Another "first time posting."

First off, nice to find a good forum to read through. Already learned a bit while skimming through around in here..

I'll spare you all a huge post on my life story and simply start off asking how many other people have more than just 1 or 2 co-occuring disorders? Not going to lie, I'm very confused and curious as to what is really going on in my mind. I know a stereotype of personality disorders is the person thinking "there's nothing wrong" with them. I honestly can say, I believe (in some instances, granted...some people have it worse off than others with their disorders etc) that its all about perspective. My mind definately works differently, but I'm no psycho (a quick conclusion many people like to jump to when learning someone has a disorder, coworkers/friends etc). I was Dx w/ ADHD, Cyclothymia, Borderline, and Passive Aggressive. My first thought was, "...are you kidding me. All I came here for was treatment for ADHD...ouch." A side-note: Two of my old really close friends throughout high school and into college, both psych majors (few months away from BA) told me they suspected ASPD. Thanks, guys.
Guess the reason for me being here is to continue learning about my mind and gain more understanding of it all, find out what truly is "wrong" with my head and how I can better my life. Its all interesting to me, but at the same time I think there's no way I can have all of those disorders....is there? My understanding of Borderline was based on abandonedment and rapid cycling mood etc. But until reading in this forum, I've never heard about lack of, or weakened feelings of, empathy and remorse? Another thing I don't understand, self-loathing and cutting etc. Aren't those required for diagnosed?

--Ok I give, a little background info. My mother: first diagnosed w/ Bipolar II 3 years ago, a year ago diagnosis changed to Borderline PD, dozens of suicidal attempts. We have a severely dysfunctional family, never met real dad (dunno if thats relevant? lol), I know my step father has disorders of his own but he will *never* seek treatment. (One reason I want to be helped, I will not allow myself to live like he has.) I have never had thoughts of harming myself, but they never asked if I've wanted to hurt others...

-I can be very manipulative and "mean" as others have said, if you do me wrong, but...I'm typically a good hearted guy. I like helping those who want to be helped. Every girl I've known thinks I'm a sweetheart, but To be honest, given the mood I have ASPD symptoms, BP, and BPD symptoms? lol it all contradicts each other to me, don't know how else to explain it. Hopefully someone sees what I'm getting at. I just don't fully trust any diagnosis because face to face with a psych, I have trouble only letting him know what I want him to know about me...Anyone else have a similar dillemna?

ps - am on adderall for ADHD and Depakote to keep my moods from getting outta whack.

Hi, thatangryredhead! It's possible to have traits of more than one disorder or illness. I think you should do your best to tell your psych what you need to know or what you need help with. You can write it all in a letter and give it to them. Tell the psych, through that letter, about everything, including what you wouldn't want to tell them if you were talking to them face to face, lol.

Actually, borderline rarely exists in a vacuum and there are usually other dx. bipolar is a big one and sometimes smidgens of other PDs. I can relate to what you said. Have you thought about treatment for yourself? Borderline, contrary to old school thinking, is very treatable. The best therapy is Dialectal Behavioral Therapy by Marsha Lineham. Look it up on the internet. It's great!!! So is cognitive behavioral therapy but DBT is specifically for borderline, which is going to be changed, I hear, to emotional dysregulation disorder. Our main problems are tied up in quickly fluctuating emotions and impulsivity. It is now thought to be partly genetic. The reason that so many of us come from messed up homes is that our parents have similar problems. Or maybe our aunts and uncles.

I hope you post often and share, and let me know if you look up DBT!!!