How do you get a correct diagnosis

[Tanzi Bee]

Hi and thanks for reading.

I have been not right for many years and have been considered shy, outgoing, alcoholic, caring, depressed, anxious depending on what day you ask someone. I haven't had alcohol in years because I was told my conditions would clear up if I stopped drinking and took antidepressants but TADA! No they didn't.

I've been told I have major depression, acute anxiety, PTSD and only recently bipolar 2 however on reading, I think more likely to be Cyclothymia? I have been on a certain medication for years and it only really brought out hypo's mainly as well as some depression relief.

How do you get a proper diagnosis when it appears Australian psychiatrists (including Lancet published specialists) can't seem to agree with what's wrong?

Tanzi Bee

[mocha delight]

Hi tanzi bee first I don’t know how long you’ve been on the forums but I’m just going to say welcome to the forums, second I’m seeing a psychologist and third I’ve not been officially diagnosed with anything yet but my psychologist has casually mentioned to me that I have depression (clinical depression) social anxiety and general anxiety. So I’m sorry I can’t be of more help even if I could and would love to be able to but I’ve been seeing my psychologist for a year as of September 17th this year and still no diagnosis as I’ve said but if you ever need to chat I’m here for you ok.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Tanzi Bee,

Welcome to the forums as well and thank you for sharing this with us. I'm glad that mocha delight jumped in to support you 🙂

This is a really good question, and I don't know the answer- I'm also not sure if there is an answer! I've been to multiple psychiatrists and walked out with different diagnoses as well, all super conflicting with one another. The diagnosis that I'm comfortable with (depression, anxiety, trauma) are the ones given to me from a psychiatrist whose known me for a long time.

I think one of the important things to remember is that they overlap so so well- like anxiety and PTSD, or cyclothymia and bipolar, so when you're thinking about having a correct diagnosis, what about that is important to you? Is it medication management/treatment/or just having the clarity?

rt

[Coach Craig]

Hi thee Tanzi Bee,

Like the previous posts welcome to our forums.

Sometimes getting a diagnosis can be frustrating. Have you thought about going to a clinical psychologist to obtain a diagnosis if you cant find a Psychiatrist, or your local General Practitioner. I have attached a link to support you with finding a specialist psychiatrist.

https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/find-a-psychiatrist

However I agree with romantic thief - What about getting a correct and precise diagnosis is important to you? Is it medication management, psychological counselling and treatment/or just having the clarity?

Hope we have been helpful

Coach Craig