I Have Questions about Diagnosis by Psychiatrist

[Ken S.]

I would expect an official diagnosis to come from a neurologist...

I went to NINE different neurologists as an adult and got nine misdiagnoses from them before I went to the psychologist. Neurologists don't have a clue here even though every complaint I had was Sensory Processing Disorder related. I even had to tell the last one I thought I might have Trigeminal Neuralgia to get that diagnosis. Most useless type of doctor I have ever encountered.

 

[Clueless in Canada]

Some updated thoughts I've had:

I've been reading through the diagnostic criteria for Bi-polar disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder and in comparison with the diagnositc criteria for ASD there is just no way anybody could responsibly diagnose me as the two former options. Since I already have diagnoses of anxiety and CFS/ME I think what could potentially happen is for me to be told I am simply dealing with those two things but I am still hopeful that I can make a strong case for meeting the diagnostic criteria for ASD. One challenge for me might be not to approach it like I am telling the doctor what to diagnose and risk getting his/her back up but I don't see why I can't go in saying "I think I have autism and here is why".

 

[Crossbreed]

@Ken S. , ask THESE GUYS who they would recommend.

 

[Crossbreed]

I don't see why I can't go in saying "I think I have autism and here is why".

Doctors feel like they are competing with Google/WebMD and don't realize how thorough of an effort we tend to put into these things.

In my area, there are neuro/psychs that are convinced that there is no such thing as adult ASD; that children grow out of it!

 

[Weezer]

Some updated thoughts I've had:

I've been reading through the diagnostic criteria for Bi-polar disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder and in comparison with the diagnositc criteria for ASD there is just no way anybody could responsibly diagnose me as the two former options. Since I already have diagnoses of anxiety and CFS/ME I think what could potentially happen is for me to be told I am simply dealing with those two things but I am still hopeful that I can make a strong case for meeting the diagnostic criteria for ASD. One challenge for me might be not to approach it like I am telling the doctor what to diagnose and risk getting his/her back up but I don't see why I can't go in saying "I think I have autism and here is why".

If I may, I would like to suggest focusing on something else for a bit. I can see that this is really bothering you. Don't worry about the anxiety diagnosis clouding any judgement as it is a generalized disorder that is symptomatic of countless conditions. A cognitive function test can differentiate some mood and personality disorders. In addition to these tests, tests for empathy and social behaviors can and should be administered. If your psychiatrist has gotten his/her credentials from even the worst of schools, he/she will know to do this to establish your baseline, if not already done. Just relax and don't do too much "homework". I'm in a similar situation to yours and I feel for you. My appointment is this week. I've been playing chess and studying things related to my job to keep my mind off of it. Hang in there.

 

[Clueless in Canada]

If I may, I would like to suggest focusing on something else for a bit. I can see that this is really bothering you. Don't worry about the anxiety diagnosis clouding any judgement as it is a generalized disorder that is symptomatic of countless conditions. A cognitive function test can differentiate some mood and personality disorders. In addition to these tests, tests for empathy and social behaviors can and should be administered. If your psychiatrist has gotten his/her credentials from even the worst of schools, he/she will know to do this to establish your baseline, if not already done. Just relax and don't do too much "homework". I'm in a similar situation to yours and I feel for you. My appointment is this week. I've been playing chess and studying things related to my job to keep my mind off of it. Hang in there.

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I am trying to get back to my painting to take my mind off this and hopefully that will eventually work. I only managed 45 minutes of painting today but three paintings are in progress. Yay me!

I wish you all the best with your appointment this week.

 

[Crossbreed]

@Clueless in Canada , maybe THESE GUYS can recommend ASD-competent providers...

 

[Clueless in Canada]

Doctors feel like they are competing with Google/WebMD and don't realize how thorough of an effort we tend to put into these things.

In my area, there are neuro/psychs that are convinced that there is no such thing as adult ASD; that children grow out of it!

