Diagnosis?

Hi all, from stormswept Ireland!

I have a question about diagnosis. I have a second appointment with a psychiatrist in a few weeks, and it looks like BPD. What should I expect when I see my shrink? What should I expect to happen? How does he make a diagnosis? Is it all based on my answers to his questions? Seems pretty subjective to me.

Thanks all!

Niall

Hi there, I have bpd and Bipolar type II. You may not get many replies here in bipolar forum but Personality forum will have more to say.

Borderline Personality Disorder Dx........ simplified.

Personality/emotional/cognitive tests are a usual tool in this diagnosis. Any psychiatrist worth their salt will spend a significant amount of time in diagnosing you. Bpd can mimic criteria of other mental illnesses which makes it one of the hardest to dx and treat. Generally, you must meet a number of criteria according to the Psych bible(DSM - V III I think, sorry been a long time since I have had to refer to it) to be dx with bpd or any other illness for that matter.

The key here is psychiatric diligence.......Bpd is not a walk in the park but it can be treated with long term cognitive behavioral therapy and some medications help. I have been on Lithium for bpd mood swings, anti-psychotics for rage, and anti-depressants for depression. If you are dx with bpd, a good psychologist is priceless. They can help you with coping skills, anger management and CBT. Shrinks are good with the meds. I have both and it works well.

If you wish to discuss more detailed experience with the disorder feel free to message me. I have had it for 15 years and know some of its more interesting secrets!!!

And p.s. don't be afraid to argue a point with your shrink, afterall your'e the one that has to live with this. Do your own research but be careful when approaching your shrink with self information. Some do not react well to it and be objective when reading about any mental illness. You do not want to scare yourself without the correct dx. Its like having the symptoms of cancer.......doing all the reasearch on symptoms and it says "you have cancer!!!!!" You run screaming to the doctor and you say "The internet told me I have cancer!" The doctor humours you and whoa and behold you do not have cancer. All that terror for nothing. I am sure you are smarter than that but I have made that mistake myself. Not to do with cancer though, heaven forbid!

Anyway, good luck and let us know how you go

Thanks for the advice, I actually thought BPD was bipolar disorder, now I realize it is borderline personality disorder ... so many disorders !! lol

Anyhoo, great advice, I'll let you know how it goes on 10th Feb when I have the big appointment with my shrink.

Welcome Niall, you might like to take this Bipolar Quiz also.

Bipolar Screening Test

wellcome to pc niall! micah had some great advice about everything....and the quizzes are good too. i am bipolar but have other dx's as well. this is a wonderful site to find support and answers. i'm glad you have joined us.