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Written off by psychiatrist... help!!

WittyAspie said:
Welcome to AC! You are welcome here no matter what diagnosis you do or do not have. Many people on here never get a diagnosis, for a variety of reasons. After all, a label is just that, a label. Aspies are all unique individuals who happen to share a lot of the same characteristics. The best thing that can come from a formal diagnosis is better access to resources. If you feel like access to resources would benefit you, then I would suggest seeking a second opinion. If possible, research what psychiatrist you want to see and specifically request that person. I'm in the US, so I am unfamiliar with what options you have. However, the most important thing is that you know yourself, which is sounds like you do.

Aside from that, great job on your education. I am a little jealous that you have gotten to the PhD level at such a young age. I am currently working on my BS and hope to jump right into a Master's program after that. We are glad to have you on the site. I hope we can be an encouragement to you.
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Thanks so much for your reply and support :) I'm really glad you've said that. I feel very comfortable self-identifying, but as you say I would need a formal diagnosis to get access to resources at my university/workplace, which is what I'd really like.

Thanks - I have worked really hard to be where I'm at now, however the downside of doing my PhD at the moment is that I'm only just now starting to really come to terms with who I am, what mental health problems I have, where they came from, etc. Struggling with these and diagnoses, developing coping strategies, etc. has definitely had a negative effect on my PhD progress. Sometimes I feel it's better to study later in life, when people are more likely to have greater self-perspective and -understanding - though this isn't true for everyone of course. So maybe you're in a better place to enjoy your education than I am at the moment! I wish you the best of luck with your degrees. The age you get them at doesn't matter, only the knowledge and passion you have. My partner is due to start his veterinary medicine course this Sept. (having already done two degrees) and will be nearly 32 by the time he finishes (whereas his peers will mostly be 23/24). But he's doing what he loves.
 
By the way you reacted and experienced your interaction, you sound like you're on the spectrum to me! I'm no great doc though. Anyhow, there are people out there that "fake" benigno on tb espectros, becarse theta trino Italia sometí ha its not. Seremos this psychiatrist Washington implying you seré domingo that, to cover bis own ass. See, it's rare a person gets into mental health to actually help people. If they do. They quickly find their efforts inside the system futile. Otherwise people get into mental health to assert their superiority over others and hide. So since you were trying to act superior to this person, he or she got pissed at you. Sorry for that.

Research is good to a point, but don't get locked into terms the mental health field offers. Just be as real and accurate as you can about what's going on with you!

Hi :)
 
Oh man, my Spanish keyboard took over and autocorrected some stuff. I don't proofread usually...

Sorry if what I said was useless.
 
LemonPop said:
I'm finding it hard to work up the energy to ask for a second opinion at my doctor's, especially as the psychiatrist I saw is apparently so senior
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Yer this really sounds like it comes down to the individual who diagnosed you given that I can easily come across as being NT and yet I was diagnosed half way through my appointment in spite of this. The lady I had was really nice. I'd suggest trying to see if you could be referred to another area (another town or county) as you should be allowed to do this and may find that you have more luck. How long did you have to wait for the appointment...bet it wasn't 2.5yrs like me :rolleyes:

Crossbreed said:
In my search for a counselor, I have met psychologists that don't want adult autism to be a thing, so they just refuse to give that diagnosis.
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This is either because you decline to mention your an adult 'dog' (psychiatrists are for humans :D) and if you are human then I'm glad I'm not in the U.S.A
 
Buzzerfly said:
By the way you reacted and experienced your interaction, you sound like you're on the spectrum to me! I'm no great doc though. Anyhow, there are people out there that "fake" benigno on tb espectros, becarse theta trino Italia sometí ha its not. Seremos this psychiatrist Washington implying you seré domingo that, to cover bis own ass. See, it's rare a person gets into mental health to actually help people. If they do. They quickly find their efforts inside the system futile. Otherwise people get into mental health to assert their superiority over others and hide. So since you were trying to act superior to this person, he or she got pissed at you. Sorry for that.

Research is good to a point, but don't get locked into terms the mental health field offers. Just be as real and accurate as you can about what's going on with you!

Hi :)
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Hi :) yeah, thanks, you're right. I need to make sure I really focus on explaining my experiences well next time, rather than relying on terms as short-hand.
 
