New Member/How to ask if I have BPD

Hi everyone,

I'm new here. Just found this forum and I'm looking for some help. I'll make it short!

1. I saw a psychologist for 5 years, quit about 2 years ago since I moved out of state/she disbanded her practice
2. Have a history of SI (cutting) and recently relapsed.
3. Was never diagnosed with any disorder, but currently believe I may have BPD due to my symptoms for most of my life; my boyfriend of 2.5 years recently pointed out my roller coaster of emotions (but you all know how that feels/how it affects others)
4. Want to see someone and maybe have a formal diagnosis/get help
5. I've been this way for as long as I can remember and I never "grew out of it" as I figured I would in my teens

So....anyone have any ideas on how to bring up the fact that I may already know what I have to a new therapist (most likely want to see a psychiatrist due to the fact they can prescribe RXs)? I don't want to come off as pretentious or "trying to do their job"....BPD symptoms are a dead ringer for my day-to-day emotions.

And what should I bring when I talk to someone? Notebook of recent emotions/triggers? With my bf who "sees my emotions from the outside"?

Thanks everyone and I hope you all had a merry Christmas (of those who celebrate)!

xxx

I think that you're over thinking it...

You should come right out and state your concerns that you relate to a lot of the bpd traits. My advice would be to look up the bpd traits/symptoms and then write out examples of how your behavior relates. These should be frequent occurrences/patterns..

If you have a good psychiatrist they will not come right out and diagnose you, but simply make a note of it to observe over the course of treatment. My belief is that a personality disorder can not be diagnosed accurately with only a couple of visits which is a good thing, however there is nothing wrong with coming right out and asking for his/her opinion. That will give you a good idea as to what their thinking in regards to you having bpd. If they're completely closed off to the idea then ask why. If you still disagree then find someone new that will be more open to the possibility.

Okay, I think so too...I over think...a lot. I just want to make sure I'm honest about my emotions/symptoms. With my last psychologist, I found I was too afraid to be 100% honest and ask if there was anything wrong with me.

You've been helpful. Thanks

Just to add to what cbox said, I totally agree with just coming out about it. I mentioned it to my therapist and she made a note of it, and then with further observation she found that I was right. All I said was that I had heard of BPD before, and I wanted to look into the possibility that I might have it. And always be 100% honest, it's worth it. You find out more about yourself that way. Hope your therapy goes well.

Luna,

There are 9 criteria that describe BPD. You must meet at least 5 of them in order to be diagnosed. However, without a formal diagnosis, I would not go ahead and make your own diagnosis of yourself. What may happen if you are diagnosing yourself with something is that you can convince yourself strongly that you have it and perhaps taint a future actual diagnosis by a professional. I hope that makes sense. Trust me, I would not go labeling myself as BPD unless I knew I had it. It is a very serious disorder that has a high rate of suicide involved with it, as well as many other highly life-altering experiences. Please make sure that you are formally diagnosed before you start labeling yourself.