[Rive1976]

So I am kinda nervous for my old Psychologist to talk to my new T because I have no clue what she is going to tell her because I have no memory of anything we discussed. Is there a such thing as DID NOS or just DDNOS? Can alters just go away or do they have to be integrated with professional help?

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by Dnester

So I am kinda nervous for my old Psychologist to talk to my new T because I have no clue what she is going to tell her because I have no memory of anything we discussed. Is there a such thing as DID NOS or just DDNOS? Can alters just go away or do they have to be integrated with professional help?

the dissociative mental disorders in the USA at this time are....

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Dissociative Amnesia

Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder

Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (this one has its own set of mental disorders that is not public you find out what they are when you get diagnosed with them)

Unspecified Dissociative Disorder (this one is only used in emergency situations and then is changed when seeing ones own treatment provider example in the hospital Emergency Room setting)

in short america has no mental disorders of any kind called NOS any more. that labeling was discontinued back in 2013 and the criteria was either absorbed into other mental disorders that already exist or in other cases new mental disorders have been created that include the criteria/ symptoms along with others.

Dissociative type alters do not go away or get killed off, eventually when they are no longer needed they go back together as one whole personality again. your treatment provider can explain more in detail about what alters are, how they are created and what happens to them when they are no longer needed.

[dlantern]

Yea, they go away are you being outed isn't there conscious knowledge to out, it usually is a personal decision? Certainly, not required boom it just goes away then.

[Rive1976]

Originally Posted by amandalouise

the dissociative mental disorders in the USA at this time are....

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Dissociative Amnesia

Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder

Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (this one has its own set of mental disorders that is not public you find out what they are when you get diagnosed with them)

Unspecified Dissociative Disorder (this one is only used in emergency situations and then is changed when seeing ones own treatment provider example in the hospital Emergency Room setting)

in short america has no mental disorders of any kind called NOS any more. that labeling was discontinued back in 2013 and the criteria was either absorbed into other mental disorders that already exist or in other cases new mental disorders have been created that include the criteria/ symptoms along with others.

Dissociative type alters do not go away or get killed off, eventually when they are no longer needed they go back together as one whole personality again. your treatment provider can explain more in detail about what alters are, how they are created and what happens to them when they are no longer needed.

Why is it so secretive?

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by Dnester

Why is it so secretive?

its not that its secretive... its just that there is more to having mental disorders (any mental disorder regardless of what it is), then what you can find by reading books, watching movies, researching on the internet. its always been that way. Treatment providers have always had a way to distinguish when a person has a specific mental disorder or when they have a different mental disorder called fictitious disorder imposed on self where a person researches and for what ever reasons decides they are what they are researching and acts out what they find in books, movies and on the internet for attention.

even medical doctors hold back information so that they can tell when a person is really sick or they are just acting that way for attention or to get out of that math test or what ever.

it's just the way its done to make sure people get the correct diagnosis and treatment...

lets take this out of dissociative disorders for a moment.... think of it this way.. what if your best friend told their doctor or therapist that they had say schizophrenia with out the key information a psychiatrist would prescribe an anti psychotic when your friend didnt actually need an anti psychotic. your friend could end up dead due to being prescribed a medication that is meant for schizophrenia when they didnt have that mental disorder. but because of books movies and the internet they could act like it.

not a good situation right...getting the wrong diagnosis and wrong treatment or lack of a specific treatment can harm someone regardless of the disorder.

by treatment providers having key information that is not publicized, about mental disorders helps to prevent disasters like this from happening, ensures that ...........most times......a person presenting with a mental disorder gets the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Originally Posted by amandalouise

its not that its secretive... its just that there is more to having mental disorders (any mental disorder regardless of what it is), then what you can find by reading books, watching movies, researching on the internet. its always been that way. Treatment providers have always had a way to distinguish when a person has a specific mental disorder or when they have a different mental disorder called fictitious disorder imposed on self where a person researches and for what ever reasons decides they are what they are researching and acts out what they find in books, movies and on the internet for attention.

even medical doctors hold back information so that they can tell when a person is really sick or they are just acting that way for attention or to get out of that math test or what ever.

it's just the way its done to make sure people get the correct diagnosis and treatment...

lets take this out of dissociative disorders for a moment.... think of it this way.. what if your best friend told their doctor or therapist that they had say schizophrenia with out the key information a psychiatrist would prescribe an anti psychotic when your friend didnt actually need an anti psychotic. your friend could end up dead due to being prescribed a medication that is meant for schizophrenia when they didnt have that mental disorder. but because of books movies and the internet they could act like it.

not a good situation right...getting the wrong diagnosis and wrong treatment or lack of a specific treatment can harm someone regardless of the disorder.

by treatment providers having key information that is not publicized, about mental disorders helps to prevent disasters like this from happening, ensures that ...........most times......a person presenting with a mental disorder gets the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Exactly why I don’t watch and abhor movies, books and videos about dissociative disorders....we are very impressionable and introjects emerges naturally... we try to stay true to our condition untainted.

