[Gsd347]

I'm 23, female and wondering if I have Aspergers.
How do I raise the issue with my doctor? I'm not sure at all.

I've been diagnosed with anxiety and depression which I've had since being a teenager. I struggle with making friends because I feel like I can't relate to others or people think I'm unfriendly even when I try to be.
I've struggled with social interaction since I was 6 years old. This has led to me being depressed because I'm lonely and I have social anxiety because I feel like I don't fit in.

I've taken online tests and it says Aspergers likely, how do I raise the issue with my doctor?

Thanks

[kaliope]

hi gsd
i know it is difficult bringing things up to a doctor but it really is as simple as bringing it up. you may want to go to the dsm 5 and look at the symptoms of aspergers so you are able to tell him what criteria you meet and that is why you suspect it. or you could just say that you have been taking some online tests and they came back saying aspergers was likely and you find it makes sense and would like to be evaluated. welcome to psych central. you will find we have several forums where you can post about your concerns and receive feedback from other members. you will get a lot of support here. again, welcome

[sideblinded]

Hi gsd

I agree with Kaliope. I would bring up the subject and ask to be evaluated further. Be ready to explain your difficulties in depth as they need a good history to make an accurate diagnosis. Best wishes on this.

Welcome to PC. Glad that you are here.

[-jimi-]

Originally Posted by kaliope

you may want to go to the dsm 5 and look at the symptoms of aspergers so you are able to tell him what criteria you meet and that is why you suspect it.

Autism spectrum disorder exists in DSM 5, Asperger's however, does not.

I personally think how you bring it up has to sort of match the person you're talking to. Some health care staff do not like patients suggesting a diagnosis. If that is the case, it could be better just mentioning symptoms.

[Ruftin]

Hello and welcome to Psych Central Gsd347!!! It's nice to meet you. You have joined a community of warm and caring members who will want to offer you support and advice. Yours is welcome as well.

Please feel free to contact any community liaison or moderator if you need help navigating the forums. It will take some time for your first five posts to appear as they are being evaluated and then you will be able to join chats.

Sorry for your struggles. There are many here who will be able to relate to what you're going through and offer you feed back. I think it would be a great idea for you to write down a timeline with a list of symptoms for your doctor. Let him/her review these and see what he/she comes up with. So many different mental illnesses overlap and you don't want to miss diagnosed. I think taking a printout of your online personality tests as well for the doctor to review would be a good idea.

I look forward to seeing you around!!!