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Traumatic, but not too negative: psychiatric appointment

Suzanne

Well-Known Member
V.I.P Member
Hi all!

Well, as things go, my diagnostic is ptsd and therapst believes that social phobia is just a part of the jigsaw puzzle. Did not bring up aspergers.

Two options opened to me. Therapy sessions or medicine? Now, really therapy should be the option, but I cannot deal with the influx of negative emotions that come with it. I had to excuse myself and try and pull myself together. Yes, I know I could have stayed. But being the only female with two guys; I just could not deal with it.

I had hoped to just concentrate on the social phobia, but the therapist does not speak English ( his right, of course) and so, hubby was doing all the talking ( much appreciation there) as today, I could barely understand the therapist! Unfortunately, as soon as my husband mentioned peodophila, the therapst seemed to have a light bulb moment appear - ahhh she has ptsd obviously and I do not dispute that, because my friend suggested as much and when I looked it up, I did see that I tick most of the boxes.

I feel that I have to be open to options with the psychiatrist. However, what I liked about him, was that he did not condemn my internet usage. He did not come out and say that I should not look up things. He just asked how it makes me feel?

I actually do not feel that talking about my past is going to be beneficial for me. All it does it make the ptsd come flooding forward and in truth, I just want to push it back, because there is absolutely no redress for all the injustices that occurred and so, what on earth is the point on going there? In fact, that is why I have now ousted all my family, because even my nieces cause the ptsd to rare up!
 
I'm glad you went to your appointment. My psychiatrist prescribes me anxiety medication to take as needed and I take it before therapy. Something to consider.
 
I'm glad you went to your appointment. My psychiatrist prescribes me anxiety medication to take as needed and I take it before therapy. Something to consider.

I have natural antie anxiety tablets that I take and they work amazing. But I felt that I needed to be as authentic as possible for this first appointment and so, decided to not take it.

But will next appointment.
 
I have natural antie anxiety tablets that I take and they work amazing. But I felt that I needed to be as authentic as possible for this first appointment and so, decided to not take it.

But will next appointment.

Suzanne, I'm not familiar with which diagnoses will get you the support you need in France but maybe PTSD will be adequate. You could tell the doctor in your next session that you feel the social anxiety piece is the most impairing part for you, if you want to focus more on that, and that you don't want to dredge up PTSD memories. Remember, you are hiring him and not the other way around. Also if you feel you'd be more comfortable with a female doctor you could ask him for a referral to one. Good on you for going and holding your own in first appointment.
 
PTSD is much more widespread than people realize. It can cause social phobia and many other mental and physical troubles. I agree with you, though. Talking about it does not help. I read about a lady tramatized at 20. She is 75 and still the trauma is there.

You really can wreck another person and skate on free. A lot of people here on this board have that experience. But we can rebuild in our own way and love the people that mean a lot to us.

Everyone I ever met with PTSD was senstive, kind, and deeply careful never to hurt anyone else.

Abusers can go to hell for all I care and I hope they do, but I am not God. Maybe one day we will all be who we were meant to be. I don't know
 
PTSD sure is a lifelong problem but with certain treatments it can become much less disabling. But I would never force someone to discuss a traumatic event unless they wanted to process it. I recall a patient I had who was 72 yo woman who in the course of my assessment divulged that she had been sexually abused. She said she had never told anyone that before. Imagine keeping that inside for so long.
 
Suzanne, I'm not familiar with which diagnoses will get you the support you need in France but maybe PTSD will be adequate. You could tell the doctor in your next session that you feel the social anxiety piece is the most impairing part for you, if you want to focus more on that, and that you don't want to dredge up PTSD memories. Remember, you are hiring him and not the other way around. Also if you feel you'd be more comfortable with a female doctor you could ask him for a referral to one. Good on you for going and holding your own in first appointment.

First, I am not hiring him. It is an establishment that is run by the government, so is free and all I do is pay for the medication, but even that, once my insurance issues are sorted out, that will be free ( carte vitel).

I actually did not feel uncomfortable; just when I started to cry ( hate emotions) and my husband was pretty amazing and the therapist was pretty good too.

I sense he wants to get me calm, before proceeding on to the next level, hence the medication.

The type of of benefit I would be entitled to is grade 2. Which means I am perfectly able to take care of myself at home; but it is outside where it all comes into play. So, since he is of the belief that anxiety is drived from ptsd, then I am sure that it will be acceptable. Especially as it is a French psychiatrist.

I am just a bit upset that I barely understood what he was saying to me.
 
First, I am not hiring him. It is an establishment that is run by the government, so is free and all I do is pay for the medication, but even that, once my insurance issues are sorted out, that will be free ( carte vitel).

I actually did not feel uncomfortable; just when I started to cry ( hate emotions) and my husband was pretty amazing and the therapist was pretty good too.

