Borderline Personality Disorder

[annamarie24]

Having had my first appointment with a psychiatrist today, he mentioned that I have traits of borderline personality disorder/emotionally unstable personality disorder. Does that mean I have it or?

He wasn’t very clear and a bit of an asshole so didn’t feel like questioning it.

Thanks

[Suzie40]

Mine said the same to me. On my next appointment I asked him outright whether I have it or not. He gave me a spiel about getting hung up on diagnosis rather than treating symptoms and sent me on my way!

[annamarie24 in reply to Suzie40]

It’s so frustrating. Why are psychiatrists so annoying. Literally mine spent the whole appointment saying that’s a diagnosis, what are your symptoms because i said I get anxiety and panic attacks. Can’t bloody win.

[Missy_D]

Hi, I can truly appreciate your frustration, especially as I got told the same thing in my initial appointment. From what I can remember there is a list of traits that are specific to, and general to personality disorders. Depending on how many you tick you will be described of having traits of, and in your case Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder. Whether you have traits of, or a straight diagnosis of they should be sorting out a suitable treatment plan.

Although I went from traits of to full diagnosis of EUPD I have been on anti depressants and anti psychotic medication since my first visit with a psychiatrist in December 2015. I have also had CBT and been on STEPPS (a psychological workshop specifically designed for EUPD as it helps you deal with distorted thought processes, negative filters, positive filters, impulsiveness) and currently am in group therapy. Medication alone will not help you as you need to learn how to deal with your emotions.

As you have been told you have traits of EUPD, I would suggest you ask to be treated as if you have EUPD, and go from there. Lesley x