Hopeless_Aspie_Guy said:
Yer this really sounds like it comes down to the individual who diagnosed you given that I can easily come across as being NT and yet I was diagnosed half way through my appointment in spite of this. The lady I had was really nice. I'd suggest trying to see if you could be referred to another area (another town or county) as you should be allowed to do this and may find that you have more luck. How long did you have to wait for the appointment...bet it wasn't 2.5yrs like me :rolleyes:
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I really hope that was the case... Yes I definitely come across as very NT too a lot of the time, due to the fact I have learned to "fake" it well over time! That's a good idea... I need someone who I feel comfortable with and can open up to. Someone who's not intimidating!! Wow, that's such a long time :eek: I waited around 2 months I think.
 
LemonPop said:
Hi everyone,
If you can afford it go private - before my assessment I typed out everything I knew about myself- my assessment included tests - like making up a story from pictures - talks with my sister and her husband from their point of view about me and then all together- then a sensory awareness booklet to fill in - she asked about my childhood- all the years in between and now - and eventually gave her decision and why - that was November 2013 That was at the age of 57 - hope this helps
Sylvia


I'm new here, I decided to make an account because I really need your help/advice! Around 6 months ago I finally worked up the courage to ask my doctor for a referral to get assessed for Asperger's, which I've thought I might have for years. My average AQ score is 36 (have taken it a few times over the years for research purposes and for my own interest). I've done a lot of research into autism/Asperger's generally (I'm sure everyone here can relate), and have tons of Aspie traits (which I can go into if anyone's interested). So, I compiled a huge list of all the symptoms and problems I experience, and went through them with the psychiatrist I eventually saw. But it didn't go well at all.

He got really frustrated with my use of terms like "sensory sensitivity" because he wanted me to use less "technical terms" and just describe my difficulties to him (which I did). But I think he was just initially put off by my use of these terms, because he pretty much just disregarded my experiences and argued with me that what I was experiencing was normal. (e.g. I tried to explain how exhausting/confusing social situations are, or how much I can't stand loud and sudden noises/ certain smells/ etc., my obsessions with order, amongst other things, but he just said that everyone feels like that at some point). I'm a neuroscientist and so felt quite confident in my use of these "technical terms" after doing so much research - but he really seemed to dislike my approach immediately (even though I'd just followed the advice I'd found online about clearly identifying symptoms to tell the psychiatrist about in your assessment).

I felt like he totally ignored my experiences and had decided straight away when meeting me that I wasn't autistic at all. I can come across as pretty "normal" to most people because I have learned to adapt over the years, and have developed a lot of coping mechanisms (and, being female, I'm less "classically autistic" anyway). But I thought a professional would be able to understand how I really felt inside and experienced the world. Not so much. He talked with me for around half an hour before dismissing me. I really don't think that's enough time to get to know a person. He made me feel so uncomfortable that I couldn't think properly. He was attacking me with all these challenges and questions, I just couldn't process and collect my thoughts. I prefer to have things written down so I can process properly. He also seemed to sense my dissatisfaction because he said that he was "one of the top psychiatrists in the UK" and if he said I didn't have autism then I didn't. (Felt like this was pretty egotistical posturing to be honest.)

So, I had a really bad experience, and felt like I didn't get to talk about or even mention a lot of the Aspie-type experiences I have that would have been important to bring up. He made me feel like a fake, like I've been making things up. But I also know that so many experiences I've read about from people with autism or Asperger's really resonate with me.

Has anyone else had experiences like this? What did you do? I'm finding it hard to work up the energy to ask for a second opinion at my doctor's, especially as the psychiatrist I saw is apparently so senior. (I'm in the UK, if that makes a difference).

Thanks so much for any advice or help guys!! I really need it.
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I
LemonPop said:
Thanks for your response! Yes the process is a bit different in the UK, but your reply and Crossbreed's have both really made me more determined to ask for a psychiatrist who specialises in adult autism/Asperger's at least. I feel as well that the psyc. I saw really didn't have any idea, to be honest!
Click to expand...
 
Your story sounds very familiar to me. I went through the same thing. I got turned away by my therapist of three years, and it took a lot of courage to bring it up, she just read me the definition in her book and said nope. I stopped seeing her. I asked my family doctor and he didn't think so but referred me to someone. The next psychiatrist I saw didn't think so either. All of these were done in less than a half hour. I brought the concern up to my family doctor again and he ended up sending me over to a specialist that was hard to get into. After two hours with that psychiatrist I got my diagnosis of high functioning autism with no intellectual deficit. It felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I ended up getting a new therapist and she accepts that diagnosis and understands why people said no. I've had many years to adapt and seem "normal" ... until you get to know me ;)
A lot of people say you don't need the diagnosis when you're an adult, but for me it felt good. For the first time in my life I belonged to a group of people. It's lonely being the only one and NT's don't usually understand your differences are not always by choice and that it is really hard to cope in an NT world. Sometimes i get used to it, but there's always something that throws me back into perspective of being on the spectrum. It's okay though because it keeps me motivated to keep going on my new career path as an autism teacher. Hang in there! Some people go to neuroscientists for a diagnosis so I find it ironic that you're one :)
 
