[MotownJohnny]

Since I am new, I will summarize briefly. Last summer, an event at work, coupled with just a lot of general life stress, pushed me over the edge into a crisis state. A very incompetent MD, something I found out after the fact, misdiagnosed me as bipolar, got me onto lamictal which did nothing for my state of mind but caused anemia and a neurological tremor, and worst, threatened and intimidated me into doing a day hospital program. All of which took me from a dark place in my life to the bottom of a pit so deep I wasn't sure I could get out.

Months later, first my therapist and then the new, competent MD I now see diagnosed me with PTSD and anxiety disorder. Which made a lot more sense. And, in almost all aspects of my life, I feel dramatically better equipped to deal with stressors fom trivial to major.

I feel like the one thing hanging over my head is this first diagnosis, and especially the fact that I was in a psychiatric treatment program, albeit nominally outpatient. I dread the thought that someone will find this out, and worse "out me" to the word. I have felt all along that this sort of information would destroy my personal and professional reputation, my career, and probably my relationships with family and friends.

And, at the time, I feared this diagnosis could be used against me in a legal setting, to have me declared incompetent and placed under guardianship or conservatorship, to take away rights such as to contract, or privileges such as my driver's license - perfect driving record for 30 years, but during my messed up state I turned into Mr. Road Rage and did some really stupid stuff, and then was even more stupid and told the first MD about it, so it's in writing in records.

I know those are far-fetched fears, especially since I was never totally dysfunctional - I even went into the office in the evenings some nights after the day program to work on some case files, since the court deadlines had to be met no matter what. Even at the time, anyone would have had a hard time proving I was incompetent, but I feared someone would try.

I know it isn't like a criminal record that can be expunged, but I would like to know if someone can be declared or certified "sane" or competent by a MD short of a court proceeding? Haven't been brave enough to ask my new MD that question yet. What would be the criteria? What is sane, really, anyway? We all have some issues, everyone.

[catsrhelm]

All I can say is ask an MD or a lawyer when it comes to your legal stuff. I speak from the inside of bi-polar disorder, and I vote that there is no such thing as a clean bill of health when it comes to that particular illness. I never know when I am going to cycle into depression or mania, and mind you, I take my medications religiously.

[winter4me]

It might make more sense to deal with the unrealistic fears vs trying to change something that doesn't really exist in the way that you are thinking of it---
In fact, going that route would likely bring more attention to your past than moving forward will.

[Travelinglady]

Good question. I, too, have been diagnosed with Bipolar, and I am told that it is a life-time condition, which will always need treatment.

On the other hand, I would think PTSD and even anxiety could be cured. Or am I wrong on that?

I suggest you go ahead and tell your current psychiatrist about your concerns. I think they are appropriate, albeit your fears are somewhat exaggerated, I personally believe. After all, mistakes in diagnosis are made. I see no reason why an incorrect one, if that's the case, needs to remain in your records.

And why even tell anyone about the old diagnosis, if it is no longer confirmed? If anyone digs up the record, then they could be told about the incorrect diagnosis.....

I'd be interested in knowing what your psychiatrist says about it.

[MotownJohnny]

Originally Posted by PAYNE1

Good question. I, too, have been diagnosed with Bipolar, and I am told that it is a life-time condition, which will always need treatment.

On the other hand, I would think PTSD and even anxiety could be cured. Or am I wrong on that?

I suggest you go ahead and tell your current psychiatrist about your concerns. I think they are appropriate, albeit your fears are somewhat exaggerated, I personally believe. After all, mistakes in diagnosis are made. I see no reason why an incorrect one, if that's the case, needs to remain in your records.

And why even tell anyone about the old diagnosis, if it is no longer confirmed? If anyone digs up the record, then they could be told about the incorrect diagnosis.....

I'd be interested in knowing what your psychiatrist says about it.

I have my next follow up with her in about 2 weeks, and I am ready to ask about this issue. I will definitely report back on her response. If I had to guess, though, in advance, I would guess that she will say "who cares unless it becomes an issue?"

So yes, in response to a prior post (thanks to all, btw), I do realize I'm stewing over vague hypotheticals. Which isn't good.

[Nammu]

Diagnosis of Mental Illness Hinges on Doctor As Much As Symptoms The Seattle Times

This is copied from another website that was filled with distracting ads and pop ups so I copied and got out, its great info though.

PTSD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder can occur at any age, including childhood. The disorder can be accompanied by depression, substance abuse, or anxiety. Symptoms may be mild or severe -- people may become easily irritated or have violent outbursts. In severe cases, they may have trouble working or socializing. In general, the symptoms seem to be worse if the event that triggered them was initiated by a person -- such as a murder, as opposed to a flood.
As with many mental disorders, the causes of bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia are poorly understood. Friends and family commonly are shocked, afraid or angry when they learn of the diagnosis. People often imagine a person with these disorders as being more violent or out-of-control than a person who has depression or many other serious diseases. But these kinds of prejudices and misperceptions can be readily corrected.
Expectations become more realistic as bipolar, PTSD, and schizophrenia are better understood as disorders that require an ongoing and often lifetime treatment. Demystification of these illnesses, along with recent insights from neuroscience and neuropsychology, gives new hope for finding more effective treatments.

These are symptoms all three disorders have in common;

• heightened sense of self-importance
• exaggerated positive outlook
• significantly decreased need for sleep or difficulty sleeping
• poor appetite and weight loss
• racing speech, flight of ideas, impulsiveness
• ideas that move quickly from one subject to the next
• poor concentration, easy distractibility
• increased activity level or loss of energy
• poor financial choices, rash spending sprees
• excessive irritability, aggressive behavior
• feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• loss of interest in pleasurable or usual activities
• negative thoughts about the future
• weight gain or weight loss

The main and most important reason for the misdiagnosis is the little information that is given by the patient. A doctor may ask if other family members have ever suffered from these disorders. If you only know of one, the doctor will automatically assume that is the disorder that it is the problem. They will then prescribe you a medication that treats only that disorder. You must give detail about the symptoms you are experiencing. You must also ask any and many questions before allowing a diagnosis. One thing that can be asked is if the doctor diagnosis you with one ask “Is possible it could be something else?” Ask “Is there are tests that can be done. Let them know that you want to know what it is and want to be treated for it properly!

If any one tries to say you must be X because you went to treatment or took a pill point out these things and the fact that many people have been mis-diagnosed with physical illness too, that doesn't make the first diagnosis right. This is the reason people see 2nd and even third opinions. PTSD is a treatable illness.

I'm not sure if this info will help but maybe. A while back I needed some medical records regarding my depression/anxiety and treatment. I requested the records from two mental health treatment facilities where I was treated... one public and one private. I couldn't get the records. Both facilities response was that they only store client/patient records for a certain length of time and then they are destroyed/tossed. I don't know that all treatment providers do things that way. I was never in any type of hospitalization program though.
I don't think your concerns are far-fetched or even unreasonable but I don't think it's very likely that your medical history will come back to haunt you in any way.