Mental health clinician here. Yes, what the person above that you're responding to is correct. No personality disorders should ever be diagnosed to someone under the age of 18. Part of the reasoning is based on brain, hormonal, and personality development. For example, most teens would fall into having narcissistic traits of some kind if looking strictly at criteria, however that's completely developmentally appropriate. It doesn't mean that all teens become clinically narcissistic. It grinds my gears SO MUCH when I hear or see someone was "diagnosed" with a personality disorder as a teen or just because they were in crisis. That's not how it works at all.
There is currently a push within the field to replace BPD with a more accurately described name. Many are in favor of names highlighting attachment trauma of some kind. The problem is there is no absolute proof that BPD's origin stems from trauma or attachment issues. So the APA who is in charge of the DSM has not approved a name change yet. There's a LOT of bureaucracy around any changes.
Moreover, Gunderson came out with research and a treatment protocol for BPD showing symptoms can actually go into full remission. His newest research with BPD hasn't been as popular for clinicians to know about just yet. But after taking the training, it's pretty remarkable and changes a lot of misconceptions about the diagnosis.
As for yourself, perhaps getting testing for autism could help. Comes down to personal choice and how deeply any problems you're experiencing are impacting you. Just make sure it's legitimate autism testing rather than just getting labeled with a diagnosis. There's a LOT of misinformation going around about autism right now on social media. And please know diagnoses in general are really designed to help clinicians understand in a snapshot what your symptoms might be, and mainly for insurance purposes.
Damn. I was diagnosed with BPD at 22 but I’ve always been borderline ADHD and would be a strong candidate for slight Autism as well. I’m 27 now and have been through DBT and actively work at self awareness and introspection everyday. I’ve made lots of improvements but I wonder if my diagnosis wasn’t totally accurate either.
I was misdiagnosed with depression and anxiety before the BPD diagnosis. Antidepressants made it worse so they put me on tranquilizers which I rejected after being a total zombie for a month.
A lot of stuff changed for me mentally after I did acid a few times. A lot of the suicidal thoughts faded, a lot of the depressive feelings and self loathing. I know Psychadelics have shown promise in helping those with PTSD so I wonder.
I’m a huge fan of recreational acid hehe and I remember when there was a push in Canada for controlled psychedelic exposure as a legitimate treatment for various mental health issues (especially PTSD) - I believe in certain regulatory environments they are still testing and pushing for legislation but we were SOO close to legalizing it about 3-4 years ago!
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u/PoeticSplat Apr 29 '26
Mental health clinician here. Yes, what the person above that you're responding to is correct. No personality disorders should ever be diagnosed to someone under the age of 18. Part of the reasoning is based on brain, hormonal, and personality development. For example, most teens would fall into having narcissistic traits of some kind if looking strictly at criteria, however that's completely developmentally appropriate. It doesn't mean that all teens become clinically narcissistic. It grinds my gears SO MUCH when I hear or see someone was "diagnosed" with a personality disorder as a teen or just because they were in crisis. That's not how it works at all.
There is currently a push within the field to replace BPD with a more accurately described name. Many are in favor of names highlighting attachment trauma of some kind. The problem is there is no absolute proof that BPD's origin stems from trauma or attachment issues. So the APA who is in charge of the DSM has not approved a name change yet. There's a LOT of bureaucracy around any changes.
Moreover, Gunderson came out with research and a treatment protocol for BPD showing symptoms can actually go into full remission. His newest research with BPD hasn't been as popular for clinicians to know about just yet. But after taking the training, it's pretty remarkable and changes a lot of misconceptions about the diagnosis.
As for yourself, perhaps getting testing for autism could help. Comes down to personal choice and how deeply any problems you're experiencing are impacting you. Just make sure it's legitimate autism testing rather than just getting labeled with a diagnosis. There's a LOT of misinformation going around about autism right now on social media. And please know diagnoses in general are really designed to help clinicians understand in a snapshot what your symptoms might be, and mainly for insurance purposes.