One thing that really helped me was my wife going with me. She was able to verbalize all the ways I am different that I either have a hard time explaining or don't even notice. Having an advocate stare a psychologist/psychiatrist in the face and say "this person is not neurotypical" can be very effective. Having someone there to corroborate your experiences greatly reduces the chance that the doctor will try to push you around or think you are making it up.
 
LemonPop said:
Hi everyone,

I'm new here, I decided to make an account because I really need your help/advice! Around 6 months ago I finally worked up the courage to ask my doctor for a referral to get assessed for Asperger's, which I've thought I might have for years. My average AQ score is 36 (have taken it a few times over the years for research purposes and for my own interest). I've done a lot of research into autism/Asperger's generally (I'm sure everyone here can relate), and have tons of Aspie traits (which I can go into if anyone's interested). So, I compiled a huge list of all the symptoms and problems I experience, and went through them with the psychiatrist I eventually saw. But it didn't go well at all.

He got really frustrated with my use of terms like "sensory sensitivity" because he wanted me to use less "technical terms" and just describe my difficulties to him (which I did). But I think he was just initially put off by my use of these terms, because he pretty much just disregarded my experiences and argued with me that what I was experiencing was normal. (e.g. I tried to explain how exhausting/confusing social situations are, or how much I can't stand loud and sudden noises/ certain smells/ etc., my obsessions with order, amongst other things, but he just said that everyone feels like that at some point). I'm a neuroscientist and so felt quite confident in my use of these "technical terms" after doing so much research - but he really seemed to dislike my approach immediately (even though I'd just followed the advice I'd found online about clearly identifying symptoms to tell the psychiatrist about in your assessment).

I felt like he totally ignored my experiences and had decided straight away when meeting me that I wasn't autistic at all. I can come across as pretty "normal" to most people because I have learned to adapt over the years, and have developed a lot of coping mechanisms (and, being female, I'm less "classically autistic" anyway). But I thought a professional would be able to understand how I really felt inside and experienced the world. Not so much. He talked with me for around half an hour before dismissing me. I really don't think that's enough time to get to know a person. He made me feel so uncomfortable that I couldn't think properly. He was attacking me with all these challenges and questions, I just couldn't process and collect my thoughts. I prefer to have things written down so I can process properly. He also seemed to sense my dissatisfaction because he said that he was "one of the top psychiatrists in the UK" and if he said I didn't have autism then I didn't. (Felt like this was pretty egotistical posturing to be honest.)

So, I had a really bad experience, and felt like I didn't get to talk about or even mention a lot of the Aspie-type experiences I have that would have been important to bring up. He made me feel like a fake, like I've been making things up. But I also know that so many experiences I've read about from people with autism or Asperger's really resonate with me.

Has anyone else had experiences like this? What did you do? I'm finding it hard to work up the energy to ask for a second opinion at my doctor's, especially as the psychiatrist I saw is apparently so senior. (I'm in the UK, if that makes a difference).

Thanks so much for any advice or help guys!! I really need it.
Click to expand...
He sounds like a real butthole. Try going to a pneuropsychologist; they can give you some tests to see if you are on the spectrum. That is how my grandson got his diagnosis. Good luck! Also check out www.aspergerexperts.com. They have a lot of free videos and also some paid courses if you are interested. But there is enough free stuff on there that will maybe help you. The guys that run the site have Asperger's and know exactly what you are going through. One person on here thought it was a scam because they have courses you can pay for. But this is how they make their living. I actually bought one and it was really good advice. Good luck.
 
LemonPop said:
Hi everyone,

I'm new here, I decided to make an account because I really need your help/advice! Around 6 months ago I finally worked up the courage to ask my doctor for a referral to get assessed for Asperger's, which I've thought I might have for years. My average AQ score is 36 (have taken it a few times over the years for research purposes and for my own interest). I've done a lot of research into autism/Asperger's generally (I'm sure everyone here can relate), and have tons of Aspie traits (which I can go into if anyone's interested). So, I compiled a huge list of all the symptoms and problems I experience, and went through them with the psychiatrist I eventually saw. But it didn't go well at all.

