[ihaccnm]

Hello all. Title explains why I'm writing, I will try to keep from getting too lengthy! I think there's a good chance I have BPD, and here's my story.

I am currently eighteen years old. I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder in early 2013. I began taking Zoloft at this time. Prior to this, I saw a psychologist for anxiety and panic. When issues I had with substance abuse surfaced, I was hospitalized, sent to an outpatient rehab, and started seeing a psychiatrist. I abstained from drugs and alcohol quite easily during my time in rehab. However, I'd quickly picked up cutting as a way to relieve myself. I was hospitalized after a self-harm incident in April of 2013. This was the first time a psychiatrist mentioned me having "traits of Borderline Personality", primarily due to my behavior in relationships. I attended a weekly DBT program thereafter. I was never given a "formal" diagnosis though. I was still clean to this point, though no longer in outpatient, until the summer of 2013. I had a short, rapidly progressive run for about a month. When that was arrested, I was put back in rehab. This time, I gave a twelve step program half a chance. I have been clean since. However, I suspect a proper diagnosis is being hidden from me because of the surrounding stigma of a personality disorder label, my young age, and the reluctance of insurance companies to cover treatment of these disorders. Much of my behavior has been chalked up to "being a teenager". This bothers me as it almost makes me feel invalidated. In retrospect, I am usually unaware of when I'm acting out. But upon reflecting, it becomes apparent that I am exhibiting symptoms of BPD. I've taken several online screening tests for BPD, all of which have resulted in a "high risk". I identify a lot with articles I've read on Borderline Personality, and would really appreciate advice, or an answer.

[Unrigged64072835]

Most therapists and psychiatrists won't diagnose someone with BPD until they're 18 or older. The teen years can be emotionally volatile even without an MI. You can take your test results and show them to your psychiatrist if you think that will help. However, some psychiatrists are not about giving diagnoses and are more amenable to relieving symptoms. If that's the case you may be waiting for a while.

[Pastel Kitten]

That sounds rough. I remember being 15 and having to leave school early to stay in the hospital for being so suicidal. And of course you can't really explain that to anyone, especially at such a young age. I was diagnosed with a number of things since years ago, but was diagnosed with BPD only half a year ago (I'm 20, almost 21). Yes, they don't typically like diagnosing young teens with this disorder, but even without that official diagnosis I think you've got a pretty good idea of what to get help for which is the important part. Like Fharraige said, I'd bring those test results in! Best of luck.