[JackMS]

So I was sent to the psychologist because my current sponser, for the Alcohol and Drug Abuse program in which I am enrolled, thought I was doing all these things because I had Bipolar. So, after a little more than an hour of questions, he tells me he has no concerns. I read his report afterwards and he states: "...does display some symptoms of mania but fails criteria A at a distinct period... displays significant components of Antisocial Personality Disorder though the diagnosis cannot be given as mania and schizophrenia may be in a prodromal state..." I don't know about you, but that sounds like I dodged a bullet. And she was concerned for the safety of others around me. I told her I am a nice person. The psychologist just confirms it by stating "...is not displaying acute safety concerns..." Yay me.

[IowaFarmGal]

He calls that no concerns? Why mention it then?

[JackMS]

I think he meant that he has no concerns for my safety or others. Because I was sent here originally from the Sponser, who thought I had a problem and wanted to see.

[Open Eyes]

It sounds to me like this psychologist has no real answer and is just guessing.

It's a bird, no wait, a plane, no, SUPERMAN.

Why write these questions down if none of them may apply to the reality of YOU ?
That is in YOUR records for other professionals to see and even be mislead.

Sorry you have that to think about, it just isn't right in my opinion.

Open Eyes

[JackMS]

I don't understand what you are saying. He just sounds like he gave a lot of it could be this and it could be that. I don't think it will affect me in the end.

[Open Eyes]

Oh, okay, as long as it doesn't bother you. I think you are doing the right thing in going to a therapist for help. I think that it would be helpful for you to spend more time with the therapist as well and a diagnosis (in my opinion) that is more than a could be is applied.

I am just speaking from experience where a therapist was way too quick in writing things down in my own records that are not me at all and have mislead others, including myself about me. I think it is much wiser to spend more time with a patient before writing anything down as most patients are nervous and in my case, I was experiencing full blown PTSD and not other things.

I think you did do the right thing by seeing a therapist, I think you should keep going to a therapist so in time you can get the right diagnoses and guidance that can be helpful for you.

Glad to hear you have a sponser that can guide you and that you are going to AA and the step program. My husband got a tremendous amount of help from that program and he will be celebrating 22 years this September. It a great program for you all around.

Your mood, (aggressive), that can change dramatically as you stay with the program as it is not just about not drinking or using other drugs. It is about why you go down that road and how you can change that and feel better about that decision.

Good Luck,
Open Eyes

Originally Posted by Open Eyes

Oh, okay, as long as it doesn't bother you. I think you are doing the right thing in going to a therapist for help. I think that it would be helpful for you to spend more time with the therapist as well and a diagnosis (in my opinion) that is more than a could be is applied.

I am just speaking from experience where a therapist was way too quick in writing things down in my own records that are not me at all and have mislead others, including myself about me. I think it is much wiser to spend more time with a patient before writing anything down as most patients are nervous and in my case, I was experiencing full blown PTSD and not other things.

This is great advice.

A diagnosis cannot be made in a few visits, especially personality disorders. Any therapist who makes a diagnosis so readily should be avoided. Misdiagnosis follows you, and can make accessing treatment in the future difficult. I have been there. A diagnosis needs to be made with care. Your story and feelings have to be explored, and over a longer period of time.

Often the initial opinion is wrong, because a client can appear nervous, going through a difficult time, is having a bad day, etc... All this can obscure who they are and what is really occurring with them. Some therapists get stuck on the presenting complaint, and refuse to consider other possible diagnoses. It is important to know, the therapist's office is one context. Your world outside of that office has to be considered. A true and accurate diagnosis accounts for that. Anyway, for therapy to be effective, the diagnosis must be correct.

The prodrome comment indicates to me that the diagnosis is not concrete. You need to be followed if mania or schizophrenia is developing. Note: Substance abuse can cause similar symptoms.

[JackMS]

Thanks for everyone's input.

Originally Posted by Didgee Eeyou

A diagnosis cannot be made in a few visits, especially personality disorders. Any therapist who makes a diagnosis so readily should be avoided. Misdiagnosis follows you, and can make accessing treatment in the future difficult. I have been there. A diagnosis needs to be made with care. Your story and feelings have to be explored, and over a longer period of time.

Often the initial opinion is wrong, because a client can appear nervous, going through a difficult time, is having a bad day, etc... All this can obscure who they are and what is really occurring with them. Some therapists get stuck on the presenting complaint, and refuse to consider other possible diagnoses. It is important to know, the therapist's office is one context. Your world outside of that office has to be considered. A true and accurate diagnosis accounts for that. Anyway, for therapy to be effective, the diagnosis must be correct.

The prodrome comment indicates to me that the diagnosis is not concrete. You need to be followed if mania or schizophrenia is developing. Note: Substance abuse can cause similar symptoms.

Good post. I was slightly annoyed with my psychiatrist when he didn't immediately diagnose me as having a depression the first time we met, but I've since come to understand that he needed a much more complete picture of ho my mood was over a longer period of time before he'd put a diagnosis on me. And depression is straightforward compared to many other diagnoses.

[WikidPissah]

Originally Posted by JackMS

Yay me.

Glad it made you feel better. Is therapy something you are considering, or was it a one shot deal?

BTW, welcome, nice to have you here.

[JackMS]

I don't there is anything wrong with me. The AA sponser thought so. The meeting with the psychologist showed I am fine I don't want to get a label. So I don't want to keep going.

[JackMS]

I don't think*

[honeybee777]

well im glad your on thr right track to being diagnosed! Sounds like theri going in the right direction at least! Sorry Ive not been on, my hubby took my computer and i broke my arm, long story lol, but i wll be going to the library to ckeck in with you JackMS!!! Bipolar huh, NOT!! Thats the first diagnoses i got as well, but it didnt last, ASPD features is what i got as well, Hope to get inot chat and see you soon!!