son diagnosed with BPD

[Explorer36]

My sons' psychologist has told me that my son has BPD.  Two months ago she did a full evaluation and the testing indicated that he was severely depressed.  Now, she says my son has BPD and the testing was incorrect.  I am so confused.  Not sure I believe this diagnosis.  So confused. 

I have read all the symptoms of BPD online.  Some of the descriptions describe my son but many do not.  I do not see my son as manipulative.  Any feedback would be appreciated.

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[Bright Day Mom]

Have you had a second opinion by a Psychiatrist?

Also, I believe a person has to have 5 of the 9 traits to be dx.  How old is your S?

[livednlearned]

Hi Explorer36,

Welcome and hello  

How old is your son? Does he accept the diagnosis?

I went through a similar process with my partner's D19. She was diagnosed first with psychotic depression/anxiety, and then with bipolar. My therapist, in hearing me describe D19's behaviors, is certain she is BPD. It came as a shock to me and like you, I wasn't convinced. There are 9 criteria, though, and having 5 of the 9 (to get the diagnosis) means over 100 different combinations.

The most difficult of the criteria, from what I see with my SO's D19, is the identity disturbance and unstable sense of self. She has a sense of being dead and empty inside, as though there is nothing there, no being making her feel whole.

What are the descriptions that describe your son?

[Explorer36]

Since 6th grade my son has been sleeping quite a bit.  At first, I thought it was a problem with his sleeping so we went through 3 sleep studies.  They did not find a problem and said it could be psychological.  After this we went to many different counselors but my S would not talk.  Finally, he told me he was abused by a class mate in 5th grade.  It seems the sleeping started after this.

Last May he graduated from HS.  About a week after graduation, he said he had suicidal thoughts.  He has been in and out of treatment since last June.  At first they said it was depression.  Now they think it is BPD. 

Before last May he was a quiet kid and kept to himself.  He never starts fights or argues.  Definitely he is passive-aggressive. A couple of times this summer he acted up at the treatment. 

I know he feels empty.  Just trying to figure out why the BPD diagnosis.

[livednlearned]

What kind of treatment is your son receiving?

What are the symptoms that seem to fit?