Oh dear! I already live with a condition-CFS/ME that some people don't believe in. That was once the case with MS too and it's gradually shifting for CFS/ME. The time will come when nobody doubts adult ASD but maybe not in our lifetime.

 

[Clueless in Canada]

@Clueless in Canada , maybe THESE GUYS can recommend ASD-competent providers...

Thanks for the link. There is an autism association for the province I live in also and the information they give is that it is diagnosed by psychologists privately and for a fee. These psychologists are all far enough away from me that I would have to travel and I cannot afford that, especially not for repeat appointments.

 

[Ken S.]

@Ken S. , ask THESE GUYS who they would recommend.

First I didn't post my last reply to get into an argument and if that is how you took it I apologize, However I will answer your query.
The last neurologist I saw put me on oxcarbazepine for my trigeminal neuralgia which caused me toxic psychosis as antiseizure medications do to one in every five hundred people. It almost cost me my marriage and my life. When I researched Toxic Psychosis it led me to SPD. When I told him this he had to look up SPD on the internet and said "If you believe you are on the spectrum then you need to see a psychiatrist."
Since I already have a formal diagnosis why would you think I need to ask anyone who I need to see? Thank you for your input though.

 

[Loren]

I was diagnosed by a Psychologist, so, I am unable to add, but, simply wanted to wish you well with the process.

 

[Clueless in Canada]

First I didn't post my last reply to get into an argument and if that is how you took it I apologize, However I will answer your query.
The last neurologist I saw put me on oxcarbazepine for my trigeminal neuralgia which caused me toxic psychosis as antiseizure medications do to one in every five hundred people. It almost cost me my marriage and my life. When I researched Toxic Psychosis it led me to SPD. When I told him this he had to look up SPD on the internet and said "If you believe you are on the spectrum then you need to see a psychiatrist."
Since I already have a formal diagnosis why would you think I need to ask anyone who I need to see? Thank you for your input though.

I'm quite confused now. Where is the argument and does it involve me? I was certainly not arguing with anyone so hopefully my words were not taken that way.

 

[Crossbreed]

First I didn't post my last reply to get into an argument and if that is how you took it I apologize,...

I don't get the argument angle...

I thought my link would help you find local, ASD-competent providers.

 

[Clueless in Canada]

Th

I was diagnosed by a Psychologist, so, I am unable to add, but, simply wanted to wish you well with the process.

Thank you.

 

[Clueless in Canada]

I don't get the argument angle...

I thought my link would help you find local, ASD-competent providers.

I think there is a big mix up here.

 

[Ken S.]

I don't get the argument angle...

I thought my link would help you find local, ASD-competent providers.

Again I apologize. It was probably I who took what you said the wrong way.
No hard feelings intended.

 

[some/aspies/need/hugs/13]

Hey Clue,
I was diagnosed at 13, before that a lot of psychologists and psychiatrists did not know about Asperger's in Georgia. But I want you to know the people on here are here for you (I hope) and also that it is common to get anxious about these things and situations. I don't know if it is possible for you but you might consider going cycling to get your mind off things, I hear riding fat bikes in the snow is a lot of fun.

 

[Clueless in Canada]

Hey Clue,
I was diagnosed at 13, before that a lot of psychologists and psychiatrists did not know about Asperger's in Georgia. But I want you to know the people on here are here for you (I hope) and also that it is common to get anxious about these things and situations. I don't know if it is possible for you but you might consider going cycling to get your mind off things, I hear riding fat bikes in the snow is a lot of fun.

LOL well I live in the Hawaii of Canada so no snow. My best strategies for taking my mind off things is to get out for a walk in the fresh air or to paint. Thanks for your support and kindness. My son is your age and is undiagnosed like me but was told he was probably on the spectrum but they were going to just deal with his anxiety. So frustrating! So it sounds like Georgia was still a little ahead of us in spectrum awareness back then.