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Old May 24, 2013, 09:07 PM
ultramar ultramar is offline
Poohbah
 
Member Since: Mar 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 1,486
I think many people don't fit into 'neat boxes' and that can be a good thing. I can understand how diagnosis can be validating, but I've seen it also lead people down a road of defining themselves through the diagnosis, on the lookout for any sign that this or that might be a manifestation of it, and in the process, lose so many other aspects of themselves, as everything is attempted to fit into that box.

Also, many people fit some criteria of many diagnoses, but don't rise to the level of a clinical diagnosis of that illness. Confusing maybe, but also not necessarily a bad thing.

However, if you're interested in a diagnosis, I'd suggest you get an evaluation by a psychiatrist. Don't be surprised, though, if they don't give you one right away, some prefer to observe you over time and not just go on verbal history. On the other hand, some psychiatrists will diagnose in 10 minutes, and in my opinion this can be very irresponsible. It takes time to get to know someone, it's not just a list of symptoms.

I understand the confusion and need for validation, but maybe try and identify, with your therapist, what is most impeding you in daily life, what most distresses you, keeps you from living a full life, and work on those things.

I'm not sure I understand the connection between not going deeper in therapy and not having a diagnosis (or maybe I've misunderstood you). You can identify (deep, complex) issues you want to work on, and work on them, without a diagnosis. If you feel you need more direction in therapy, to work on a deeper level, I'd talk this over with your therapist, if it turns out she/he can't work with you at the level you need, you could seek out another. Though I'm sorry you haven't had much luck with therapists, it seems.

Good luck!
Thanks for this!
So hopeful