The DSM (Diagnostic & Statistical Manual) contains the DEFINITION
of psychiatric disorders. These definitions – which are criteria based – are
the results of consensus building from hundreds of psychiatrists of many
different perspectives and belief systems from all over the world, not just the
U.S.A. Definitions are regularly being revised as research and other
information becomes available. The DSM IV is the latest edition, being
published in 1994.
Like other diagnoses, diabetes is established by specific criteria such as
fasting sugar greater than 126 on two separate occasions. Physicians can’t
say things like "I don’t believe you have diabetes because
you’re not thirsty," and don’t have the right to establish their
own criteria. Physicians do have the right to explain and treat disorders
according to their knowledge, training expertise – but not to establish their
own criteria. If a physician disagrees with the established criteria, he/she
needs to explain the reasoning in the chart. An example is diabetes: a person
in the hospital on intravenous sugar will have elevated fasting sugar readings,
but this doesn’t mean diabetes because of extenuating circumstances.
There are many common misconceptions about the BPD diagnosis:
that the diagnosis is based on why it may have happened – NOT TRUE!
that the diagnosis is based on severity of symptoms – NOT TRUE!
that the diagnosis is based on the actual brain or thought mechanisms
involved – NOT TRUE!
that the diagnosis somehow requires a response or lack of response to
certain medications to be made – NOT TRUE!
that missing some symptoms – such as self-mutilation – means the diagnosis
is not present – NOT TRUE!
that the diagnosis has a predictable outcome for everyone – NOT TRUE!
that it’s a label and not a diagnosis – NOT TRUE! Many individuals
would like to see a different name for the diagnosis since the name
"borderline" came from a different era and has continue through the
present time.
that having the BPD or Bipolar means one cannot have the other diagnosis as
well – NOT TRUE! They are not mutually exclusive and many individuals have more
than one diagnosis, including both BPD and bipolar.
Official Criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder
A pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships,
self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood
and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of
the following:
frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment
a pattern of unstable & intense interpersonal relationships
characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation
identity disturbance: markedly and persistent unstable self-image or sense
of self
impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging
(e.g. spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating)
recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures or threats, or self-mutilating behavior
affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense
episodic dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and
only rarely more than a few days)
chronic feelings of emptiness
inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g.,
frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights)
transient, stress related paranoia or severe dissociative symptoms
Dr. Heller’s book "Biological Unhappiness" explains the biology and
treatment of these and other conditions.
Disclaimer:
I am not a health care professional. I am an abuse survivor. The resources on
this site are for information and education only. Information on this website is meant to support
not replace the advice of a licensed health care or mental health care professional. Please consult your own physician for health care advice.
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Last edited: 01/02/03.