Originally Posted by Dnester

So I am kinda nervous for my old Psychologist to talk to my new T because I have no clue what she is going to tell her because I have no memory of anything we discussed. Is there a such thing as DID NOS or just DDNOS? Can alters just go away or do they have to be integrated with professional help?

I wouldn’t sweat it....what’s to worry about,. just take it as it comes.

or ask your old shrink what she’s saying. it’s about you and your records...they can’t keep secrets from you. or sue the pants off them.

for all the stress and worry, it’s easy to say ‘your fired’ then dealing with the mind screw....unless you are trying to hide something for some reason like beating a murder charge...

my life is stress full enough like yours is or worse...we mentally ill dont need more stress dammit.

if I was on an island with all the food and beer that I can drink and eat, a place to go potty, sleep, and not get eaten by bugs....I would not need a shrink and be all right.

[downandlonely]

I don't think your old therapist can talk to the new therapist unless you specifically say they can. If you don't feel comfortable, tell them.

[Rive1976]

Originally Posted by downandlonely

I don't think your old therapist can talk to the new therapist unless you specifically say they can. If you don't feel comfortable, tell them.

I want her too. That whole time I saw her is missing. I cant tell you how long I saw her. What we talked about. What year I saw her. Nothing. So Im just curious what she would have to say. Shes going to contact her this week hopefully. Still nervous though. Im nervous my therapist would think I am even crazier than I am. Im worried she might tell me some trauma I forgot. I am hopeful it may help as well though.

[Rive1976]

Originally Posted by AlwaysChanging2

I wouldn’t sweat it....what’s to worry about,. just take it as it comes.

or ask your old shrink what she’s saying. it’s about you and your records...they can’t keep secrets from you. or sue the pants off them.

for all the stress and worry, it’s easy to say ‘your fired’ then dealing with the mind screw....unless you are trying to hide something for some reason like beating a murder charge...

my life is stress full enough like yours is or worse...we mentally ill dont need more stress dammit.

if I was on an island with all the food and beer that I can drink and eat, a place to go potty, sleep, and not get eaten by bugs....I would not need a shrink and be all right.

I wasnt aware that dissociative disorders were considered a mental illness. I certaintly dont agree.

[Rive1976]

I so dont understand how I can remember my 11 birthday but nothing about a person I had sessions with or those sessions 15 to 20 years ago or whenever I saw her. Im just guessing based on my daughters age.

[MickeyCheeky]

I'm so sorry, Dnester Why is your old therapist talking to your new one? I don't think that's allowed without your permission. If you don't want that, I think you have every right to speak up about it. As for your memory, 15 to 20 years ago was a long time ago. I don't think you should be expected to remember everything that happened in your life. Some events just stick in your mind more, but not everything can be remembered. So I wouldn't worry about it too much. As for the rest, I believe you can always ask your therapist for more information. I hope you'll get the help you need. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you

[Rive1976]

Originally Posted by MickeyCheeky

I'm so sorry, Dnester Why is your old therapist talking to your new one? I don't think that's allowed without your permission. If you don't want that, I think you have every right to speak up about it. As for your memory, 15 to 20 years ago was a long time ago. I don't think you should be expected to remember everything that happened in your life. Some events just stick in your mind more, but not everything can be remembered. So I wouldn't worry about it too much. As for the rest, I believe you can always ask your therapist for more information. I hope you'll get the help you need. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you

Because I want her to talk to her. I want to know why she gave me the diagnosis she did when I dont have anything close to a Dissociative Disorder IMO. I want to know if there is some trauma I may have spoke to her about that I repressed again. I will be curious to find this information out.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by Dnester

I so dont understand how I can remember my 11 birthday but nothing about a person I had sessions with or those sessions 15 to 20 years ago or whenever I saw her. Im just guessing based on my daughters age.

