Quote:
Originally Posted by x123
I was thinking about why having a diagnosis is helpful - especially if there is no very effective treatment. Just last evening I realized that I might have cyclothymia bipolar III. Then I was wondering why having this possibility for a diagnosis made me feel better. I'm not formally diagnosed with cyclothymia and I doubt I will be treated for it. I think it made me feel better, because so often other people dismiss my psychological difficulties - sort of like telling a depressed person to just cheer up. Of course a diagnosis might also make a person feel like a powerless victim of genetics.
What do you think about having a diagnosis? How does it make you hopeful?
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Yes, it helps me immensely. Now I have a treatment plan even though my affliction isn't as severe as others. Don't downplay the possibility of getting a diagnosis since there are all sorts of fine lines between I, II, and III. Leave it up to your p-doc.....mine told me "I know there's something going on, I'm just not sure what it is". He actively calls himself a "diagnostic nihilist" and makes it a point not to really pigeonhole people.