun conure has such a strong, unpredictable personality. There are times when it's incredibly affectionate and playful, wanting to snuggle or hang out with me for hours. But then, out of nowhere, it can suddenly get really sensitive, acting out or becoming distant for no obvious reason. It’s like its mood can change in an instant, sometimes getting agitated or upset over small things. I was wondering if this kind of mood swing or extreme behavior could be similar to BPD in humans. Do you think it's possible for animals to exhibit these kinds of traits?

 

[wrench13]

Maybe, but I would associate those kinds of actions with what a lot of parrots go through during puberty and to some extent the first several mating seasons. Puberty in parrots is a real personality changer, very often more intense than what human children go through. It is the time when a lot of parrots get rehomed, as their sweet baby turns into Jeykel/Hyde. Wild instant mood swings, changing person allegiance, overreacting to things. Yup seen that firsthand and plenty on here. And because every parrot is an individual, it hits at different times and severity. My 'zon had a mild puberty or was late. But his first mating season was a real bear.

Mating season is another time that these traits can manifest, and is somewhat unpredictable in timing and strength. Some years it may be late, more intense or last longer then usual. This happens in young adult parrots more then in a parrot thats reached full adult maturity, say after 5-8 years. Again my 'zon, who is 9 now, has evened out a lot as far as the mood swings and the 180 actions from his usual composed self. But only 2 yrs ago, his mating season seemed to last forever, easily 6 months, instead of the typic 2-3 months.

I suppose that some birds might be genuinely victims of BPD or other mental issues; they are, after all, highly intelligent and emotional creatures. I've had firsthand experience with dogs (and cats) and horses that had symptoms and traits that made it impossible to work and live with them. But first I'd look closely at the above explanation for these issues before assuming a mental illness.

The good thing about hormonally influenced behavior - "This Too Shall Pass". Something every parrot owner should have on a sign over the cage!

 

[GaleriaGila]

What Wrenchie said!