to understand this you will need to understand how the brain works. you can find you tube videos on the brain or visit physical health websites that have this kind of information, colleges also have classes that teach how the brain works and how it stores memories and so on.

in the mean time here's an experiment my own treatment provider used to explain things to me...

take a container, any container. the container represents the brain.

in this container put in many different things. I used sand, water, pebbles, mini objects like toy rings, toy car, scraps of fabric... these represent everything in experiences and what the senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste) tell the brain...in other words everything that a memory is.

now after filling that container to its fullest try and put in something else that is very important to you. (I tried to put in gem stones for the treasures of my life)

then watch what happens.... either the last batch of important items would not go in or it over flows knocking out previously stored in the container stuff.

the brain works like that.. it sends everything we experience and everything the senses are telling the brain about our lives, decides whats important at that moment and keeps what is important and what may not be important goes to short term memory and forgotten. this way the real important stuff goes to long term memory to be stored for ever.

taking a ..........guess not diagnosing.......... that for some reason your brain decided that you didnt need to remember forever what you talked about with this past therapist...

this is actually a normal thing. I have had many treatment providers and I never remember anything about what I did with those from 5-10 and 20 years ago. even now I am integrated and I still dont remember things from therapy that long ago, why because it wasnt important to me.

I do know that if I ever have any questions all I need to do is contact those treatment providers and ask to see my records they kept on me. here in america it is the rights of patients to have copies of their records that their treatment providers keep/ have kept on them while they are/ were in treatment with them.

suggestion maybe you can contact this therapist and let them know you have questions and maybe the files will give you the answers you are looking for.

[Rive1976]

Originally Posted by amandalouise

to understand this you will need to understand how the brain works. you can find you tube videos on the brain or visit physical health websites that have this kind of information, colleges also have classes that teach how the brain works and how it stores memories and so on.

in the mean time here's an experiment my own treatment provider used to explain things to me...

take a container, any container. the container represents the brain.

in this container put in many different things. I used sand, water, pebbles, mini objects like toy rings, toy car, scraps of fabric... these represent everything in experiences and what the senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste) tell the brain...in other words everything that a memory is.

now after filling that container to its fullest try and put in something else that is very important to you. (I tried to put in gem stones for the treasures of my life)

then watch what happens.... either the last batch of important items would not go in or it over flows knocking out previously stored in the container stuff.

the brain works like that.. it sends everything we experience and everything the senses are telling the brain about our lives, decides whats important at that moment and keeps what is important and what may not be important goes to short term memory and forgotten. this way the real important stuff goes to long term memory to be stored for ever.

taking a ..........guess not diagnosing.......... that for some reason your brain decided that you didnt need to remember forever what you talked about with this past therapist...

this is actually a normal thing. I have had many treatment providers and I never remember anything about what I did with those from 5-10 and 20 years ago. even now I am integrated and I still dont remember things from therapy that long ago, why because it wasnt important to me.

I do know that if I ever have any questions all I need to do is contact those treatment providers and ask to see my records they kept on me. here in america it is the rights of patients to have copies of their records that their treatment providers keep/ have kept on them while they are/ were in treatment with them.

suggestion maybe you can contact this therapist and let them know you have questions and maybe the files will give you the answers you are looking for.

My files were destroyed. Thats why I asked her to call my new therapist and signed a waiver. I am basically just going off what she remembers. If she can remember and sees many many people why cant I?

[Gr3tta_0]

I think its very understandable you would be nervous, Dnester. Why would your files have been destroyed? This seems very unusual.
I'm glad you have acted to coordinate care, especially due to your own lack of memory.

I think amandalouise's container metaphor was on point.

I'm glad your providers will have a chance to coordinate, and you can just share honestly. Best wishes in recovery to you!!

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by Gr3tta_0

I think its very understandable you would be nervous, Dnester. Why would your files have been destroyed? This seems very unusual.
I'm glad you have acted to coordinate care, especially due to your own lack of memory.

I think amandalouise's container metaphor was on point.

