has a psychiatrist ever given up on you?

[Fortune]

Crystal didn't, she suggested a possibility.

[CheekyMonkey]

Originally Posted by gearcube

but these people don't even know me. why are they diagnosing me with a personality disorder?

No one diagnosed you. They brought up the suggestion that maybe there were other reasons for your difficulties.

Personality disorders are difficult to bring up because the person on the receiving end of the suggestion usually feels like someone thinks there is something "wrong" with them as a person.

You are looking for answers, but that doesn't always mean you will like what you hear.

[crystal8080]

I'm sorry if i offended you Gearcube. I realized that was a possibility when I posted. But I thought if you want to get to the bottom of this, its something you should consider between you and your doctor. That's why I said for your consideration.

Having a personality disorder isn't the end of the world anyway. You may be surprised......but there are even people here who have them. I may even have one. Its quite possible since I have family history of schizophrenia. I'm on the chopping block for a whole bunch of things!

I said it because you completely dismissed it. You have to be open to the idea because if you do have one, and you get treated for it, it could make a world of difference in your life. I said it because you are having such a hard time figuring things out, and it COULD, I repeat COULD be the missing piece.

At any rate, good luck. This is where I decide to crack a beer and go and watch some tv before my impulsive nature says the wrong thing. Good night.

[Amtram]

We don't diagnose here. However, our membership represents a wide range of experience, and sometimes might see something that is familiar to them and suggest checking it out as a possibility. You're free to accept or reject it, but it's not unusual for people here to find those possibilities turning out to be the missing piece of a puzzle after further investigation.

[Drewbacca]

Getting help can be just as difficult as the disorder itself.
If you have a chemical problem, you need a psychiatrist.
If you have underlying emotional and adaptive problems, you need a psychologist.
You are unlikely to find someone with both specialties, although in your case, it might be helpful to find such a person... they do exist.

Successful treatment takes a minimum of two people and possibly four. At a bare minimum, you most likely need a psychiatrist for medication and yourself. Treatment will not be successful if you aren't willing to work with others and consider their suggestions. If you are seeing a psychiatrist and he/she believes that you also need to see a psychologist/therapist then in your scenario, you need three people for your treatment: your psychiatrist, a therapist, and yourself. I emphasize yourself because you have the most important role. The fact that you are here and asking questions already tells me that you are willing to fill that role which is a good start! No, I don't know you, but I know that you are trying to seek help and that is what matters most. We are all here to help each other.

I said that you might need four people for successful treatment. Some of us need a "coach" in order to progress. If you are really lucky, you'll find someone who can do all of the above (prescribe medicine, give therapy, and coach) assuming that you need all of the above. If not, you need each of the above mentioned. When these people suggest that they can't help you and you need a different specialization, keep in mind that they aren't necessary saying that you need this or that but rather this and that.

[CottonCandy_12]

I would also highly suggest DBT. I'm sure it depends on the therapist on whether it is that helpful or not. I did it a little more than a year and also did individual therapy. I found it really helpful.