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[artemis13711]

I have just turned 21, and have formally and currently been disagnosised with borderline personality disorder and major depressive disorder. Everyone seems to find it really surprising about my diagnosis considering my age. They are looking into other possible causes still, ruling out every mental health disorder in the book I suppose. I go for weekly sessions where they ask me different kinds of questions and put me into different situations to see how I react. I've also been going for EEG monitoring to check for signs of epilepsy, blood tests, and will be going for a CT scan soon. They also believe I may have antisocial personality disorder as I show many symptoms meeting the criteria for that as well. Although, regarding APD, they told me that before they formally diagnosis me, I would have to have been arrested. It's not that I haven't done anything that I can be arrested for, I've just never got caught and arrested for said things. They realize this of course, as they have asked me questions regarding those facts. This is all really new to me and a little overwhelming. I am currently in university for engineering, and will be specializing in computers. I don't get along with people all that well, so computers seems like a good area of interest. They want me to start a drug called citalopram, and I'm really not sure about it. I'm really scared to start taking it and what the effects may be. I sometimes cry uncontrollably and can switch him happy to sad and then to mad in a matter of seconds, which is probably why they gave me antidepressants. What are your views on it? The first psychiatrist I seen wanted to give me lithium for a first medication, but insisted I didn't have bipolar and refused to tell me why they were giving me lithium. I turned it down and went to see someone else. Do you think 21 is a very young age for a diagnosis? They are also investigating the high posibility of paranoid schizophrenia, as I have had what they believe is a psychosis attack. I was told since they did not witness it, they are unsure if it was more psychosis or just disassitive. Any help on this would be really cool. I really don't know a lot about this stuff, and am a little overwhelmed. My family doesn't know about any of this or about the medication and I can't talk to them regarding it. Thanks.

[Girly]

Hi there artemis13711,
Welcome to the Persinality Disorders room here at DF. I have Borderline Personality Disorder too and I have noticed I have some traits of other PDs including Anti-social Personality Disorder.
Personally I think that being diagnosed at 21 would be a good thing as you are able to get the treatment that you need and the support and medications that will help you to learn coping skills.
I take Citalopram and have been on and off since 2006, I've recently been told by my new pdoc that I am to stay on it permanently. For me Citalopram has helped me to feel less depressed.
With regards to paranoid schizophrenia and or dissasociation it will be good for you to know what you are dealin with.
Please keep posting and let us know how you get on,
Girly

[lindahurt]

Hello artemis and welcome to DF.

It really great that you are getting such good being observed and evaluated to make sure you will get the right treatment for your diagnoses.  This will allow you to be able to manage and live life to its fullest though there may be some ups and downs.

Since you have observed that you don't do well working with people I think specializing in computers is a great career for you and wish you the best in your pursue for a degree in this field.

We are glad to have you on board here at DF and hope you find the support you need.  Please make your comfortable and let us hear more from you.

Lindahurt

[Cantfindthespacebar]

Hi Artemis,

It's so great to hear that you are getting as much help as you are, even if the diagnosis is skeptical. I have been trying to find a good psychiatrist for a few years (after suffering from some form of depression for almost a decade) and unfortunately I have yet to find someone who wants to spend the time with me to figure out what's going on.

As I'm sure we all do, I have done extensive research on my condition and for many years I suspected that I was bipolar, until I started reading about BPD. The symptoms, behaviours and case studies reflect my life like a mirror, so I am sure this is what the problem is...I just need a doctor to confirm it. I guess the point I'm trying to make here is that you know you best, don't let something as trivial as your age get in the way of the correct diagnosis.

Did I mention that I'm 21 as well?

Cheers,
Bean

[Chasing Sanity]

 Cantfindthespacebar, on 08 June 2011 - 01:12 AM, said:

Hi Artemis,

It's so great to hear that you are getting as much help as you are, even if the diagnosis is skeptical. I have been trying to find a good psychiatrist for a few years (after suffering from some form of depression for almost a decade) and unfortunately I have yet to find someone who wants to spend the time with me to figure out what's going on.

As I'm sure we all do, I have done extensive research on my condition and for many years I suspected that I was bipolar, until I started reading about BPD. The symptoms, behaviours and case studies reflect my life like a mirror, so I am sure this is what the problem is...I just need a doctor to confirm it. I guess the point I'm trying to make here is that you know you best, don't let something as trivial as your age get in the way of the correct diagnosis.

Did I mention that I'm 21 as well?

Cheers,
Bean

I'm 25 and got diagnosed BPD when I was 22-23. BPD and major depressive (have been both since my early teens):) Citalopram has literally saved my life. Tegretol stopped my rages, but my Cipromil stopped the instant mood swings and has helped with the depression!! Also, it's crap about not being able to be diagnosed BPD without being arrested.