What does it mean to have traits of BPD?
 

I went to a therapist today and after asking me a bunch of questions came to the conclusion that I have a lot of traits of Borderline personality disorder, but not the whole thing.
What does this mean exactly?
Am I going to like develop the whole disorder?
I know there is a BPD thread, but I didn't feel comfortable posting there, sorry.

Normally to be diagnosed with BPD you have to exhibit 5 or more traits of it. Basically they probably mean you have some symptoms but not enough to diagnose you with BPD. They also don't like to diagnose under 18's with personality disorders since personalities are still seen to be developing before then. It may be that as time progresses you are diagnosed with BPD or you may not be. Generally speaking BPD tends to lessen as people get older so that by the time people are in their 30's they no longer exhibit enough traits to be classified as having BPD. My current therapist, for example, had BPD when she was in her early twenties but now no longer fulfills the criteria.

Hey,

Don't worry about not feeling comfortable enough to post in the BPD thread.
I have got BPD traits because I don't fit the full criteria, although my own experience is that different psychiatrists react differently to this - like one diagnosed me with BPD anyway, whereas another described me as having 'BPD traits'.
Seeing as you have a therapist I am sure she will work with you to help avoid these traits turning in to full blown BPD, and in some people I don't think it neccesarily does always become diagnosed BPD, just BPD traits.

I'm sorry, I'm not sure if I've explained myself well, hope I made some sense!

I think it's just not totally fitting the criteria, or if you're under 18, they don't like to diagnose it fully and just say 'traits'.
It means that yes, you could possibly develop the whole disorder but also that your traits could lessen as you grow older.

Don't worry about it, your therapist will help you through it.

It means having certain aspects of the personality disorder but not all. It may not develop into the full blown disorder. I was diagnosed with traits years ago and never been told otherwise. It hasn't be focussed on that much though.
I wouldn't worry too much.

just wanted to say I have traits too :-)

They dont really like to label people in the Uk.
im guessing i am the same. im starting DBT for 'my problems' which obviously realte to bpd although im not diagnosed with a PD.