I sense he wants to get me calm, before proceeding on to the next level, hence the medication.

The type of of benefit I would be entitled to is grade 2. Which means I am perfectly able to take care of myself at home; but it is outside where it all comes into play. So, since he is of the belief that anxiety is drived from ptsd, then I am sure that it will be acceptable. Especially as it is a French psychiatrist.

I am just a bit upset that I barely understood what he was saying to me.

Well that's all great to hear. I'm so glad you did not feel uncomfortable and that the PTSD diagnosis will get you what you need.
 
It's both fascinating (and disturbing) to me to read about how the French medical community simply does not recognize Aspergers Syndrome. Perhaps even more, speculative discussions as to why they maintain this school of thought.

Though I can't help but wonder if there are in fact any "underground medical movements" to the contrary in France. Or simply deliberate resistance to any medical status quo, such as American physicians who may ignore the DSM-V and pursue a diagnostic process in line with the DSM-IV and the original diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome as opposed to ASD. Or more "fluid" medical communities across the globe which may employ both the DSM-V and the ICD-10, leaving it up to individual physicians.

I'm just wondering if there are medical professionals in France who operate in such a dissenting fashion, although that they likely must function in relative secrecy or risk losing their professional credentials.

Here's a short, yet interesting discussion of those speculating what may drive France's medical community along such lines. Interesting reading.

Why is Asperger Syndrome poorly recognised in France?
 
It's both fascinating (and disturbing) to me to read about how the French medical community simply does not recognize Aspergers Syndrome. Perhaps even more, speculative discussions as to why they maintain this school of thought.

Though I can't help but wonder if there are in fact any "underground medical movements" to the contrary in France. Or simply deliberate resistance to any medical status quo, such as American physicians who may ignore the DSM-V and pursue a diagnostic process in line with the DSM-IV and the original diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome as opposed to ASD. Or more "fluid" medical communities across the globe which may employ both the DSM-V and the ICD-10, leaving it up to individual physicians.

I'm just wondering if there are medical professionals in France who operate in such a dissenting fashion, although that they likely must function in relative secrecy or risk losing their professional credentials.

Here's a short, yet interesting discussion of those speculating what may drive France's medical community along such lines. Interesting reading.

Why is Asperger Syndrome poorly recognised in France?

Having lived in France for 15 years, I can well see why they do not take aspergers into account. You see, they are pretty "one direction" type of thinking. So, they lump every thing together. An example: pain and aching. They do not separate the two and so, a wrong diagnosis can occur. Back ache. There are different types of back ache, but they only see: back ache and pain as one.

I had an xray on both my legs and the verdict was: lympthidemia. I was devastated when I realised the reality of having to wear "granny" stockings, because if I didn't, I would get elephantitis and the dr was repeating himself that I MUST wear these stockings at all times and that includes in bed.

One concolation was the "granny stockings" are amazing in France. So, that was great.

I even had drainage done on my leg.

Then, 3 year's ago, I had to stay in hospital and they noticed the colour of my legs and I had the verdict come back: insufficiant venus! Due to lack of walking! Some people said to me that no way did I have lympthodema, but I had xrays, so why should I doubt, even if I wanted to?

I love my special stockings lol and have kept quiet about it; just asked for grade 1 rather than the highest grade.

Hubby was told he had oestoathritis. Then, when he sprained his lumber region and showed xrays to prove him as this other thing, she said: no you don't, have oestoathritis. You do have some issues, but not that serious!

So, that is why I can see why they do not separate aspergers and even my dr laughed at me when I said I have aspergers and said: I have autistic patients and no way are you like them!
 
So, that is why I can see why they do not separate aspergers and even my dr laughed at me when I said I have aspergers and said: I have autistic patients and no way are you like them!

Sounds like he needs to put down his "cookie-cutter" mentality and apply a more realistic diagnostic protocol. But admittedly if he's using a different "playbook" he can claim just about anything contrary to a positive diagnosis.

Scary. But then so are politicians and insurers who meddle in medical diagnostics only to contain costs for political and fiscal reasons. Those who deny us a proper diagnosis in pursuit of another agenda, be it professional, political or financial in nature.
 
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Hi all!

Well, as things go, my diagnostic is ptsd and therapst believes that social phobia is just a part of the jigsaw puzzle. Did not bring up aspergers.

Two options opened to me. Therapy sessions or medicine? Now, really therapy should be the option, but I cannot deal with the influx of negative emotions that come with it. I had to excuse myself and try and pull myself together. Yes, I know I could have stayed. But being the only female with two guys; I just could not deal with it.