I'm glad your providers will have a chance to coordinate, and you can just share honestly. Best wishes in recovery to you!!

the distroying of files...yes it happens some places have a rule where 7 -10 years after no longer being their patient the files are destroyed. this is to protect the patients confidentiality. agencies sometimes change hands/ sold and courts can subpoena records. think of it this way you havent seen a therapist for 20 years and you end up in a car accident where your mentality comes into question. the court orders your health records and discovers years ago you had mental illnesses. that record ends up biting you in the behind. but say the agency you received your mental health care from has destroyed your files after you havent been their patient for 7 years. years later you have a problem that record with DID listed on your files cant come back and bite you in the behind.

some agencies put this safety measure in place back in the 1980's when laws changed allowing courts to require crisis centers, doctors and mental health agencies to comply with the courts and hand over their files and testify against their own clients.

imagine the therapist you have now going to court and testifying against youin 10-20 years for what ever you may be accused of in the future, and having to divulge all your deep dark secrets to everyone in the court room. its not fair but its the law that treatment providers have to co operate with law enforcement and court system. thats why they destroy the files. so they dont have to hand over your files to the courts and such years and decades after you have stopped seeing that therapist.

[Rive1976]

Originally Posted by Gr3tta_0

I think its very understandable you would be nervous, Dnester. Why would your files have been destroyed? This seems very unusual.
I'm glad you have acted to coordinate care, especially due to your own lack of memory.

I think amandalouise's container metaphor was on point.

I'm glad your providers will have a chance to coordinate, and you can just share honestly. Best wishes in recovery to you!!

She said she destroys them after 7 years.

[Gr3tta_0]

Originally Posted by Dnester

She said she destroys them after 7 years.

Thank you, i was not understanding it had been that long. This does make perfect sense. Thank you for clarify.

[Rive1976]

Originally Posted by amandalouise

the distroying of files...yes it happens some places have a rule where 7 -10 years after no longer being their patient the files are destroyed. this is to protect the patients confidentiality. agencies sometimes change hands/ sold and courts can subpoena records. think of it this way you havent seen a therapist for 20 years and you end up in a car accident where your mentality comes into question. the court orders your health records and discovers years ago you had mental illnesses. that record ends up biting you in the behind. but say the agency you received your mental health care from has destroyed your files after you havent been their patient for 7 years. years later you have a problem that record with DID listed on your files cant come back and bite you in the behind.

some agencies put this safety measure in place back in the 1980's when laws changed allowing courts to require crisis centers, doctors and mental health agencies to comply with the courts and hand over their files and testify against their own clients.

imagine the therapist you have now going to court and testifying against youin 10-20 years for what ever you may be accused of in the future, and having to divulge all your deep dark secrets to everyone in the court room. its not fair but its the law that treatment providers have to co operate with law enforcement and court system. thats why they destroy the files. so they dont have to hand over your files to the courts and such years and decades after you have stopped seeing that therapist.

So what I did by getting my old psychologists to talk to my T. Wasnt a good idea because now it will be on my record again?! *****!

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by Dnester

So what I did by getting my old psychologists to talk to my T. Wasnt a good idea because now it will be on my record again?! *****!

I cant say whether your getting your past therapist to talk with your present therapist was a good thing or a bad thing. only you can decide that..

for me any time I did this it was a good thing because it provided whats called continuity of care where everyone knew/ knows what is going on, what treatment options worked and what ones didnt. under what diagnostic criteria I was diagnosed and if there was new diagnostics in place, a new evaluation was done... in other words for me there was many positives and very little negatives when it came to my old treatment providers meeting with my new ones.

is it now part of your records again.. yes ... treatment providers in the USA have to document each session, not word for word just important information that they feel may need working on and treatment plans developed for.

example any time I talked about my dissociation problems during any of my therapy sessions my treatment providers took note of it.

so yes if you at any time discussed with your present treatment provider that you feel you have dissociation problems or you have presented with any symptoms of any mental disorders its already part of your present files with your present treatment provider. talking with your past therapist may "confirm " what your new therapist knows or that you have disclosed to them. and it can give them a better idea of what your past diagnosis's are.

if you dont agree with having what ever problems you and your past therapist discussed or you were diagnosed with in the past you can ask for a new psychiatric evaluation. this will give you want your present diagnosis's are. the testing is very long and for some people can take more than one meeting with a psychiatrist and then it can take months to a year to get the final results and reports. depending upon what information you have disclosed in your therapy sessions, scheduling with a psychiatrist to do the many tests, time that it takes to complete a full battery of tests, time it takes for the psychiatrist to send the tests out to be scored, time that it takes for the test scoring company to go through your tests and score them, time it takes to return the tests to the psychiatrist with the results, time for the psychiatrist to review the tests and scores and write up their formal diagnosis reports, then scheduling for you and your therapist to meet with the psychiatrist to go over the test scores and results of what your diagnosis's are.

the whole process takes a very long time to get through. but with me each time I do it, its well worth it.