Posted by Karen_kay on December 8, 2003, at 10:43:15
In reply to Re: borderline traits, but not bd diagnosis???? , posted by helenag on December 8, 2003, at 9:48:35
Hey there! I was diagnosed borderline pd (YUCK!) by my therapist and yes there are different degrees in a way. This is how he explained it to me.... (Oh, and I read the book too!)
First of all according to DSM there are different criteria (and I don't remember how many one is supposed to have to be diagnosed). You can do a search on google to find the criteria. But, some of the symptoms are mood swings, splitting (or black and white thinking) outbursts of anger or difficulty controling anger, a pattern of unstable relationships, repeated suicide attempts and self mutiliation and a chronic feeling of boredom or emptiness.
The best way I can explain the continuum is to show how it relates to me. Hope it helps...
My biggest problem is with splitting, or black and white thinking. I think somehting is either all good or all bad. If I am mad at my therapist, I fail to see the good things he has done in the past. In short, I dislike him completely. On the upside, if I like him, I love him completely! He could do no wrong. It is this way with everyone I know.
I also SI. I haven't in quite a while (roughly 5 months! I used it as a coping mechanism. I couldn't express anger or frustration, so I would cut myself.
I tried to commit suicide twice.
I have mood swings, but I have Bipolar Disorder as well. Hard to tell which is the culprit....
So, even though I am diagnosed BPD, and I meet at least 5 of the criteria, I am not (for lack of a better word) high up on the scale or continuum. My biggest problem at this point is with splitting, which can be corrected with CBT, or so he says (HA!!).. BPD is hard to correct through therapy, but it can be done. Don't give up hope! I hope I helped you out a little bit. The best way I found to become more comfortable in this situation is to find out everything you can about BPD. The internet is a great source, as well as the Library.
Good luck! Karen
poster:Karen_kay
thread:287655
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20031202/msgs/287680.html