I had hoped to just concentrate on the social phobia, but the therapist does not speak English ( his right, of course) and so, hubby was doing all the talking ( much appreciation there) as today, I could barely understand the therapist! Unfortunately, as soon as my husband mentioned peodophila, the therapst seemed to have a light bulb moment appear - ahhh she has ptsd obviously and I do not dispute that, because my friend suggested as much and when I looked it up, I did see that I tick most of the boxes.

I feel that I have to be open to options with the psychiatrist. However, what I liked about him, was that he did not condemn my internet usage. He did not come out and say that I should not look up things. He just asked how it makes me feel?

I actually do not feel that talking about my past is going to be beneficial for me. All it does it make the ptsd come flooding forward and in truth, I just want to push it back, because there is absolutely no redress for all the injustices that occurred and so, what on earth is the point on going there? In fact, that is why I have now ousted all my family, because even my nieces cause the ptsd to rare up!

Hi Suzanne! Sorry to hear you got PTSD but at least there is a diagnosis now. Have struggled with it for half my life and in recent years have done a ton of research and studying as well as experimentation. So will share with you what i know in accordance with your concerns in your post.

There is actually a subtype in C-PTSD which closely resembles Asperger's. Can be indistinguishable to professionals. This is touched on in Pete Walker's book. C-PTSD From surviving to thriving.

I would recommend seeing a psychologist / Therapy. Find one that specializes in PTSD and trauma. Bonus points if they are familiar with Aspergers. If they throw you right into EMDR, Prolonged Exposure, etc run the other way fast and find a new one. A good psychologist will FIRST install a variety of coping skills, calming and grounding skills then only when you can do these things automatically when faced with a trigger... should you proceed with treatments like EMDR, IFS, or PE and others. Without those skills it's like opening pandora's box then sitting in hell until your next appointment, and the one after that, and the one after that until completion. The skills allow you to shut the lid in between appointments.

PTSD cannot be fixed unless you address those emotions and automatic reactions to triggers. It's there because those emotions are trapped in your mind and body and create a feed back loop. Facing them breaks the loop, allows you to process and heal. But it can be a rough ride. I've read thousands of personal stories and for those who stuck with treatment are happy they did it, got their lives back. But of course with the first appointment they thought "Why the hell did i decide to do this, it's terrible". - EMDR patients. Many people seem to benefit from IFS therapy while EMDR is a mixed bag.

If you can find a therapist that actually speaks english well lol

You can drug the problem, it won't cure anything. It may temporarily suppress some of the symptoms associated with PTSD. Currently on a beta blocker / bp med and may now have heart failure because of it. Yea, it was one of the listed "side" effects. These buggers are insanely difficult to come off of as stroke and heart attack are moderate risks from withdrawing. It's not like other drugs. When it comes to psychiatrists don't go with what you feel, go with what you think. Think critically and know exactly what you're getting into. Remember, psychiatrist and psychologists are BOTH trained to make you feel comfortable with them. They are trained to earn your trust in a short amount of time. Trained to make you FEEL like they are the right one. Keep this in mind in your decision making process.

When it comes to social anxiety i highly recommend audio sessions by DR Thomas A Richards. Overcoming Social Anxiety: Step By Step. It's very effective as long as you do the exercises.

When it comes to PTSD none of us "feel" like facing the most terrifying moments in our life is going to be comfortable or happy. Unless of course those people are masochists. Yet it's part of process if you want your life back. It starts off ****** but if you stick with it and your in competent hands, the sun will shine once again. And you'll get your soul back. (Just how i see PTSD feels like missing a big part of my soul / self)

There are many different approaches and treatment options some psychologists use positivity focused and some are trauma focused. One doesn't focus on the past so much while the other does. You can search for PTSD specialists here
Find a Therapist, Psychologist, Counselor - Psychology Today
And look at their treatment approaches, specialties, years of practice you can ask them questions.When working together with your chosen practitioner you'll both find out what is the best treatment option.

Analyze why you "can't" seek a certain treatment and make the necessary changes (within your power to do so) to go with what you find to be the best option. If you have to move to do the treatment you want? move. If you have to kick some people out? kick them out. If you need a certain supportive person with you then discuss moving in with them. Or tell the ones you live with how to be supportive and what to expect. This is your time to heal. In doing so not only you will have a brighter future, but so will your family as a result.
If money is the issue. save gift money from birthdays and christmas holidays for treatment. Sold things you do not need. Never buy things out of want. As a result with some patience should have enough for treatment. It's possible to find practitioners with sliding scale fees.

To recap from earlier, install the necessary skills needed to face this battle. You wouldn't be naked on the front lines when going to war so throw on your suit of armor piece by piece. And it will save you from the piercing sting of the arrows from the past.

 
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Sounds like he needs to put down his "cookie-cutter" mentality and apply a more realistic diagnostic protocol. But admittedly if he's using a different "playbook" he can claim just about anything contrary to a positive diagnosis.

