What if the way BPD is diagnosed doesn’t actually capture what you’re experiencing? In our Season 7 finale, Xannie, Katja, and Justin reflect on what they learned about the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD) and how it compares to the traditional DSM-5 criteria. In this episode: * BPD diagnostic criteria: DSM-5 vs. AMPD * Why identity struggles may be central to BPD * Feeling empty even after BPD symptoms improve * How the AMPD measures personality disorder severity * The potential for misdiagnosis and clinician bias * Why diagnostic labels can still be important for finding community If you’ve ever read the BPD criteria and felt like they didn’t quite explain your experience, this conversation explores what might be missing.CATEGORICAL MODEL 5 of 9 criteria required: 1. Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. 2. Unstable, intense relationships alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation. 3. Markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self. 4. Impulsivity in at least 2 potentially self-damaging areas (e.g., spending, sex, substance use, reckless driving). 5. Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, threats, or self-injury. 6. Marked mood reactivity (intense dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety). 7. Chronic feelings of emptiness.8. Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent outbursts, constant anger, physical fights). 9. Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms. AMPD A. Moderate or greater impairment in at least 2: Identity: Unstable/poorly developed self-image, self-criticism, emptiness, stress-related dissociation. Self-direction: Unstable goals, aspirations, values, or career plans. Empathy: Difficulty recognizing others’ feelings/needs; sensitivity to slights; negative bias toward others. Intimacy: Unstable, conflicted relationships; mistrust, neediness, abandonment preoccupation, idealization/devaluation, overinvolvement or withdrawal. B. At least 4 of 7 traits, one of which must be impulsivity, risk taking, or hostility 1. Emotional lability: Easily triggered, intense, shifting emotions, out of proportion. 2. Anxiousness: Panic/tension, interpersonal stress, worry about past/future, uncertainty or losing control. 3. Separation insecurity: Fear of rejection/separation, excessive dependence or loss of autonomy. 4. Depressivity: Low mood, hopelessness, shame, low self-worth, suicidal thoughts/behavior. 5. Impulsivity: Acting without planning or considering outcomes; trouble following plans; self-harm in distress. 6. Risk taking: Dangerous activities despite consequences; dismissing limits or personal danger. 7. Hostility: Frequent anger/irritability, over minor slights.In the first two episodes of the season, Dr. Carla Sharp, Dr. Frank Yeomans, and Dr. Alex Stein explain what the AMPD is, how it changes from the current categorical model, and how the BPD diagnosis is changing. In case you missed it, here are the links:Watch part 1 here: https://youtu.be/MD3kL0yQAYUWatch part 2 here: https://youtu.be/KtVhStCqH1A___Love what we do? Consider joining our Patreon community to help us continue this valuable work and unlock exclusive content. Every contribution makes a difference!🔗 Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebpdbunch ________About Us: The BPD bunch is a YouTube talk show, featuring a panel of people who are in functional recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder. Each week we discuss BPD-related topics to help give you insights into the different ways BPD can be expressed in someone’s life. We also cover the different paths we followed on our recovery journeys to give you hope and direction for your own ❤️ Thank you for being on this journey of healing with us!________Disclaimer:This video is for education only and is not meant to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.