Is It Schizoaffective Or Borderline?

My emotions, when I have them, are often a rollercoaster of ups and downs, and highs and lows. My official psychotic diagnosis is just plain schizophrenia, but I’ve also been diagnosed with BPD by my psychiatrist and at least said that I have borderline traits like all of nothing thinking, manipulation, extreme emotion, or even depersonalization. Often times I feel as if I don’t know who I am, but I was wondering that if it is not BPD as my therapist my thinks, could it be Schizoaffective disorder?

I feel manic sometimes now, like I get insomnia, I lash out at family members when I don’t even intend to before or after the intense moment. I feel really confused and have racing thoughts, and I get discombobulated really easily. I’m just wondering what people who have Schizoaffective disorder think? As when I’m in the deep psychosis, I get blunted and flat affect and don’t feel emotional at all, almost to the point, and I’ve been at this point, of catatonia.

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Maybe you have some emotional dysregulation issues. You could try some DBT dialectical behavioral therapy.

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My therapist doesn’t think I need it as he doesn’t think I’m borderline, but I can ask.

I have Borderline PD, as well as Para Sz. Its only recently, i found out they labelled Sza Years ago.

What ever label your shrink or doctors gives you. Dont worry about it. At the end of the day its how you cope with it that truly matters.

Usually a big factor is self-doubt and anxiety. A big part of it, is learning to own your feelings.

Its ok sometimes. Not to be ok. x. You dont have to get all clinical about it.

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I suppose you’re right. Do they use mood stabilizers for BPD?

Yep thats the way to be. The dx is basically for getting meds/support. The rest is up to you to cope and manage.

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Over here in the UK. Pregablin (Lyrica) - for the anxiety, But the main focus is is on Therapy - not drugs, cos its a psychological and not a psychotic illness.

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My missus has an extreme form of bpd (eupd) - cos in her case there was DV and abuse as well.

Been working with her for the past 5 years, in my own personal way - to build up a level of trust with her.

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I guess that’s my big question into my predicament, does it need meds or therapy?

Im no doctor, but in my experience - Therapy all the way. With some anti-anxiety meds when your going thru the therapy - so your level enough to confront your past distress.

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Yes, I prefer to use therapy also. Recently, though, I’ve been going to therapy over my ADD. But if I guess it might not hurt to get another therapist, as my main one is super busy, as he’s extremely useful and helpful for trauma patients, and even almost cured my trauma through therapy. I have a personal testimony of therapy and the benefits that it brings if you’re willing to put in the work

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Strangely enough - ive just gained a therapist that specialises in Psychosis on this Thursday lol. Its going to be filmed for a university to study.

I consider myself extremely fortunate. Initial assessment, then we will go from there. I did a bit of research, so im fully aware its costing the NHS a few quid lol. :smiley:

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My ex wife had Borderline
Man it was like living in a hurricane!

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Yeah, I’ll probably never subject a woman in a relationship with me because of it, or at least in part.

There are different degrees like all disorders.

My ex was also abusive

You may be different

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I have the same symptoms you mentioned except the catatonic stuff. I’ve been diagnosed with sza but I often wonder if I’m BPD. My moods fluctuate pretty extreme too but it’s never out of nowhere I always have triggers. When there are no triggers I’m usually a little more stable

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I got happy news for everyone. BPD tends to decrease and even go away in middle age. Mine went away in my mid 40’s. @Naarai @LevelJ1 @John_Raven @anon31960475 @Wave

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I certainly try to not be abusive.

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Yes your quite right mate. I havent self harmed or overdosed in over 14 years. Most people do grow out of it.

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I can’t tell you if you have either but I’ve also been diagnosed with both at some point. It changed from bpd to sza in my mid 20s. Now it’s just sza, but the bpd thing confuses me.

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