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Advice for People Not Yet Diagnosed?

turquoiseHemlock900 July 29th, 2021

I'm in the position where I have a therapist who thinks I have BPD, but they do not have a specialty in personality disorders, so they haven't felt comfortable officially diagnosing me. I'm trying to find someone who could assess me currently (I've gotten nine "no"s, two who haven't responded, and I've contacted eight more people today).

Does anyone have any advice or stories for people who are seeking a diagnosis?

3
AffyAvo July 30th, 2021

@turquoiseHemlock900 Is your therapist unable to recommend someone? That's where I would srart.
You could also see what types of support groups that exist which are a little more specific than 7 cups and get recommendations there, I see that for doctors in some groups I use.

RarelyCharlie July 30th, 2021

@turquoiseHemlock900 I think a doctor in primary care would normally be able to refer you to an appropriate psychiatrist. I'm a little disappointed that you got nine "no"s. I would have hoped for a few "No, but I can recommend Dr. …"

However, getting a formal BPD diagnosis isn't always useful. It's sometimes useful for insurance purposes, or to get access to specialized treatment.

Charlie

sereneButton43 July 30th, 2021

that does not sound like a good experience. Just like RarelyCharlie said, a Psychiatrist will be in a position to diagnose you. If a person you reach out to ask for a diagnosis responds that they can't do it, it might be helpful to ask them if they know someone who could.
Just as a side note, your struggles are still valid even without an official diagnosis. I hope you will keep that in mind however you proceed :)