[sadplant]

I've finally found a good psychiatrist (I went through three different doctors before meeting my current one).

I've seen her (and a psychologist who works in the same hospital) a few times already and she still hasn't done anything. I've just been given a couple of benzos and some words of encouragement for the past few visits, and I'm just confused as to how recovery is to be achieved like this.

First of all, I don't even know what I'm struggling with. I know 'labels' aren't important but I'd feel much comfortable going to the hospital if I knew what's "wrong" with me. I've spoken to both my psychiatrist and psychologist about this and they seem unwilling to give me a diagnosis.

I'd feel a lot better if my issue HAD a label. At least I'd know what I was taking the medication for, I'd know why I need to see a doctor at all...

How long does it take for psychiatrists to come up with a diagnosis?

Diagnosis for mental illness is really hard. Sometimes pdocs want to see the whole range of symptoms before they are comfortable to provide a diagnosis. Some clients when diagnosed will display symptoms of that particular disorder because that is what they have researched and read about it. This can make it very difficult to get an accurate diagnosis with the correct treatment.

It took 3 months in hospital for me to get my diagnosis. They needed to see the full spectrum of moods to ensure I was receiving the correct treatment. Before my diagnosis all I was told was that I was suffering major depression but they were not keen to stick a label on me until they were sure.

[sadplant]

Oh, I totally understand. Thank you, by the way!

Diagnosis can take a while. Honestly, be thankful they aren't jumping to a diagnosis and are taking the time to really know you, your moods, your issues better first. Too many times, diagnosis comes too fast and is erroneous which causes a whole other set of problems.

You can approach your questions as "From what you are seeing thus far, where are you leaning in terms of a diagnosis?" You will probably be given their top two or three best educated guesses at this point, and they should be able to explain what they looking for before they can make a firm diagnosis. I know my son's Pdoc is not quite ready to finalize his diagnosis, but he and I have discussed the probabilities and the reason to hold off at this point.

[RTerroni]

I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was in Grade School and Asperger's when I was in High School so it all depends.

[kaliope]

I can understand your frustration at not getting a diagnosis. for me, having that diagnosis was a relief because it finally explained what was wrong with me. my world finally made sense because I could put what was happening to me into a category. but it is good not to rush it to get a proper diagnosis when so many have similar symptoms. take care.

I was pretty much in full-blown mania when the pdocs saw me, so diagnosis was a little bit easier. I how do not feel better now I have a label, but thats just me.

[sadplant]

Thanks, guys!

One more thing though. Is it okay that my psychiatrist prescribed me with anti-psychotics before even diagnosing me? I mean, two visits in and she was already asking me to take these meds (had a bad reaction to them, so I stopped)..

[mcl6136]

They may suspect a few options and are waiting to be sure, while doing their best to stabilize you with the meds.

Hang in there....And keep in mind that a diagnosis may come as a "mixed" sort of judgement, as in xxxx with xxx symptoms as well.

My father, who was a PDoc used to say, everyone wants to know what IT IS. Sometimes it's a few things working together! You can have a rash AND the flu!

Please don't let this scare you, but there are sometimes not bright lines! But at least you will know what you're dealing with, and then can come up with strategies from there.

Your attitude seems SO constructive and open, by the way!

[ultramar]

Originally Posted by sadplant

Thanks, guys!

One more thing though. Is it okay that my psychiatrist prescribed me with anti-psychotics before even diagnosing me? I mean, two visits in and she was already asking me to take these meds (had a bad reaction to them, so I stopped)..

Antipsychotics can have some awful side effects, both short and long term (which one did you take?) I would definitely ask why you were prescribed them. Maybe they don't have a diagnosis yet, but what symptoms are these treating? Have you experienced psychosis?

[sadplant]

Originally Posted by ultramar

Antipsychotics can have some awful side effects, both short and long term (which one did you take?) I would definitely ask why you were prescribed them. Maybe they don't have a diagnosis yet, but what symptoms are these treating? Have you experienced psychosis?

Exactly why I was hesitant about taking them in the first place. I've never experienced hallucinations or delusions, so I did bring forth my concerns to my psychiatrist and she said that Abilify could be used to treat anxiety-issues as well. None of my doctors seem to want to tell me what symptoms they're trying to treat. They just keep recommending me various medications. Sigh.

[LadyShadow]

Originally Posted by sadplant

Exactly why I was hesitant about taking them in the first place. I've never experienced hallucinations or delusions, so I did bring forth my concerns to my psychiatrist and she said that Abilify could be used to treat anxiety-issues as well. None of my doctors seem to want to tell me what symptoms they're trying to treat. They just keep recommending me various medications. Sigh.

I am sorry you and your doctors are struggling with this. It was hard for them to come up with the diagnosis of bipolar for me.

I'm not sure why they would give you Abilify, they wanted to put me on that for the bipolar.

I guess they are just trying things out to see how you would react and how it would help you.

Good luck, I hope you find the answers you want soon

[Rive.]

Two days does indeed seem a bit quick to be trying anti-psychotics, particularly considering some of their ensuing side effects... Still, I've read that sometimes psychiatrists will not be sure of a definite diagnosis but will still prescribe specific meds, but only as a process of elimination. Sort of like a trial and error protocol if that makes sense, in order to better ascertain what you might be suffering from.

All this mainly because diagnosis is such a subjective construct and hard to quantify (e.g. many psychological disorders share similar symptoms).

But do question your psychiatrist(s) esp. as you had bad reactions to the meds in question & have them explain what they are doing and/or how they propose to diagnose and treat you. It is very important that you know the 'why' of whatever they give you, so you are a full partner in your diagnosis & subsequent treatment.