If you think you or a loved one may have borderline personality disorder (BPD), it can be very helpful to educate yourself about borderline personality disorder diagnosis. Being armed with some information can help you to take the next important step: making an appointment for an assessment with a mental health professional. Show
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)The DSM, which is published by the American Psychiatric Association, is the official source of diagnostic information for psychiatric disorders, including BPD and related conditions. For each disorder, the DSM provides a list of symptoms and specifies how many symptoms are needed (and how severe the symptoms must be) to warrant a particular diagnosis. The current DSM criteria for a BPD diagnosis are summarized below. The Criteria for a DiagnosisBPD is a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotion, as well as marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
How Were the Criteria for BPD Established?A team of psychologists and psychiatrists, who are considered experts in BPD, developed the DSM symptom criteria. Many of the workgroup members are considered preeminent BPD researchers and work directly with BPD patients. The symptom criteria were established based on the best research available. However, it is important to keep in mind that the symptom criteria may be refined as new research comes out. The fifth edition of the DSM, DSM-V, was released in 2013 after many years of research and deliberation by experts. The symptom criteria for BPD in the new version remained the same as the previous version, DSM-IV. The Assessment ProcessThere are a number of psychological disorders and medical problems that can cause symptoms very similar to those associated with BPD. For this reason, it is important to see a licensed clinician (for example, a therapist or doctor) who can listen to your concerns, conduct a thorough assessment, and make an accurate diagnosis. A complete assessment for BPD may include several components. Your therapist or doctor may ask you to participate in an interview, during which they will ask you questions about your symptoms, physical health, and past and present life situation. They may also ask you to fill out a written questionnaire about BPD symptoms. Finally, if you are willing, your clinician may ask to talk to family or loved ones to get complete information on the ways that your symptoms are affecting you. At the end of the assessment process, your clinician will compile all of the information and make a diagnosis. Then, they will speak with you at length about the diagnosis and treatment options. What Should I Do If I Think I Have BPD?If you think you may have BPD, the first step is to find a mental health professional. While they can be hard to find, there are clinicians who are specially trained to treat BPD and answer your questions. Start by asking your primary care doctor for a referral, or check with family and friends to see if they have any recommendations of a local professional with expertise in your condition. Borderline Personality Disorder Discussion GuideGet our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor's appointment. Download PDF Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. If you have health insurance, you may want to talk to the insurance company about whether the clinician takes your insurance and how many sessions would be covered and how much the co-pay would be. If you do not have insurance, you may qualify for public assistance programs or services through your state or region's department of mental health or social services. You can also ask your primary care physician for a referral, or look into whether medical centers or universities in your area offer psychiatric or psychological services. In addition to working with a clinician, it may help to educate yourself about the variety of effective treatments available, including medication, psychotherapy, and self-help treatments. Finally, it is important to know that you are not alone and that with help, people with BPD lead normal and fulfilling lives. Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Additional Reading
By
Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Thanks for your feedback! What is the DSMDiagnostic criteria (DSM-5)
A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation. Identity disturbance - Markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.
What are the 9 symptoms of BPD?The 9 symptoms of BPD. Fear of abandonment. People with BPD are often terrified of being abandoned or left alone. ... . Unstable relationships. ... . Unclear or shifting self-image. ... . Impulsive, self-destructive behaviors. ... . Self-harm. ... . Extreme emotional swings. ... . Chronic feelings of emptiness. ... . Explosive anger.. What are the criteria for a personality disorder?Diagnosis of a personality disorder requires the following: A persistent, inflexible, pervasive pattern of maladaptive traits involving ≥ 2 of the following: cognition (ways or perceiving and interpreting self, others, and events), affectivity, interpersonal functioning, and impulse control.
What are the 5 axes of the DSMWhy Multiaxial Diagnosis Is Outdated. What Are the Five Axes in a Multiaxial Diagnosis?. Axis I: Clinical Disorders.. Axis II: Personality Disorders or Mental Retardation.. Axis III: Medical or Physical Conditions.. Axis IV: Contributing Environmental or Psychosocial Factors.. Axis V: Global Assessment of Functioning.. |