I didn't realize I had any dissociative issues until I saw my current dr. He is a medical psycho-therapist, which where I live is the best of all worlds: he can diagnose, prescribe meds and uses psycho therapy, and he is government funded, so I don't have to pay to see him. I was referred to him by a counselor who knew I was looking for a pscytherapist. He is trained in trauma and dissociation, and I went ot him thinking I had complex ptsd. He mentioned that when I talked to him on the phone, I would sound like different people, and after talking about my past, and any related symptoms decided to look into dissociative issues. He has diagnosed me with DDNOS because I do not lose time, even though I switch alters.
Originally I went to see someone for depression, self harm, etc. For 9 years I was misdiagnosed with various mood/personality disorders until I started remembering past abuse when my niece turned the age I was when it started.
Depending on where you live, professionals may have different roles, abilities, training etc. If you are suspicious of a possible dissociative disorder, I would make sure that whoever you see for diagnosis is experienced with trauma/dissociation. Also, be aware that there are doctors who are more likely to 'buy into" (ie believe in) dissociative disorders than others, so usually by asking for someone who is familiar/trained in dissociation will be more likely to believe you, and less likely to trying to get you to prove yourself, as well as being able to identify what could be and could not be included with dissociation. My last psychiatrist would not believe that I had been abused because I was only beginning to admit it when I started seeing him. Therefor he stated that he wouldn't diagnose me with ptsd unless there was physical proof that I had been through abuse.
I would suggest that whoever you are seeing now would be the one to ask. It never hurts to let them know that anytime you hear about "x" symptoms/disorder you feel like they're talking about you...or whatever. They will be able to direct you from there.
Are you having symptoms that you think should be looked into??
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“Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow.”
― Mary Anne Radmacher
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