posted March 01, 2006 04:02 PM         

What are signs that this isn't the case as well. Any good resources for this on the net?

Really would be grateful for any info.

Thanks in advance.

posted March 01, 2006 04:28 PM         

an ex of mine had/has BPD...

Serious mood swings
((jekyll and hyde stuff))

substance abuse
codependency

Astrologically, I dont know what would contribute to this,
but she's got a Cancer moon in the 6th (Hello!!!!)
and about a thousand planets in Scorpio, so...

-------

from: http://www.mydna.com/health/mental/bpd/overview/symptoms.html

Symptoms

While a person with depression or bipolar disorder typically endures the same mood for weeks, a person with BPD may experience intense bouts of anger, depression, and anxiety that may last only hours, or at most a day. These may be associated with episodes of impulsive aggression, self-injury, and drug or alcohol abuse.

Distortions in cognition and sense of self can lead to frequent changes in long-term goals, career plans, jobs, friendships, gender identity, and values. Sometimes people with BPD view themselves as fundamentally bad, or unworthy. They may feel unfairly misunderstood or mistreated, bored, empty, and have little idea who they are. Such symptoms are most acute when people with BPD feel isolated and lacking in social support, and may result in frantic efforts to avoid being alone.

People with BPD often have highly unstable patterns of social relationships. While they can develop intense but stormy attachments, their attitudes towards family, friends, and loved ones may suddenly shift from idealization (great admiration and love) to devaluation (intense anger and dislike). Thus, they may form an immediate attachment and idealize the other person, but when a slight separation or conflict occurs, they switch unexpectedly to the other extreme and angrily accuse the other person of not caring for them at all. Even with family members, individuals with BPD are highly sensitive to rejection, reacting with anger and distress to such mild separations as a vacation, a business trip, or a sudden change in plans. These fears of abandonment seem to be related to difficulties feeling emotionally connected to important persons when they are physically absent, leaving the individual with BPD feeling lost and perhaps worthless. Suicide threats and attempts may occur along with anger at perceived abandonment and disappointments.

People with BPD exhibit other impulsive behaviors, such as excessive spending, binge eating and risky sex. BPD often occurs together with other psychiatric problems, particularly bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and other personality disorders.

posted March 01, 2006 08:21 PM         

I saw your post, and search for some info on google- this page came first:
http://www.4degreez.com/misc/personality_disorder_test.mv

It's a Personality Disorder Test-

Quoted: "This test is meant to help determine whether or not you have a personality disorder. It is not meant to be used as a diagnostic tool, but rather as a tool to give you insight into a potential disorder that may be having a negative impact on your life. If you believe you may be suffering from a personality disorder or any other disorder, you should ask your family doctor to recommend a therapist in your area to meet with."

"A personality disorder is basically a set of traits that combine to negatively affect your life. They have a wide range of causes and some are easier to treat than others. This test is set up to look for the ten recongized personality disorders which are Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal, Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic, Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-Compulsive."

Jeez... I think it was fate, 'cause I did it- and guess what?- In my results I got a "VERY HIGH" rating of Borderline-

I was very surprised (because I've never heard of this disorder) however, I can relate well to some of the sympthoms mentioned:

-Difficulty controlling emotions or impulses
-Frequent emotional ups and downs
-Impulsive actions
-Impulsive and self-damaging behaviors, such as overspending and substance abuse
-Mood swings
-Stormy relationships
-Feeling of emptiness inside

Unlike the mood changes in disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, which may last for weeks or months, the mood swings in BPD generally last just hours.

Guess... I'll have to think about this now

posted March 02, 2006 02:45 AM         

Seems I'm "extra-special" then Pix!!

..........

posted March 02, 2006 08:11 AM           

I'm low for everything but "Schizotypal" (Moderate) - apparently b/c I get shy in some social situations, have been accused of being "eccentric", and can (honestly) sometimes tell when someone's in the room or nearby.

posted March 02, 2006 11:06 AM         

reminds me of barbara striesand's character 'daisy' in the film on a clear day you can see forever....

she tells the professor that she took a host of personality and psychological tests and her results were 1) well adjusted, and 2) no character...

so if i score low on everything does that mean i have no chararcter? how uninteresting...i'm not even eccentric...

he he....

