[TgrsPurr]

Okay guys, I saw my p-doc and t-doc...
I'm going to explain this only in the first person as I want to be careful that this is MY diagnosis and not a generalization about all BP's

In deed my primary diadnosis is Bi-Polar Disorder. For this reason it is important that I continue with the med regimen that I'm currently on to address the chemical balance that is BP.
However, my secondary diagnosis...that my p-doc had recorder in my chart from the beginning is Borderline Personality Disorder...not a chemical imbalance, but a personality and behavior issue that must be dealt with through my therapy. Balancing my BP allows for this process to be possible. The symptoms of extreme emotions of anxiety, anger, rage, destructive behavior, substance abuse, inability to have meaningful and lasting relationships with others including friends, family and significant others having unrealistic expectation of them and myself and when I and others don't measure up I sabotage that relationship, I become overly needy of the ppl I do eventually allow into my life and immediately disclose too much information about myself and my illness, severe depression for short periods of time, no sense of who I am or what to do with my future and on and on and on. Now, on the upside, there are two symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder that I do not display. First, suicidal ideasations and attempts at suicide and self mutilating...like cutting, burning and that sort of thing.
I'm quite pleased for knowing these truths because I now know what it is I'm dealing with and exactly what work I need to work on with my t. I'm excited at the prospect of now being able to work on myself knowing the issues I need to deal with and how these issues present themselves.
I could go on and on about Borderline Personality Disorder after all the extensive research I've done. But for those of you here in BP forum...it is neither here nor there. But I'd be more than happy to help discuss this diagnonsis and symptoms with anyone who has concerns about themselves and BPD.
So here I am....BP in all its glory...the meds, the ups, the downs and the always forever changing tide and riding the waves.

Again, thank you friends for your support and encouragment.
Please know that I'm here for you too, always.
TgrsPurr, xo.

[dogtanian]

i think knowing truths is important to get insight into the diganosis and it's an important step to working towards recovery - good for you

Thanks for the info, TgrsPurr.

The "chemical imbalance vs. personality and behavior issues" are a perfect explanation and now I understand so much better.

Petunia

[DaveyJones]

I was institutionalized for a couple of weeks lately. While I was there a speaker from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) came to talk to us. In the material she gave us was a list of symptoms of Borderline Personality. Almost to a person, the people in the group said "Yeah...THIS sounds like me"!

I mention this because I think that it is possible that many Bipolar Disease sufferers exhibit many of the symtoms of Borderline Personality.

Just my 2 pennies! Good luck on your quest, kitty!

DJ