BPD - Disorder or Illness?

fionars · 08-11-2010, 07:43 PM

I've always had some issues controlling my behaviour but recently its gotten harder and I was admitted to hospital for the first time for suicidal ideation. It helped me significantly to be in there - calming me down, helping me get control - and I was discharged after a week feeling quite hopeful. While there I was also diagnosed with BPD. Last week things got bad again and I presented to my doctor, once again explaining the severity of my suicidal thinking. However, I was simply told to go home and sleep on it and to consider 'different coping mechanisms'. I went on to make a suicide attempt and it was only then I was re-admitted. I believe they did not take my concerns for my safety seriously because of my BPD diagnosis. Anyway I left hospital feeling hopeful, the psychiatrist was really positive and explained alot about BPD to me and I am trying to keep a positive mental attitude. She said I would be supported in the community by the crisis team and it would help to organise a stable CPN through them while I await psychology services.

To get to the point of the story, I met with the crisis team today and asked for a CPN referral. They said no because apparently I am NOT suffering from a mental illness and therefore do not require the services of the CPN or the crisis team. I was given some numbers for stress management and told to take more responsibility for myself.

I am furious and confused. The psychiatrist was so caring and informative, diagnosing me with an ILLNESS. Now the community team insist I don't need their help with my DISORDER.

What is going on?!

startingagain · 08-11-2010, 09:36 PM

I'd go back to the GP and ask to see a psychiatrist. I have BPD and a psychiatrist sorted out a clinical psychologist for me. Hope you get it sorted.

88shelz · 09-11-2010, 02:54 AM

I agree that you should speak tot ur doctor again. I have BPD and have multiple admissions under my belt and have never once been told i dont need help from CMHTs. In fact quite the opposite. Alot of doctors still wont take BPD serious or accept it as an illness as so many people could fit the criteria that has been set, that doesnt mean you dont deserve help. Suicidal thoughts are serious and do need care

Rhuben · 09-11-2010, 04:17 PM

I think mental health teams are quick to use the Borderline Personality tag as a way of dumping people. I've seen it happen before. People being discharged soon after being diagnosed, some still consider it an untreatable personality defect unfortunately. It's the complete wrong attitude to have.

As the others have said though, go back and speak to a doctor. The crisis team have the complete wrong attitude.

Kitkat :) · 09-11-2010, 04:20 PM

[quote=Rhuben;2559335]I think mental health teams are quick to use the Borderline Personality tag as a way of dumping people. I've seen it happen before. People being discharged soon after being diagnosed.[quote]

^^ I'm one of these people. Diagnosed with BPD then discharged from therapy cos they thought I could handle it on my own.

Well, they were wrong.

But yes, don't make the same mistake I made and just leave it, go back and speak to a doctor. I wish you all the best.

MissAnonymous · 09-11-2010, 06:22 PM

It is in my opinion both a developmental disorder and an illness. It sort of overlaps. The reason for the confusion of disorder vs illness is because people are still divided on the root cause of borderline.

Some people see it as a developmental disorder where a person has maladaptive coping mechanisms and inability to deal with emotions as well as relational difficulties as a result of some sort of trauma in childhood or adolescence. Others believe it is a mental illness with environmental 'triggers' that precipitate the problem and encourage it to develop in some people who are genetically predisposed.

I was discharged from all services not long after the diagnosis as they felt there was nothing they could offer me and no service to refer to. Please keep fighting if you feel you need their help, I know its hard when people refuse to work with you, but it is your right to have support. Maybe try and contact the woman you saw in hospital or ask someone to dig up the notes which should clearly state her action plan and intentions to give you a CPN and support?