Psychiatrists and judgements on self-harm/personality disorders

[ParanormalChickenGeek]

I saw my psychiatrist for a review last week, I've only met him three times now and the first time we met he fully assessed me and diagnosed me with 'body dysmorphic disorder' and 'mixed anxiety and depression', with a 'mild eating disorder' (related to BDD). He now just sees me every six weeks for a review on my new medication whilst I await therapy on a year long waiting list...

Anyway, in the review last week I explained how anxiety had decreased but I still felt low. He then asked if I 'had any self-harm with this condition', to which I told him I self-harmed last two days ago. He immediately said 'self-harm isn't in keeping with BDD, it's more in keeping with personality disorders... You know that don't you?'. I was quite shocked so I just said 'yes' and he moved on to speak about something else. I wish I had argued my case!

Is he thinking I have a personality disorder!? I'm adamant I don't- I'm not emotionally unstable, I don't have dysfunctional relationships, I'm not impulsive... Basically self-harm is the only thing I have that would be a symptom of a personality disorder, and maybe a small bit of childhood trauma.
And WHY can't self-harm be a part of BDD!? I hate my body so of course I would harm it!

Anyway. My concern is that the psychiatrist believes I have a personality disorder and may diagnose me with this! It won't stop playing on my mind and I'm becoming quite anxious about it!

So many healthcare professionals jump to the conclusion that someone has a PD just because they have self harmed, I just get frustrated that it's so misunderstood and stigmatised.

Has anyone else had this kind of experience or have any wise words for me? Do you think from what he said he thinks I do have a PD?

[Morpheus]

There are many different personality disorders with other symptoms than those you described. You could try to read about the different personality disorders that exist if its making you unsure and anxious.

We cant say if we think you have it from what you have said. Self harm can be a symptom of many mental difficulties. You should ask what he meant next time you see him.

Also, not all personality disorders have as much stigma as bpd. I wouldnt really panic if i was you. He is probably just sharing hos thoughts and if you do have a personality disorder, getting a diagnosis may help get the right help (even though it seems bpd especially can be problematic in regards of getting help unfortunately)

Diagnosing can be a problematic and long process with mental illness as there is no blood test or similar to tell for certain. I was misdiagnosed for years but gettig the right diagnosis (even though i was so scared and ashamed when they started testing for that specific diagnosis) has meant getting the right help and being able to learn about and understand my illness which has lead to great improvements. Even though the diagnosis terrified me and there is a lot of stigma around schizophrenia too.

Try not to stress. The most important thing is that you get the best help possible. His comment seems more like just thinking aloud more than anything.

[sherlock holmes]

If it is worrying you so much can you ring the CMHT and ask to speak to him when he is next free? Do you have a CPN, you could talk to them about it.

I think that if he was formally looking to change your diagnosis he'd have talked about it in depth with you. I agree with Morpheus, it sounds like he was just thinking aloud.

I think it would be a good idea for you to say the things to him you wrote here- that you hate your body so harming it is part of that, that you're not emotionally unstable etc.

[random.swirls]

I don't have long but the only reference to self injury in the dam is as a symptom of bpd which means some Drs believe that it is part of bpd. The only way you will find out what he is thinking with regards to your diagnosis is to ask him.

[ParanormalChickenGeek]

Thanks for your replies; I shall ask him about his comment when I next see him, but that isn't until October. I don't have a CPN, he's the only one I see from the CMHT unfortunately.
I do know quite a bit about personality disorders, as I do work in mental health myself, but I think he was referring to BPD as that really is the only PD I would have any symptoms for.
I'm so stressed about it, I'm convinced he thinks I have BPD.

[Ballerina123]

Everyone has traits of a PD.
Is there a reason your so against a bpd diagnosis?

[ParanormalChickenGeek]

Just because I feel it's a completely incorrect diagnosis for me and I want to receive the right treatment for my diagnosis. Also because sadly there's a huge stigma attached to BPD and having that label would make it so much harder for me to access treatment.