Scary. But then so are politicians and insurers who meddle in medical diagnostics only to contain costs for political and fiscal reasons. Those who deny us a proper diagnosis in pursuit of another agenda, be it professional, political or financial in nature.

Lol he is a SHE and she does not respect me anyway. I now, when I have NO CHOICE but go and see the dr, have my husband with me, because I get treated at least, as a bit of a human being.

I admit to guessing she would throw it out about aspergers.
 
Hi @Suzanne. I think your idea of focusing on the challenges, especially the social phobia, is very practical and wise. Best of luck! I'm sending up some prayers for you.

Thank you so much for that. It also helped hugely whilst in that room and I started to stim ( my legs bouncing up and down), which happens when either very excited ( like a child) or feeling unsettled). I think he noticed, but did not say anything.

What was amusing was my husband plainly relating aspie traits from me, but one word threw any chance of that being discussed; but I did not mind, as I had resolved in my head that it would be a miracle if the therapist suggested aspergers.

As it happens, he did not even discuss social phobia with me. It was all centred around my childhood and the results from what occurred when a young adult. But what he does not know, is that I know exactly what is going on with me, but I am not a professional, so I have to play "the ignorant one".
 
Lol he is a SHE and she does not respect me anyway. I now, when I have NO CHOICE but go and see the dr, have my husband with me, because I get treated at least, as a bit of a human being.

I admit to guessing she would throw it out about aspergers.

That all sounds rather sad. Pity you can't cross the border into Belgium and seek a proper diagnosis.

Of course you'd still be dependent on another jurisdiction to provide you with any meds if that's what you seek if the French medical establishment officially refuses to acknowledge anything connected with Aspergers Syndrome.
 
That all sounds rather sad. Pity you can't cross the border into Belgium and seek a proper diagnosis.

Of course you'd still be dependent on another jurisdiction to provide you with any meds if that's what you seek if the French medical establishment officially refuses to acknowledge anything connected with Aspergers Syndrome.

So, you are saying that Belgium recognises aspergers? I could actually, because it is the eu. Even though there is heavy critisism regarding the brexit; the French have opened the doors to the British coming over and being cared for by a hospital in Calais ( due to the "aussie flu").

I will look in this.

We visited Belgium last year and I think it is better than France. More polite than here in France. Just an overall sense of ambiance when we were there.

I only take one chemical for acid and that can be purchased over any chemist counter. And only taking a tablet to calm me down, due to feeling I must work alongside the therapist, so no, I am not beholden to France for medicine and what was rather amusing, was when I had to go to hospital, they did a double take when I told them just how little medicine I do take. Because, here in France, the pharma company does so well with them, to the extent, that the pharma bow down from their mighty height and condecend to allow a little bit of homopathy in their "darling chemists" lol
 
So, you are saying that Belgium recognises aspergers? I could actually, because it is the eu.

I'm not sure, but what I discovered about France seemed to be limited exclusively to them. I could be wrong about that, though again I suspect France is exclusive in this instance. I know the Netherlands has no such issues with Aspergers, but that Belgium isn't that far by car for you and your husband.

Worth checking out...besides there may even be an elevated possibility of finding a doctor who speaks fluent English.

Voila:

"Today only 20% of autistic children in France are in school, and often only part-time. The rest are either in psychiatric hospitals, or in medico-social centres, or living at home - or in Belgium," says Sajidi.

Many families are sending their children to Belgium, where it is much easier to set up behaviourist treatment centres."

France's autism treatment 'shame'
 
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I'm not sure, but what I discovered about France seemed to be limited exclusively to them. I could be wrong about that, though again I suspect France is exclusive in this instance. I know the Netherlands has no such issues with Aspergers, but that Belgium isn't that far by car for you and your husband.

Worth checking out...besides there may even be an elevated possibility of finding a doctor who speaks fluent English.

Voila:

"Today only 20% of autistic children in France are in school, and often only part-time. The rest are either in psychiatric hospitals, or in medico-social centres, or living at home - or in Belgium," says Sajidi.

Many families are sending their children to Belgium, where it is much easier to set up behaviourist treatment centres."

France's autism treatment 'shame'

I will talk with my husband, but I doubt anything will come out of it, because his mind frame is: you are seeing someone for free and have me there to translate, so why go else where?

What, however he is not doing, is throwing out aspergers.
 
Just a thought that came to me. My husband's attitude has shifted slightly; a sense of him being with me, rather than against me and feel that this is due to his always trust in professionals and so, having a psychiatrist actually saying things that I have said in the past, makes him forget about: I have feelings too; it it is always about you ( rather unfair, because I have been a support to his needs many times and he is the one who says back away).

I thanked him for his support in that room and he responded with this: couldn't be helped; you are so deserving of it. Wow, never said that before to me.
 

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