Getting a diagnosis/who can diagnose?

[one_step_closer]

My psychologist is convinced that I have BPD, can he diagnose me? I'm sure that this has been asked before but I can't find the thread. He is a consultant clinical psychologist if that makes any difference. It's just that people are usually diagnosed before they see a psychologist so no additional diagnosis is required.

I have a psychiatrist who I will be approaching about this but I don't really get on with her and I know she won't give me a clear yes or no diagnosis. When I presented with OCD symptoms she treated me as if I had OCD but didn't say to me 'you have OCD' and that's what I want, a clear 'yes you have BPD' or 'no you don't have BPD.' I have asked at least twice to see a different psychiatrist but I live in a small area and there are very few psychiatrists available.

My psychologist is very skilled and seems to understand me so I trust what he is saying but I don't want this label floating about in the air. I need to know if I have BPD or not.

[whirlpools]

I'm actually not sure if psychologists can formally diagnose, so apologies if this isn't helpful.

But it sounds like you get on well with him and trust his judgement, and so his thoughts are probably pretty accurate, even if he's not exactly qualified to put it down on paper. Also he's bound to have lots of experience. Do you think you have BPD? If both you and your psychologist feel that you do, then that's enough to work on. I know it feels important to have an "on-paper" diagnosis, but any diagnosis only really tells part of a story, I think.

When you were discharged from your hospital admission, did your discharge form give a diagnosis?

[one_step_closer]

Thanks. My discharge form had no diagnosis on it but I have already been diagnosed with depression and anxiety.

[Ami]

I thought only a medical doctor can diagnose. Your psychologist isnt?

Diagnosis arent even helpful sometimes. You need to treat the symptoms not the "box" you fit in.

I also thought then when youre discharged from hospital they have to give you a diagonisis? Well thats what i was told.
xxxx
xxxx

[Buttercup.]

My therapist diagnosed me with BPD. And I had a counselor diagnose me with SM years ago. I don't know if it varies between countries, but if not your psych should be able to diagnose you.

[Casca]

Your psychologist can't diagnose you. Either a medical practitioner (doctor) or a neurologist can diagnose. Clinical psychologists...hmm, it depends. They could diagnose you with BPD, it varies between countries.

Hope I helped you out.

[inblack]

Depends on where you live. I was able to be diagnosed by a psychologist.

[Sarika]

I know in the states only psychiatrists or medical doctors can officially diagnose. I had the worst problem getting my official diagnoses. Like you, my pdoc wouldn't give me a straight answer...always "let me think about" or the general "mood disorder" or blah blah blah. I finally got it out of him, partially because I annoyed the hell out of him every time I saw him. HA! I swear, moaning and complaining gets you everywhere when it comes to the mental health field.