Misdiagnosis?

[Guest_F75DA28A]

Hi guys,

Just wondering if anyone has a story where they feel they may have been misdiagnosed by a doctor/psychiatrist? here's a bit of background on my story: I have suffered from anxiety since I was 19 (8 years now), and possibly longer but hadn't sought help prior. In 2010, I started seeing a psychologist and told her I suspected depression (I had a friend commit suicide who'd suffered from depression and I was afraid something similar was happening to me).

Fast track to 2012, and I'd experienced an 'acute psychotic episode', which was the first time I'd had to see a psychiatrist. As you can imagine, I was immediately put on medication (And had some adverse effects to it), but the doctor concluded, after having seen me for 30 minutes, that I have 'schizoaffective disorder' (I'd never heard of it either till then!) But again, to add some context, I had zero rapport with that doctor and was always nervous in his presence, and sometimes my nervous energy manifests as what the doc referred to as 'the giggles' - no wonder he thought I had a mood disorder!

I have since changed doctors but have been too scared to ask what the new doc's diagnosis is. I mean, as far as DSM-5 is concerned, I'm a pretty classic case of the GAD... I just don't understand why I need harsh anti-psychotic drugs when I do not experience any symptoms of schizophrenia or bipolar?

Any tips would be appreciated! Btw i'm new to the forum so hope these kinds of questions are ok?

Thanks, D

[Starwolf]

Hi Guest, welcome to the forums.

I'm glad you ditched a psych you couldn't connect with. Therapy is team work, there's no way you can work with someone you are not comfortable with. Well done for taking the proactive approach...I have no doubt this assertive attitude will be a great asset along the way towards healing.

The only way you will get a proper diagnosis is to be totally open and honest with your psych. Have you discussed the "acute psychotic episode" ? Was it just a 1 of ? Your past story/history needs be thoroughly investigated with your new therapist. Not being professionals, forum members don't have the necessary qualifications to advise you in that regard.

What we can do is support you through your journey of self-discovery and share our stories with you. Please feel free to navigate, connect or let steam off. At BB, there are lots of caring and understanding people who are struggling with a vast array of mental conditions. You will be welcome with open hearts. Make yourself at home.

Kindest thoughts.

[white knight]

Hi,

I was misdiagnosed with ADHD and bipolar 1 in 2003. Worse still I took the wrong medication for 6 years.

I tried 12 meds over that time. On each occasion he pushed for me to get to a certain threshold that was common for that brand of medication say 300mg but I could not get past 50mg...why ? Because I didn't have those illnesses!!!

In 2008 my relationship dissolved and I went off meds altogether. I improved, however I have a lot of insight into my own moody and depressed demeanor and my new wife and I sort another opinion. Diagnosis? Bipolar2, depression, dysthymia and anxiety. Meds prescribed were miid stabilisers and a low amount of ad's.

Bingo!!. I've never looked back just needed some fine tuning of the amounts.

Good luck but since then I've always got a second opinion.

[MyProfile]

Hi Guest,

You deserve to seek a second opinion, even a third or fourth, if you disagree with the diagnosis. I say deserve because you deserve to get the right diagnosis!

I was treated for many years for depression. I feel like the doctors didn't even listen to what I was saying or when I hinted at anxiety, having difficulty being around people, unable to hold down a job. I tried meds, which luckily SSRIs help with anxiety too, but my psychological therapy was aimed at depression.

I quit uni, went from job to job and never made anything of myself. Because I didn't use my own knowledge of myself, my intuition about my condition, albeit because the anxiety made ot difficult to assert myself. I am pretty much a failure.

But this year I started to say to my new psych that actually I want to focus on anxiety - the depression is a result of the anxiety! So after 10+ years I'm finally on the right track and I honestly feel like I'm addressing the issues that I know are the ones affecting me.

So, please don't waste as much time as I did, and discuss your thoughts about this with your doctor/psych. Even take in the DSM checklist, or self test results, just so you have some sort of reference in case you "freeze" up.

I wish you good health!

[Guest_F75DA28A]

Thank you for the great advice! I'm feeling quite positive about my recovery at the moment, will probably go back to see the doctor to make sure I can come off the meds safely and will see how I go from there!

I'm glad you feel like you're on the right track too.