Q: For a while now I’ve wondered if it’s possible that I have BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder). I know a diagnosis wouldn’t be possible over the Internet but I would just like to know if you think I should seek some further help. I’m 17 years old; a junior in high school. I don’t have [...]

Q: I grew up an extremely shy kid. I was an only child and lived in a big house in the woods with very busy parents. My parents were wonderful, but didn’t communicate well, didn’t show emotions, and had really high expectations. Growing up, I had very few friends and very little to no social [...]

Q: I have read Dr George Simon’s description of psychological manipulation techniques. (Editor’s note: see Dr Simon’s series on Manipulation Tactics and Impression Management and Tools of Personal Empowerment: How Not to Be Manipulated. Also see Psychopathy 101.) I believe that I match a lot of those. I can also say that I exhibit characteristics [...]

Q: I am wondering what I can expect from joint counseling sessions with my mother, who has a Cluster B Personality Disorder. Though I am comfortable with low to no contact (as are my children and my husband), I do sometimes long for a normal relationship with my mother and for her to have a [...]

Q: I am 19 years old, and I’m reasonably sure I have Avoidant Personality Disorder. I understand when someone diagnoses themselves they’re usually wrong, but I’ve spent a considerable amount of time researching it. I feel extremely sensitive to rejection and have only one good friend (who I can trust is “safe”), and the only [...]

Q: My co-worker, a 47-year-old woman, seemed very nice at first. But as time went by things got bad. The first issue involved a phone call. I answered the office phone, as this lazy woman was on the other line. The caller was the woman’s son. I said “your mom’s on the other line; I’m [...]

Q: I’m a 16-year-old girl. I have been told my whole life that I have two personalities. Recently this has become a serious issue. People have told me I suddenly act aggressively — that I hit, swear, and throw things — then behave as if I have done nothing wrong. It’s like I am aggressive [...]