I am not sure

[Wannabe30]

I took the "Do I Need Therapy" test at the Psychology Today website. I was expecting that I would test as depressed. The results indicate that I suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder. After reading about that, I find that I do have many of the indicators for this, but not all of them.

I have never heard of this and wonder just what it means to me and my life. If I do have this problem, it explains why my life is as it is right now.

If I may ask, how have others here dealt with this? How has it affected you?

 

[Daniel E.]

It means nothing because nothing online, even a psychologist, can accurately diagnosis a personality disorder.

Personally, I am going to starting seeing a therapist again when I move in January, at least just for maintenance therapy. This is just to say you don't need to be feeling worse than usual for therapy to be worthwhile.

 

[ladylore]

:agree: You need to go to your doctor to be tested and even then you would probably referred on to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.

These types of tests remind of first year med students who can recognise many of the symptoms of a whole milue of illnesses in themselves. But in reality they don't have the illnesses at all.

If you are concerned the best bet is to talk with your doctor.

 

[Wannabe30]

After posting, I read more of the thread I found the link on. I was surprised how many people had a similar result.

Now, does this mean I will discount it entirely? No, because I am having problems that I think can only be helped through counseling or therapy. Is it BPD? Well only a professional can answer that and I do intend to seek out help.

My main concern is the quick mood swings I go through. I mean I can go from high to low in a nanosecond. I never know what may set me off. I get so angry at the stupidest little things. This has been going on for a while now and has just about ruined a relationship.

This may not be the answer I thought it was at first. The "Aha Moment" did not last long, but it at least gives me a place to start.

 

[Daniel E.]

My main concern is the quick mood swings I go through.

BTW, some potential causes of mood swings (other than BPD):

Stress
Anxiety
Lack of sleep
Depression
Bipolar disorder
ADHD
Irritable male syndrome

 

[braveheart]

^ And PTSD.

I have Borderline traits, but don't show up as near Borderline on that test.

 

[Into The Light]

i think going to see a therapist would probably be very helpful to you. if there is anything that goes on in our lives that is disruptive to us/causes us distress for a prolonged period of time then that's a sign that getting some outside help would be beneficial.

on another note even if you aren't distressed but would like to make personal improvements, you can still choose to see a therapist. it doesn't require for something major to be wrong.

 

[Halo]

I think that you have received a lot of great suggestions already and don't really have a lot to add. I honestly wouldn't put a lot of confidence in the online questionnaire as a definite diagnosis as only a qualified mental health professional can be the one to diagnose you.

If you are concerned about any of the results of the questionnaire I would strongly recommend that you talk to your doctor or any mental health professional and receive a qualified diagnosis.

Take care