Do I have BPD?

Firstly I just wanted to say that I hope this doesn't offend anyone in anyway. I don't think it will but I'm not sure. And I'm sincerely sorry if it does, I honestly don't mean any harm.

I think I might have BPD. I have been reading a lot about it and I can identify with a lot of the symptoms and characteristics, such as:

Intense unstable relationships in which the borderline always ends up getting hurt.
Repetitive self-destructive behavior, often designed to prompt rescue.
Chronic fear of abandonment and panic when forced to be alone.
Distorted thoughts/perceptions, particularly in terms of relationships and interactions with others.
Hypersensitivity, meaning an unusual sensitivity to nonverbal communication.
Impulsiveness with substance abuse, sexual relationships, binge eating and shoplifting
Feelings of emptiness and boredom
Frequent displays of inappropriate anger
Uncertainty of identity

I have had depression for about 4 years, and I have been bulimic for 2 and a half. I started seeing a psychologist for the first time last year. I was also prescribed anti-depressants. I don't know if I just have depression, anxiety and stress or if it is BPD but I feel as if I need to know. It doesn't always feel like the anti-depressants are working and it feels like there's more to it than just depression. I have family issues going on which may be adding to the stress/depression. I feel that if my psychologist didn't diagnose me with BPD I shouldn't be worried about it but I really am and think I could have it. My boyfriend has also said that he thinks I can really identify with the symptoms and characteristics as well. I don't know if I'm being paranoid.. or what is really going on.

I don't really know what to do next.. I was wondering if anyone had advice? Or could maybe clarify my 'diagnosis' a little further.

Once again I hope anything I have said doesn't offend anyone.

Thank you all very much.

Hey,

I know that feeling well. I was also diagnosed with depression and bulimia, and it wasn't until the end of last year that I was diagnosed with borderline, but I always knew there was something deeper than depression there. Not to down-play depression at all, because it's equally as bad as borderline. But my moods were/are very drastic and the depression I felt only lasted a few hours each day. I think if you've seen some similarities within yourself and borderline, you should talk to your psychologist about them. But anti-depressants are good for borderline. It really depends though which ones you take. I take fluoxetine, and am getting psychotherapy as well which is supposed to help over come borderline. But if you feel your medication isn't doing what it's supposed to, and your not feeling any different, you should talk to your GP or your psychologist, because they're there to help you!

I hope I've helped and all goes well. Just keep your chin up and be strong!

asleep wrote:Intense unstable relationships in which the borderline always ends up getting hurt.
Repetitive self-destructive behavior, often designed to prompt rescue.
Chronic fear of abandonment and panic when forced to be alone.
Distorted thoughts/perceptions, particularly in terms of relationships and interactions with others.
Hypersensitivity, meaning an unusual sensitivity to nonverbal communication.
Impulsiveness with substance abuse, sexual relationships, binge eating and shoplifting
Feelings of emptiness and boredom
Frequent displays of inappropriate anger
Uncertainty of identity

This is certainly a list of common BPD related symptoms/problems. I'd like to direct you to a thread on this forum called "5 common mistakes....." started by AliceWonders. There is some very good info there. She has worked hard on this and some of the research she lists, I have also seen and can verify. it is a handy thread and might help you with your question. I caution you with the statement: If your seeing a professional. Seek their help in determining if BPD is your diagnosis.