[Hazelgreen]

I have been diagnosed with BPD. What does a personality disorder even mean? That there is something inherently wrong with my personality? Was I born this way? Can I do anything to change it? How does pdoc even decide this? Just from a checklist?

[Skeezyks]

I'm sorry I can't answer your questions. However here's a link to family therapist Kati Morton's personality disorders playlist on YouTube. Perhaps you may find some useful information among these videos:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...YyfGzqbA1RjqlI

[PsychoPhil]

My pdoc appointment is upcoming. If I get the chance, I'll ask how he/she decides

Though personality disorders are fairly rigid aspects of who we are, it's possible to get better. Part is genetic, part environmental.

[dancinglady]

Originally Posted by Hazelgreen

I have been diagnosed with BPD. What does a personality disorder even mean? That there is something inherently wrong with my personality? Was I born this way? Can I do anything to change it? How does pdoc even decide this? Just from a checklist?

I am in my late 60s and have struggled with this my entire life. If you want just PM me and I will explain my journey. How old are you?

[Fuzzybear]

Yes I do think some pdocs “decide” this from a checklist. Or certainly some GP’s . It’s not uncommon to be an incorrect “diagnosis”. Especially if “diagnosed” after only one conversation.

It is possible to get better from this, if you do have it.

[Nocalove]

I believe a personality disorder comes from both nature and nuture aspect. Like said above, a good diagnosis comes from after more than a couple of meetings, conversations etc. There are therapy options for bpd. DBT Therapy is the preferred treatment for BPD.

[Hazelgreen]

Originally Posted by dancinglady

I am in my late 60s and have struggled with this my entire life. If you want just PM me and I will explain my journey. How old are you?

How do I PM you? I’m 52

[Hazelgreen]

Originally Posted by Fuzzybear

Yes I do think some pdocs “decide” this from a checklist. Or certainly some GP’s . It’s not uncommon to be an incorrect “diagnosis”. Especially if “diagnosed” after only one conversation.

It is possible to get better from this, if you do have it.

How do you get better Fuzzy Bear?

[Hazelgreen]

Originally Posted by Nocalove

I believe a personality disorder comes from both nature and nuture aspect. Like said above, a good diagnosis comes from after more than a couple of meetings, conversations etc. There are therapy options for bpd. DBT Therapy is the preferred treatment for BPD.

I’ve tried DBT and I didn’t get much from it. I understand the skills and can do some of them, but I’m still left feeling so empty.

[PsychoPhil]

I've been seen by a pdoc and he said he can't diagnose me. Not in the public system where doctors have no time. I could have anything from PTSD to OCD to bipolar to personality disorders, which we already knew. If I wanted a diagnosis, I could go to private institutes specializing in them. Such institutes will then probably make me fill the same questionnaires as available online for $200+ fees.

So I am asking the same question as Hazelgreen, at what point one could consider a diagnosis as sound. If a pdoc merely tics off checkboxes on forms based on a couple of questions asked, his conclusion will be equally as reliable as internet tests.

Why then not research symptoms oneself and choose psychotherapists with the right specialty, read self-help books, or ask the family doctor for a try and error selection of pills? It doesn't seem to get much better than that.

[technigal]

Originally Posted by PsychoPhil

I've been seen by a pdoc and he said he can't diagnose me. Not in the public system where doctors have no time. I could have anything from PTSD to OCD to bipolar to personality disorders, which we already knew. If I wanted a diagnosis, I could go to private institutes specializing in them. Such institutes will then probably make me fill the same questionnaires as available online for $200+ fees.

So I am asking the same question as Hazelgreen, at what point one could consider a diagnosis as sound. If a pdoc merely tics off checkboxes on forms based on a couple of questions asked, his conclusion will be equally as reliable as internet tests.

Why then not research symptoms oneself and choose psychotherapists with the right specialty, read self-help books, or ask the family doctor for a try and error selection of pills? It doesn't seem to get much better than that.

Weird. I am in Alberta and was diagnosed through the public system by a pdoc. I also saw pdocs in Ontario and were given diagnoses there as well in the public system.

[PsychoPhil]

The quality of services, including the (non-psych) emergency room, greatly varies with province and hospital, it seems. I tried in Québec, and the problem already started with a language barrier (my English accent, poor French, their limited English). The nurse giving me a phone pre-assessment was much more proficient than the pdoc.

Also possible they don't bother with me for age reasons. Whatever the case, they are of little help.

[Hazelgreen]

PsychoPhil, what do you mean that they won’t deal with you for age reason?

[jcl76]

It is clear to me as I have BPD and DBT opened my eyes to it.

When I was younger I became a product of my environment. I was never TAUGHT coping skills for emotions. No discipline, no accountability, and was always defended when I did everything wrong.

Now the this "lack of" coping skills leads into adult life and can create havoc. BPD can be put into a few words as "emotional deregulation" due to not having the life/coping skills.

DBT is all about simply teaching these life skills that I never learned as a child.

I think a disorder is mental and illness is physical but thats just my thoughts on it

Originally Posted by Hazelgreen

I have been diagnosed with BPD. What does a personality disorder even mean? That there is something inherently wrong with my personality? Was I born this way? Can I do anything to change it? How does pdoc even decide this? Just from a checklist?

[here today]

I like this series of articles:

https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/...ity-disorders/

[PsychoPhil]

Originally Posted by Hazelgreen

PsychoPhil, what do you mean that they won’t deal with you for age reason?

That BPD, similarly C-PTSD, results in fairly inflexible behavioural patterns that will be the more difficult to change the older one gets. And the older one gets, the bigger the damage that cannot be undone, and the shorter the time to benefit from any improvement.

And every behaviour related setback only solidifies my tendency to isolate, thus reinforcing negative beliefs and self-defeating behaviour. I haven't yet found a remedy, nor have I heard of DBT in my area.

[bunnyhabit]

means you're personality is abnormal or subnormal when tested to normality standards of society

like I have a male and female personality on different occasions