Borderline

It's not just a song by Madonna - it is also the latest personality disorder diagnosis and my latest therapist believes it had a large factor in my upbringing. Please join me in taking the test - do you have or have you had any of these symptoms:


1. frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. Note: Do not include suicidal or
self-mutilating behavior covered in Criterion 5. tough call - I am going to say definite maybe there

2. a pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating
between extremes of idealization and devaluation YES

3. identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self YES

4. impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex,
substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating). Note: Do not include suicidal or self-mutilating
behavior covered in Criterion 5. (well have had my impulsive moments, but general fear usually controls that - so I will have to go with no)

5. recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior
YES

6. 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) YES

7. chronic feelings of emptiness YES

8. inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper,
constant anger, recurrent physical fights) YES

9. transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms - once a long time ago while in a manic state, but generally speaking I have to go with no


You can read the link above for more information, but scoring a 6 out of 9 - based on that test alone, it appears to be something I have inherited - that just may be a possible factor in my perceived lack of ambition.