He got really frustrated with my use of terms like "sensory sensitivity" because he wanted me to use less "technical terms" and just describe my difficulties to him (which I did). But I think he was just initially put off by my use of these terms, because he pretty much just disregarded my experiences and argued with me that what I was experiencing was normal. (e.g. I tried to explain how exhausting/confusing social situations are, or how much I can't stand loud and sudden noises/ certain smells/ etc., my obsessions with order, amongst other things, but he just said that everyone feels like that at some point). I'm a neuroscientist and so felt quite confident in my use of these "technical terms" after doing so much research - but he really seemed to dislike my approach immediately (even though I'd just followed the advice I'd found online about clearly identifying symptoms to tell the psychiatrist about in your assessment).

I felt like he totally ignored my experiences and had decided straight away when meeting me that I wasn't autistic at all. I can come across as pretty "normal" to most people because I have learned to adapt over the years, and have developed a lot of coping mechanisms (and, being female, I'm less "classically autistic" anyway). But I thought a professional would be able to understand how I really felt inside and experienced the world. Not so much. He talked with me for around half an hour before dismissing me. I really don't think that's enough time to get to know a person. He made me feel so uncomfortable that I couldn't think properly. He was attacking me with all these challenges and questions, I just couldn't process and collect my thoughts. I prefer to have things written down so I can process properly. He also seemed to sense my dissatisfaction because he said that he was "one of the top psychiatrists in the UK" and if he said I didn't have autism then I didn't. (Felt like this was pretty egotistical posturing to be honest.)

So, I had a really bad experience, and felt like I didn't get to talk about or even mention a lot of the Aspie-type experiences I have that would have been important to bring up. He made me feel like a fake, like I've been making things up. But I also know that so many experiences I've read about from people with autism or Asperger's really resonate with me.

Has anyone else had experiences like this? What did you do? I'm finding it hard to work up the energy to ask for a second opinion at my doctor's, especially as the psychiatrist I saw is apparently so senior. (I'm in the UK, if that makes a difference).

Thanks so much for any advice or help guys!! I really need it.
Click to expand...
I think you know yourself better than this person. Psych people can be a guidance but cannot experience Asperger's unless they have it. I have been through many types of doctors and now that I am older, I have been through many who do not know how to deal with it.
 
Stik said:
Your story sounds very familiar to me. I went through the same thing. I got turned away by my therapist of three years, and it took a lot of courage to bring it up, she just read me the definition in her book and said nope. I stopped seeing her. I asked my family doctor and he didn't think so but referred me to someone. The next psychiatrist I saw didn't think so either. All of these were done in less than a half hour. I brought the concern up to my family doctor again and he ended up sending me over to a specialist that was hard to get into. After two hours with that psychiatrist I got my diagnosis of high functioning autism with no intellectual deficit. It felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I ended up getting a new therapist and she accepts that diagnosis and understands why people said no. I've had many years to adapt and seem "normal" ... until you get to know me ;)
A lot of people say you don't need the diagnosis when you're an adult, but for me it felt good. For the first time in my life I belonged to a group of people. It's lonely being the only one and NT's don't usually understand your differences are not always by choice and that it is really hard to cope in an NT world. Sometimes i get used to it, but there's always something that throws me back into perspective of being on the spectrum. It's okay though because it keeps me motivated to keep going on my new career path as an autism teacher. Hang in there! Some people go to neuroscientists for a diagnosis so I find it ironic that you're one :)
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for your reply, it's great to know there are others out there who have had the same experience. I'm really glad you found what you were looking for eventually!

Can I ask, what was the difference between your experiences with the first two psycs and the last one who finally seemed to understand you? Did you present your case in a different way with the last one, or were they just much more interested and knowledgeable? Thanks :)
 
Grandmother B said:
He sounds like a real butthole. Try going to a pneuropsychologist; they can give you some tests to see if you are on the spectrum. That is how my grandson got his diagnosis. Good luck! Also check out www.aspergerexperts.com. They have a lot of free videos and also some paid courses if you are interested. But there is enough free stuff on there that will maybe help you. The guys that run the site have Asperger's and know exactly what you are going through. One person on here thought it was a scam because they have courses you can pay for. But this is how they make their living. I actually bought one and it was really good advice. Good luck.
Click to expand...

Thanks, that's really helpful! :)
 
If you're a woman, I seriously recommend going to a female psychologist/psychiatrist. They tend to listen a lot better and are less likely to talk over you and dismiss your concerns.
 
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