------------------
I want to turn the whole thing upside down
I'll find the things they say just can't be found
I'll share this love I find with everyone
We'll sing and dance to Mother Nature's songs

posted March 02, 2006 01:08 PM         

Anti-depressants were a waste of time, and self-hypnois and reading has only made my intellect wiser, the emotions still boil out of control.

I think it's a combination of extreme stress levels and poor coping skills.

I'm trying stress tablets and St.Johns Wort as they are both herbal. After that it's a chat with the doctor.

Feel like I'm trapped in a whirlwind of my own creation and anything in it's path gets destroyed (relationship-wise, never ever been violent even under extreme provocation).

Astrologically, it all makes sense. Scorpio Moon in the 1st with Scorpio Ascendant (mood swings, uncontrollable or unconcealable emotion), with Neptune in Sagitarrius in the 1st as well (lack of self-identity, confusion), plus of course all wrapped up in a Pisces Sun shell that has no real boundaries....

I need a solution NOW!

posted March 02, 2006 01:30 PM         

Paranoid: Low
Schizoid: Low
Schizotypal: Low
Antisocial: Low
Borderline: Low
Histrionic: Low
Narcissistic: Moderate
Avoidant: Low
Dependent: Low
Obsessive-Compulsive: Low

Personally, I think we all have some bend to us. Some have called me arrogant because I am sure of myself - or they same I am stubborn because I will not succumb to peer pressure or do ANYTHING that will cause harm to others or myself.

**** The only two I hit on was the "has any one ever called you self-centered" and "Has anyone called you arrogant".

posted March 02, 2006 02:04 PM         

i would suggest that you try bach flower essences...perhaps you could consult a flower essence practitioner to begin...or find the combination of essences that you need through your own research and intuition.

they work very well with your intuition and you will find that you will choose the ones that you need, if you open your intuition to looking for what is appropriate for you.

flower essences will assist you on so very many levels, and will open new doors of consciousness for you if you will be open to their subtle adjustment...they are so gentle, yet provide the most profound effect. they have helped me, and my emotions, like nothing else imaginable...i believed that meditation, yoga, breathing exercises would help at times...but sometimes it's a matter of performing these activities...and they do help, if you find the time and inclination to practice them.

but using the essences is like a ladder to the above activities...

you can find good websites, better books and much information on flower essences. i would suggest starting with rescue remedy, the bach combination of essences that helps smooth your emotions in times of turmoil or emergency. always a life saver!

i also would suggest a few individual remedies if you're interested.

love, light and blessings to you ~
salome

------------------
I want to turn the whole thing upside down
I'll find the things they say just can't be found
I'll share this love I find with everyone
We'll sing and dance to Mother Nature's songs

posted March 02, 2006 02:22 PM         

I may be too restless, impulsive, forgetful,
to remember and practice taking something every couple of hours (or whatever it is).
Maybe I lacked faith in it.

Or, I dont know,
maybe I just experienced a "healing crisis",
and tried to do too many things at once;
it was that kind of time in my life.

I'll give it another shot.

posted March 02, 2006 02:55 PM         

I took the first St.Johns Wort about 3 hours ago, and my God the difference is immediate. I just feel more balanced. Could of course be the placebo effect, but I really coulnd't care less quite frankly.

The difference between it and the anti-depressants I tried last year is that I feel like myself - only more so, no wavering, no wild thinking patterns.

Early days yet, but its a great start I have to say!

posted March 05, 2006 03:15 AM         

I can sense when others enter the room... and my behavior is considered eccentric by other people.

Swerve darlin',

My husband had a lot of the problems you're experiencing for most of his life. He didn't know people don't normally feel the way he felt most of the time.

He tried anti-depressants... several different kinds. They didn't really help. Like you, he didn't feel like himself, and didn't like them. Finally, he found himself a good psychologist. He went twice a week for quite a while... and today he is much better for it.

Like you said, astrologically speaking the mood swings make sense (but they don't have to BE). My hubby's a Taurus Sun, Libra Moon, Scorpio Rising. He would get in his moody funk, and not know how to get out of it. He would be stuck in a funk for days... if not weeks.

Going to the psychologist helped him to learn the coping skills he needed. He learned how to acknowledge the funk when he felt it come upon him, and move along with his day.

These kind of changes don't happen over night... but in tiny little baby steps.

