[TishaBuv]

I'm going to find the best doctor I can go to and try to really figure out if I have an actual diagnosis, mental illness, disorder.

It's important for me to figure out if a legitimate illness is the underlying cause for my failing marriage before I pull the plug on it.

How were you diagnosed? Were you just asked questions? Given tests?

My diagnosis was interesting:

My therapist convinced me to take medication for my ADHD. She said, "I'm not trying to push medication on you, but medication can really help. You should see a psychiatrist and try them out. If you don't like them, you can always quit." So, I signed up for my first pdoc appointment.

When I got to the appointment, my pdoc asked, "Can you describe your concentration problems to me?" When I proceeded to explain them, he said, "Uh huh. And how's your mood been?"

We had a VERY lengthy interview about my symptoms. He asked all sorts of questions and it lasted 1 hour.

At the end of the interview, he said, "You're bipolar." I said, "What?" He said, "You're experiencing mixed mania right now." I was flabbergasted.

I didn't believe the diagnosis, so I sought 2 professional opinions. Did 2 neuropsych evals. One of them said bipolar. The other said bipolar and ADHD.

The neuropsych evals were intense. I did a full IQ test, had my memory and attention assessed, given the MMPI personality test, a bunch of mood disorder questionnaires, etc.. I also interviewed with the psychologists themselves and explained my symptoms to them. So, it was more than just "ticking off boxes" on a questionnaire. I had to explain things so that they could be sure of my diagnosis... if that makes sense.

I highly recommend getting a full neuropsych eval... You don't have to do the IQ test, although the IQ test is kind of cool because it reveals a lot about your personal strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes those weaknesses are due to disorders, too... so it can help with the diagnosis process. However, I don't think an IQ test is "necessary" for an accurate diagnosis... and it might even be expensive depending on your insurance.

[LonesomeTonight]

Originally Posted by TishaBuv

I'm going to find the best doctor I can go to and try to really figure out if I have an actual diagnosis, mental illness, disorder.

It's important for me to figure out if a legitimate illness is the underlying cause for my failing marriage before I pull the plug on it.

How were you diagnosed? Were you just asked questions? Given tests?

I was asked questions and given some questionnaires to fill out. I'm sorry you're struggling. Have you tried marriage counseling for your marriage? It's helped my husband and I (plus I get individual therapy from my own therapist). It's both helped our communication and in my H having a better understanding of my anxiety and depression and how to help me deal with it. So maybe it could help your spouse understand?

Also, have you had a full medical workup with a medical doctor? In case there's a physical reason for what's going on (like thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies, etc.). Could also consider seeing a holistic/integrative doctor to check for things like food intolerances and other issues (I'm seeing one tomorrow, in fact).

[Nammu]

I didn't get my diagnosises until years after being treated with AD and benzo did nothing but make things worse.

[kecanoe]

I did a psych eval with a psychologist. I did a bunch of questionnaires and the. Had a couple of hours interview, and a week later got my diagnoses (as in multiple).

I think it has helped my marriage somewhat to have a name for what is wrong with me. I am not sure I would base my decision to stay in or leave a marriage on my mental illnesses

[AncientMelody]

I understand what you mean kecanoe but what if the mental illness somewhat had was causing paranoid delusions about the spouse? that's definitely a case where having a fully informed dianosis could make or break the marriage

[kecanoe]

Originally Posted by AncientMelody

I understand what you mean kecanoe but what if the mental illness somewhat had was causing paranoid delusions about the spouse? that's definitely a case where having a fully informed dianosis could make or break the marriage

I can see what you are saying. It would be good to know if one is deluded about the spouse. I'm trying to imagine what I would do if I had that diagnosis. I think I would stick it out if spouse was willing. I concur with your plan to get a full evaluation.