I want to if I have BPD or not

I have signs of BPD and I want to know if I'm diagnosed with it or not

All Answers

MANZI MUNANURA

COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST

I understand that you’re experiencing signs that align with borderline personality disorder (BPD), and you’re seeking clarity on whether you have it or not. As a psychologist, I want to emphasize that while self-awareness is important, a formal diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment by a qualified mental health professional.

BPD is typically diagnosed based on specific criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), which include:

Emotional instability – Intense mood swings and difficulty regulating emotions.
Unstable relationships – Difficulty maintaining stable relationships, often fluctuating between idealization and devaluation.
Fear of abandonment – Intense fear of being left or rejected, leading to frantic efforts to avoid real or perceived abandonment.
Impulsivity – Engaging in risky behaviors such as reckless spending, substance use, self-harm, or unsafe sex.
Chronic feelings of emptiness – A persistent sense of inner void or lack of fulfillment.
Identity disturbance – Unstable self-image or sense of self.
Intense anger – Difficulty controlling anger, leading to frequent outbursts.
Paranoia or dissociation – Experiencing stress-related paranoia or feeling disconnected from reality.

If you strongly relate to these symptoms, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation with a psychologist or psychiatrist. Diagnosis is not based on isolated symptoms but on a holistic assessment that considers your history, emotional patterns, and how these experiences impact your daily life.

Would you be open to scheduling an appointment with a mental health professional to discuss your concerns further? I can also guide you on how to manage distressing symptoms in the meantime. You’re not alone in this, and support is available.

If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.