Well, this MP board is what DID's used to be called. So, you're always welcome here.

I'm new to this as well.
I'm happy to hear that you and your Mum could talk about this, I wish I had someone that could understand me. My Mom just hates one of mine...my Dad doesn't know. So, life is a foggy at best most of the time.

I am so happy that you have help.
Hugs to you for this weekend!

Just so you know, what the therapist basically said is you have DID, or at least DD-NOS (Dissociative Disorder--Not Otherwise Specified). The "Borderline Personality Disorder" is more recently coming to be known in the professional community as being caused by the same dissociation that causes DD-NOS or DID.

In other words...the therapist said some fancy language for, "I don't know what you have"...and it's VERY, VERY close to DID!! I'd suggest you continue to stay with us until you get a really specific diagnosis or intervention that leads you to do otherwise...!!

P.S. I've had lots of training in professional psychology, so I can tell when profesionals are saying, "I don't know"!

Hmmmm.....EF, I'm not sure what you're talking about, and that's OK, cause I'm not an expert by any means. But from what I've read, DD-NOS can possibly include DID, but not only DID. IT's a catch-all for whatever doesn't fit in the other diagnostic criteria. But that is my understanding, I can't say that I know that officially for sure.

Finding out about whether or not you have DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly called MPD, or, Multiple Personality Disorder) can take several years.

THat is because, the psychology profession in general is split in its own opinion of whether or not this particular disorder even exists. And also, those that do believe this condition exists, are still split even more in agreeing upon what the diagnostic criteria are -- in my experience of seeing 20 -something therapists, they often are looking for the classic signs, like finding yourself in another state somewhere, and having no idea how you got there. Or going to bed Friday night, and waking up, and it's Monday morning, and you have no idea what happened in between. Or, their own observation of obvious complete changes from one personality to another.

And I have come to find out, in my case at least, I am hidden WAY inside there, and I will come out, if I KNOW it's safe. And if I sense there's ANY doubt whatsoever, I will not come out. So the doubters don't ever see it and they think I don't have it. Those are the ones looking for classic signs, and believe it is the "latest psychological fad."
While the classic signs are an indication if you experience them, there are other more subtle signs as well.

Overall, there is a broad spectrum of dissociative disorders. And even people without a disorder or PTSD can experience dissociation from time to time --- such as, forgetting where you just left your car keys, or going into another room to get something, and you suddenly can't remember what that thing was.

On the other end of the scale, is DID. It is the most extreme possible state of dissociation you can achieve without self destruction, or going completely insane. It is caused by severe and repetative abuse, usually by the primary caregiver, at an early age, before 5 years old.

So those are the first absolute criteria you have to meet. But you may not have any solid evidence or memories that you were abused -- the memories may be stored in another alter personality somewhere....but the signs also would be, poor relationship with whomever your primary caregiver was, poor intimate relationships (the abuse is usually sexual abuse) and other failed relationships, including employment.

xBlissX, what you are describing DOES sound close to DID, and could be. But you need to breech the subject with your therapist, even indirectly, and find out your therapist's opinion of it. If he/she doesn't even believe the condition exists, then you may have the answer as to why you don't have a diagnosis from them.

There are books on the subject, and I can recommend a few if you want me to -- but if you do have DID, they could trigger some emotions....but that is one way to find out.

Keep looking, asking, talking. That is how you will find out.

There is a reason why you've come to this community!!!

I'm writing a book now, so if you want to talk more, just let me know....!! Godd luck on your journey!!

Thank you for your comments everyone it's nice to know you are happy for me to stay on this board :)

Just to reply to what EmbroideryFan was saying. I have basically been dx with DD-NOS. That was what I meant by he's said I have A dissociative disorder. I have looked at MPD/DID very carefull as of course if I didn't believe my therapist I would seek other help. But I am confident in his diagnosis and understand it. I understand MPD/DID also which does help me understand my illness but MPD/DID has differences. As starfish said, it comes under the line of dissociative disorders, it's just a more serious one.

x-Bliss-x

DD-NOS is not the same as DID for those who were kinda trying to say it is the same thing. basically it' s on the same spectrum. the key difference is the presentation of a different personality and the therapist has to have interaction with more than one personality in the client for DID to be diagnosed, even if there is severe dissociative characteristics in every other criteria. however, dissociation itself is troubling and disorienting and support is a good idea...so i think being here is a fabulous idea. :)

i would think that a good dr would not want to make a full and final dx to start with - so i would imagine they want to continue seeing you - dissociation runs on a scale and like embfan mentioned closely tied in with BPD - most people get the borderline pd diagnosis (dx) before they get the DID one - the DID one takes time for the the dr to diagnose so they would try to err on the side of caution so you dont end up labelled - hope that makes sense - the bipolar and the ocd are also commonly found together - especially with intrusive thoughts - the whole gambut of the 4 disorders can also read like schizophrenia so at least they didnt lean that way which tells me they know their stuff - but a dr has to work with you for a while to fully diagnose - it took my dr over 2 yrs to give me the DID dx - had basically the ptsd (a dissociative disorder now) and the bipolar and the BPD at first until the dr knew me well enough to finally decide on a final dx - so go slow but i would think this dr is on track and would continue to see them if that is what they asked you to do - its important that you have continuity with the same dr from a proper dx to be made - hope i didnt confuse you too much but sounds like your dr knows his or her stuff thanks and wishing you well and safe lg