Differing Diagnosis Between Doctors?

[PainX2]

I've been seeing my Psychologist for 5 weeks now. She has heard much of the details of what led to my complete breakdown in July. She diagnosed me with Delayed Onset PTSD relating to several different traumatic incidents from the time I was about 10-20 years old. I never got counselling for any of it. I had 1 session and never went back because it was so horrifying.

I saw my family doctor a couple of weeks ago and briefly went over the basic details of what had happened to me and that had her diagnose me differently than the Psychologist. She's put down Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

How can they have 2 different opinions of what's wrong with me? And what is the correct diagnosis? Or .. really... does it matter what they call it??

 

[kers]

Doctors will diagnose us differently depending on the symptoms they see, the information they have, and the knowledge and experience they have in diagnosing psychiatric issues. Keep in mind a GP does not have the training that a psychologist or psychiatrist would have in identifying mental disorders. It sounds like you had a short visit with the GP, so she had just basic knowledge of your circumstances. After five hours with the psychologist, that person has far more information.

 

[This Ends Now]

In my experience, if you see 3 doctors you will get 6 diagnosis and 12 prescriptions. I completely agree with kers about putting more faith in the doctor who has the most information and experience. If you are still unsure and have the ability to get multiple opinions then I would recommend going with the diagnosis that appears most often. As far as how much it matters in your case depends on the course of treatment each suggested. Major depressive episodes and severe anxiety are both included in the list of PTSD symptoms. With either case cognitive behavioral therapy and medication for depression and anxiety seem pretty standard. What course of treatment did each suggest to you?

 

[PainX2]

My GP has me on Counselling and medication. The Psychologist recommended only Counselling but cautioned that medication was likely necessary. So in that way they are both on the same page.

 

[Iam]

Interesting thread PainX2. My T, and LCSW, says he believes I have PTSD. A pyschologist to me the same thing 9 years ago when I had a breakdown and sent me to see a psychiatrist to get a pdx for medications. When I read all my paperwork it says MDD, Anhedonia, GAD and a few other mental disorders. I have an appt with PCP for a physical on Tuesday. I've only seen him 2x's in 2 years and all he did was continue prescribing my meds. The only thing I have ever said to him was that I was doing fine emotionally which has been a lie. My current T doesn't feel that it is necessary for me to go thru the battery of tests to get a formal dx of PTSD. I have wondered if it might be a good idea, but it would be expensive. I think I will bring it up with my PCP Tuesday to see what he thinks. I really don't feel comfortable doing that though.

 

[This Ends Now]

That course of treatment sounds pretty normal PainX2. If you choose to continue counseling without medication please be careful to avoid re-traumatizing yourself. If you choose to accept medication in addition to therapy I would suggest being very mindful of what you are taking, why you are taking it, and the effects of the medications both positive and negative. I like to keep a journal or symptom log so my doctors and I can have an accurate record of my progress as well as what is working and what is backfiring. If you have the means I would suggest asking for a referral to a Psychiatrist so you will have a specialist to help with medication and diagnostic issues. I would also like to add that your doctors and therapists are skilled professionals that YOU EMPLOY, not gods that you must blindly obey. You have every right to ask for explanations, discuss alternatives, or fire them and hire someone else.

I think it is good that you are being proactive in your recovery Iam. It's pretty standard for your psychiatrist visits to be quick med checks and refills. Is there a reason you have only seen him twice in two years and felt the need to lie about the effectiveness of the medications? It might be a better investment to schedule a few extra appointments (or seek a second opinion)and see if your medicine needs a little adjustment since your symptoms are still causing you problems. I don't know of any magic pill that will make everything all better, but your meds should at least lower the severity of your symptoms enough to allow you to live your life. Each person is unique and your reaction to a medication might not be the same as another person's. Even within the same "class" of medicine such as SSRI there are many small variations that can make a huge difference. Regardless it is a good idea to tell your doctor about the benefits and side effects as you experience them since there your feedback is the only way he can know how well or poorly a prescription is working for you.

I wish you all well,

Liz