My advice to you, sweet Swervey, is to find a good shrink... someone who comes highly recommended, and work out your funk with him/her.

posted March 05, 2006 06:19 PM         

Your comment about St Johns Wort giving you immediate relief prompted me to check my “Prescription for Herbal Healing” reference book by Phyllis Balch. She recommends taking the SJW regularly for a minimum of 10 days to 2 weeks to see actual results for you as an individual. Here are some of her recommendations:

quote:

---

Keep cholesterol levels as close to normal as possible – low cholesterol levels are very strongly associated with anxiety and depression.

Supplement your diet with Omega-3 fatty acids. Fish Oil and Flaxseed Oil can fill this need, also cold-water fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel). Borage or evening primrose oil is also helpful.

Take 200mcg of chromium twice daily, and 500mg of vanadium once daily, both with a meal. These minerals assist in regulating blood-sugar levels and ensure a constant supply of glucose to the brain.

Take 6 to 12 grams of inositol daily in 2 or 3 doses. This substance is a building block for chemicals that cause nerve-transmissions to activate brain cells.

Take 300mg of phosphatidylserine daily. The brain depends on this compound more than any other cholesterol-based compound making up the lining of cells. It enables brain cells to use glucose efficiently and to capture and release neurotransmitters. It also protects cells from free radicals released when circulation to the brain is disturbed.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about SAMe (s-adenosylmethionine) – it’s a rapid, effective antidepressant with very few side effects. It acts by protecting brain cells against the effects of inflammation, and by increasing concentrations of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Dosage must be set by a health-care professional.

Get at least 20 minutes of sun exposure each day. Spending time in the sun slows the rate at which the brain breaks down serotonin. The brain equates spending time in dark places with sleep, for which less serotonin is needed.

NEVER use a full-spectrum light-therapy box when taking khella, psoralea or St Johns Wort. These herbs may sensitize the retina to bright light and raise the risk of ocular damage from using the box.

Avoid [a long list of stuff including coffee, cocaine, sleeping pills, alcohol, etc]. Also avoid nasal decongestants containing phenylpropanolamine, which has been known to induce psychiatric crises in people with depression or other mood disorders. Avoid processed foods. Avoid diet sodas and anything containing aspartame (Nutrasweet, Equal). This additive can block the formation of serotonin and cause headaches, insomnia and depression in individuals who are already serotonin-deprived.

If you are nervous and wish to become more relaxed, consume more complex carbohydrates. For increased alertness, eat protein-based meals containing essential fatty acids. If you need your spirits lifted, eat foods like turkey or salmon, which are high in tryptophan and protein.

[The SSRI’s don’t sound like your ticket to feeling better – they keep nerve cells from absorbing serotonin, which keeps more serotonin in the gaps between nerve cells. SSRI’s can cause wild dreams, hallucinations, and aggressive behavior, amongst a litany of other items such as sexual dysfunction, nausea, headaches and insomnia.]

The discovery of the relationship between tryptophan and serotonin led to the beginning of an understanding of the relationship between food and mood. Tryptophan enters the brain more readily if blood-sugar levels are high. When the extra tryptophan reaches the brain, it is turned into serotonin that stops depression.

Naturopathic medicine links depression to a shortage of a vitaminlike compound called tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). This compound is needed for the creation of several neurotransmitters. Although BH4 is not available as a nutritional supplement, Vitamin C, folic acid, and vitamin B12 (cobalamin) stimulate the body’s production of BH4. B-vitamins are also known to increase the effectiveness of tricyclic antidepressants.

Acupuncture is as effective as the MAO-inhibitors in controlling depression, but without the side effects……

Seasonal Attitude Disorder (SAD) is a condition in which the body is not exposed to enough sunlight to maintain normal levels of serotonin……

People with depression are more likely than other people to have various disturbances in calcium metabolism. People who smoke are more likely than non-smokers to be depressed. Steroid drugs may cause serotonin levels in the brain to drop.

---

posted March 23, 2006 03:29 PM         

I have high-functioning BPD with ADD traits. Go figure.

Seems my intellect has thwarted most of the symptoms but explains my intense reactions to frustration and loss.

I have read and the shrink told me that both of these conditions actually mean I also have advantages in many areas over "normal thinkers". Thats cool, its nice to know insanity has its perks!