self diagnosed

[botham]

I took a test online and scored very high for a definite diagnosis of BPD
I'm going to see a secular therapist to begin with just to verify the diagnosis. Our Church has a support group.

 

[Chococat]

I did the same tests and got told I have "moderate" BPD. I'm not sure how reliable these tests are though and you are right to go to see a professional as even if you don't have BPD they sound like you may need help.

 

[botham]

Thanks. Before I took the test I decided to be totally honest, and I scored so high that the diagnosis is definite. All my life I have struggled with something that had a hold on me; I was treated for depression, schizophrenia, bipolar etc. Nothing helped--the feelings of abandonment, rejection and alienation persisted no matter what. I went the alcohol route and of course that turned out the usual way. But even in 12 step groups I felt the same rejection. But getting this high score and now connecting with others and reading their descriptions about their BPD symptoms, I know that's what it is. And I feel better just knowing this. It's only been about a month so I'm hopeful. I can now be much more specific in my prayers for others and my own situation. I'm going to tell my daughter in time because of course she experienced some of the downside. So God bless and I'm going to send a general prayer to our Heavenly Father for all those who need help for BPD.

 

[J0SHUA]

I have it too according to the DSM, but whether it's official or not, we both should get professional help. You should look into mindfulness and DBT to start practicing the change of your irrational black-and-white thinking. I will pray for you.

 

[botham]

Yes, black and white thinking is a tendency. Just to let you know how much experience I have had in the area of mental health, look up 'insulin coma therapy', if you don't already know what it is. I had it when I was 18 years old. Lots of ECT, major neuroleptics, etc. No meds for years, except the odd minor tranquilizer when the anxiety gets difficult. I just came across the BPD description and it fits perfectly. Then I thought I'd check out and see if there was a Christian support group. Glad I came across this and thanks for your comments. It helps just having this knowledge and my prayers can be more specific and also I have others who I understand and can pray for.

 

[bhsmte]

I did the same tests and got told I have "moderate" BPD. I'm not sure how reliable these tests are though and you are right to go to see a professional as even if you don't have BPD they sound like you may need help.

The online tests can give you an indication, but a trained professional is required to give an accurate diagnosis.

In dealing with someone for sometime with BPD, I have researched the topic quite intensely and have spoken with several psychological professionals about the subject.

First, it is important to get a diagnosis, from a professional trained to correctly diagnose a personality disorder and there are a lot of professionals who lack the proper training. Second, very few people are pure "BPD", as they tend to have a blend of other traits of personality disorders as well (paranoid, narcissist, etc. etc.). Some with BPD can have higher narcissist traits and some can have more paranoid traits. Some can be very high functioning and the behaviors only show up in certain situations and some can be low functioning, where the behaviors show up virtually all the time.