Is Borderline Personality Disorder commonly diagnosed as part of Complex PTSD?

Hi Angel, thanks for posting.

What do you call a dog with no legs? Anything you want. The dog won't come when you call.

My point being that if the diagnosis works for you, describes and defines how you feel and live and cope, use it.

Psychology is an inexact science. Most diagnoses are an educated guess. There's a big thick book called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual that tries to describe all the ailments in the World.

And it keeps getting re-written.

Describe what bugs you, worries you, freaks you out, messes you up. Then work on it the best way you can with the best doc you can find.

I don't mean to sound negative, sorry. I like to be pragmatic. I don't like my diagnosis, I'd like to be thought of as a megalomaniac evil genius instead. Way cool. *evil laugh*

Personally I think sometimes people get a diagnosis of PTSD rather than BPD because there's less stigma attached : PTSD isn't seen as being "your fault."

Just remember that a diagnosis doesn't change who you are in the slightest. As Bat said : work with the description that helps you.

And remember you are not to blame for abuse or trauma in your past, or the effects it has on you.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I agree there is a stigma attached with BPD and that it is seen as "incurable" by many which upsets me greatly...I know I have some "traits" that could be seen as BPD but I believe at the same time they could be seen with PTSD, Depression or Anxiety hence my aggitation on another "label" being added. I know I have to try let the diagnosis crap go as was stated and just work on my issues whether through therapy or medication but I feel like such a failure with all these labels attached to me!! I guess I am struggling coming to terms with my own mental health.

Thanks Alessandra...totally agree...but it does that mean we just accept the "labels" given and be submissive?? Personally I am not and will argue if I do not agree...not that it gets me anywhere!!...As it was previously stated how mental health is placed under the DSM ...do you just agree to keep the peace? as personally I feel I have no voice...and even if I scream this is not heard regardless how loud I am! or I feel in sessions that my voice is over ridden and I end up acknowledging something I do not agree with...I feel manipulated I guess!!!

Hi Angel,

Thanks for sharing so courageously.

It sounds like your psych is trying very hard to put you into a box that you don't want to go in, and nor should you. You are not the diagnosis but if you are feeling completely unheard by this person then that is surely going to make you feel less well rather than more? Perhaps it's the psych rather than the label which needs changing?

We have been so schooled to be nice and not argue, but if we don't agree why shouldn't we reasonably express our point of view? If there isn't room for this kind of discussion in the therapuetic relaitonship then is it therapuetic or abusive? Don't be shut up or stuck in a box which doesn't fit. Mental illness is hard enough to come to terms with anyway without being labelled inapropriately and unwillingly.

I've had about 6 diagnoses over the last 35 years - most recently bipolar affective disorder type1 and complex PTSD. Which of these two I have exactly is a bit of a moot point between my psych and I, as I fit into either. We've talked about it. I tend to more readily identify as PTSD to the "outside" world because it carries slightly less stigma. These were helpful diagnoses for me - they helped me to better understand and manage myself and my health. Exactly which label is not hugely significant in our ongoing work in my treatment.

So if it's not helpful don't wear it. Most likely you know yourself best of all.

Kind regards,

Kristin

Advocacy with the Devil: Pleased to meet you, did you guess my name? But what's puzzling you is the nature of my diagnosis...