So, my daughter finally agreed to see a psychiatrist and took a battery of tests and interviews in his office.
She got her her official diagnosis. She has a number of mental issues but I am so thankful NPD isn’t one of them. She’s Borderline, as I suspected, not that that’s any bowl of blackberry/cherry compote either.
She is agreeing to see a therapist, probably because the psychiatrist recommended it to her instead of me (and she also told me he was “hot”!) 😀 I bet probably has something to do why she agreed to it.
I asked the psychiatrist who did the evaluation to write out his findings IN ENGLISH instead of Doctorese. He had his receptionist write out the results for me; here they are.
AXIS I: 296.89 Bipolar Disorder II, 300.02 Generalized Anxiety Disorder
AXIS II: 301.83 Borderline Personality Disorder
AXIS III: 292.2 Cannabis Related Disorder, 291.9 Alcohol Related Disorder NOS, 305.10 Nicotine Dependence, ICD-9 493.3 Asthma, Unspecified
AXIS IV: 309.81 Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, v62.2 Occupational Problem,v62.81 Relational Problem NOS
Not great dx’s, but I’m glad because of all these disorders, even BPD, have a better prognosis and are more amenable to therapy than any form of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. That doesn’t diminish the seriousness of a few of the disorders she does have, though. Hopefully she sticks with her therapist this time.
It’s creepy how close the code for BPD (301.83) is to NPD (301.81). But they’re just billing codes so it probably doesn’t mean much.
Lucky Otters Haven 
My psych np friend swears by dialectical behavioral therapy for BPD.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m going to Google that, thanks.
LikeLike
I don’t know much about it myself, but it is remarkably effective. I’ve seen BPD become less severe with age. There is hope 😊 and like you said, thankfully she doesn’t have NPD!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s good news, QF! I am so thankful she doesn’t have NPD.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have Borderline friends who say they’ve gotten a lot of benefits from DBT. I’ve also had my counselor run me through some techniques for the agitation that comes with schizoaffective disorder…it’s ok for that too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s really great jenny. I’m so glad there is a therapy that seems to be helping a lot of people.
LikeLike
As you know, my wife has bi-polar disorder. With the right combination of medicine and therapy, your daughter can live a very fulfilling, productive and creative life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most mental disorders can be controlled to the point the patients can lead normal lives or almost normal lives with a combo of the right medicine and therapy. Even people with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia can lead almost normal lives.
Personality disorders (and disorders like Aspergers) can’t be treated with drugs but for most of them, therapy or behavioral modification of some type works well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with Vic here. It may take awhile but when they find the right cocktail of medications it will be really normal. I’ve seen them be teachers, lawyers even. One of the side effects of the medications is that the person may stop taking the drugs for whatever reason, and turn back again, so that would be the real challenge.
Once she does that I think there will be work programs for someone with BPD. She can have a normal life. Yayyy. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t like that you have to deal with mental issues, but I did like your post. Also, you changed your paper, or color scheme or something, looks good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Background design and color changed, removed title from header graphic and put back on top. Changed font and placement of header graphic. Changed color of menu background under header graphic.
I think it’s sharper but less loud. I’m pleased with it. 🙂 Until I get tired of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person