I'm sorry about making so many threads.
I've been told by the consultant on the ward I'm currently at that they've put me in to do a minimum year's worth of DBT. He then said that it works well with people with conditions like mine. I was so bombarded with the information he was throwing at me (probably purposely) that I didn't think of asking what he thought my "condition" was.
So my question is: is DBT used exclusively with people with borderline personality disorder?
I'm worried that these labelled me as that and (no offence to people diagnosed with it) BPD is the last thing I need being stuck on my forehead.
Have any of you had DBT and not been diagnosed with BPD (or whatever they are calling it nowadays)?
I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry too much about the fact that they referred to you as having a 'condition'. DBT is basically effective for a range of harmful and addictive behaviours, so it's likely your consultant was referring to the fact that you suffer from self-destructive behaviours.
DBT was initially developed for people displaying chronically suicidal behaviour. Later, it was adapted to BPD because this was the diagnosis most closely linked to such suicidal behaviour. However, in recent years it's been shown to be effective in treating binge eating, bulimia, drug and alcohol addiction and self-harm. It's certainly not exclusive to people that display BPD.
If you are concerned that you've been given it as a diagnosis, though, it might be worth having a chat with your consultant. You have a right to know your working diagnosis and you should be able to ask any questions you have about it. Remember, accuracy of diagnostic labels is always questionable and nothing is set in stone. Diagnoses are really just shorthand to accessing treatment, so if having a 'condition' means you get to try DBT then it might be a very helpful thing overall.
You have a right to know your diagnosis so Id definitely ask! I wasn't happy with my BPD diagnosis as in another county id been diagnosed as bipolar so I asked for a second opinion. The new psych diagnosed me with both funnily enough!! Once I had got a second option, I started to accept my BPD diagnosis. It's not really that bad! I'm starting DBT this month too.
I was referred to the DBT service after an inpatient admission.
I have a diagnosis or recurrent depression. The reason I was referred was because my self-harm was severe and I had attempted suicide, which had led to teh admission in the first place. I only did 6 months as I already had a psychologist and needed to learn new skills to stop depression becoming unbearable when I was discussing my past with my therapist.
You should ask about the diagnosis; you have a right to know.
DBT was devised and created to treat people with Borderline Personality Disorder, but I would imagine it'd be helpful for other situations and conditions too. The main thing is you're going to get help - and personally, I find DBT to be incredibly helpful. More helpful than any other therapy I've tried. :)
Watch the sunrise all alone
Sitting on the tracks
Hear the train come roaring in
Never coming back
Laying quiet in the grass
Everything is still
River stones and broken bones
Scattered on the hill
I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry too much about the fact that they referred to you as having a 'condition'. DBT is basically effective for a range of harmful and addictive behaviours, so it's likely your consultant was referring to the fact that you suffer from self-destructive behaviours.
DBT was initially developed for people displaying chronically suicidal behaviour. Later, it was adapted to BPD because this was the diagnosis most closely linked to such suicidal behaviour. However, in recent years it's been shown to be effective in treating binge eating, bulimia, drug and alcohol addiction and self-harm. It's certainly not exclusive to people that display BPD.
This is a really good explanation of DBT.
As for the diagnosis; you may not have one yet. The referral to DBT could be based mostly on the symptoms you display. However you are more that with in your right to ask.
You should have a copy of your care play (standard practice in all NHS trust yet hardly every gets given to the patient), and that should have your diagnosis, or suggest diagnosis on it.
But certainly ask.
The average,
well-adjusted adult
gets up at 7.30am feeling just plain terrible.
Call me Kate.
I have dyslexia so please excuse my poor spelling and sometimes poor understanding.
As the others have said; DBT isn't solely for those with BPD.
I have recently been through a course of DBT and in my group there were a number a people with different conditions; varying from COE, self-harm, suicidal behaviours, ED's, OCD, substance abuse and many more.
x x x
♥It's the ups and downs of living life this way. Promise me you'll never go away. Just stay with me through one more night because it's always darkest before the light and now I promise you I'll never turn away. I won't let you give us one less heart to break...♥
I am currently in DBT and HAVENT been diagnosed with BPD, but that's because im under 18. But its not just for people with BPD, i am with 10 other people and we all have a range of difficulties! Dont be scared, you will be ok! <3
Thanks everyone =)
I asked about my diagnosis and it turns out to be unipolar disorder. I'm thankful that it isn't BPD because I don't want to be in mental health services long term. I went to a mini version of the DBT on Thursday (emotional coping skills group) and it was okay. I'm a lot calmer now!!
Thanks everyone =)
I asked about my diagnosis and it turns out to be unipolar disorder. I'm thankful that it isn't BPD because I don't want to be in mental health services long term. I went to a mini version of the DBT on Thursday (emotional coping skills group) and it was okay. I'm a lot calmer now!!
April x
Having a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder doesn't necessarily mean one is 'in' mental health services on a long term basis.
