Have Any Sufferers Been Misdiagnosed With Another Mental Illness?

[Queen Boudica]

Borderline Personality trait (splitting)

What is borderline personality trait? Why is it a trait rather than simply BPD. And what is splitting? Excuse my ignorance

 

[Deleted member 31177]

I hope this is the right section to put this in. After watching the Changing Minds program last night, abou...

In the early 2000's I was misdiagnosed as Bipolar (and they will ALWAYS say that "Bipolars always say they are not Bipolar and brush you off) and was put on Lithium. From that day on, I was completely lifeless, stopped taking my morning 2 mile walks (even to date), became a recluse and had to stop taking it and they put me on a ton of other "Bipolar" meds. I was in a dizzy daze from that point until I moved back home and found a doctor that diagnosed me properly (w/PTSD, Major Depression and Anxiety, and NO Bipolar). I felt much better and like I was "living again" on the new meds, still having triggers and other issues, but better than the zombie life.

Sadly, during the time I lived in Los Angeles and on those other meds, the Psychiatrist and Psychologist shared the same small office with one receptionist. I had been sexually exploited for about 6 months by the Psychologist in my haze of heavy medicines and just gave in and this is something I would NEVER do because I had never done anything with a married man before - and he was married, I was just pretty lobotomized at this time and being a recluse, only going to doc appointments where it happened also (he would come to my house every week) I wasn't even thinking at all. He was my only focus in life. Very, very sick. I slowly, slowly went off all the "mood stabilizer" medications on my own and as clarity was coming back into my bean brain I realized what was happening and that he was married and that I didn't want to be doing this, and he became very red-in-the-face angry with me all the time, I became very, very scared of him and didn't want to see him at all anymore, and wanted to talk to the Psychiatrist and he refused to see me, or even talk on the phone with me, even when i said it was an emergency, a big emergency, so apparently he knew what was going on - what a HORRIFIC TIME!

I ended up filing with the Board of Psychology which went straight to the Medical Board and then straight to the DOJ's office and they immediately filed an Accusation against him for which he was disciplined, but sadly not removed from practice. I am certain he is still doing this to others, and was at the time he was doing this to me (by the way other women talked with him at the office and the look in their eyes. I just knew).

Anyways, About 7 months later I filed a Civil lawsuit and that turned out well, but not how I wanted, but my attorney added people I didn't intend on suing, it was just the Psychologist I wanted to sue and he added about 6 other entities. So at MSC time the Judge Bifurcated the last 2 defendants and the Psychiatrist would go first, and each trial would be at least 3 weeks. They brought their tough gun insurance people from back east and I was weak and tired and couldn't afford to stay in L.A. for at least 6 weeks or more, (I had moved back home, hours away) so they offered mediation, and after 10 hours, it was all over.

I highly recommend EVERY time you see a mental health doctor that you always get a second, even a third opinion or more until you feel comfortable with the diagnosis(es).

The next doctor in my home town, turns out he had an accusation filed against him for stalking a client, I found out, he lied about it (I was a legal secretary/paralegal for 27 years, knew how to look this all up). Stopped seeing him. Next was a GREAT Psychiatrist, perfect in every way, kept boundaries to the "t" - his desk was far enough away and he stayed behind it, was very professional - all his clients loved him. Got a call from my then female Psychologist who called early one morning and had me sit down, telling me that Dr. R had shot and killed his wife, his 7 year old daughter and then himself very early that morning. I was very stunned. Am still so stunned I haven't even processed that one yet. It was years ago now and I still haven't processed it. It's like he's still alive, I can see his face still. He never talked of personal stuff at all. A great guy. I'll always think of him that way.

Now I just go to County - I'm on Permanent Social Security Disability.

Be very, very, very careful with those Psychologist and Psychiatrists out there. I don't trust any of them anymore, truly. I just go because I think I am on the right meds now and without them, the PTSD triggers are maddening, then the severe depression comes, and anxiety comes after that.

 

[Changing4Best]

I was diagnosed with Bipolar and not PTSD for a long time. I don't know even if they have officially diagnosed me with it yet, because they have not said so. But I was interviewed yesterday about my condition(s) and I did mention to them that I am PTSD. I was asked about this so I explained that I had been molested as a young child and beaten too, by my grandfather. Later I told him about my insomnia and nightmares and he asked me if they were about my having been molested when I was a child and I said yes. So if they did not know I am PTSD they know now! Certainly no one has said I am not PTSD, that is for sure. I will see my Dr. soon and the interviewer said for me to speak about my memory loss with him at that time. I am also suffering from short term memory loss which is causing all kinds of problems for me. I don't know if that is part of PTSD or just because I am in my 60s and that happens to folks now. It could be a little bit of both, because I remember talking to my therapist about it a few years ago, as well as my Dr. I am going to ask them to check me for Alzhiemers too, just in case!

 

[Queen Boudica]

In the early 2000's I was misdiagnosed as Bipolar (and they will ALWAYS say that "Bipolars always say they are not Bipolar and brush you off) and was put on Lithium. From that day on, I was completely lifeless, stopped taking my morning 2 mile walks (even to date), became a recluse and had to stop taking it and they put me on a ton of other "Bipolar" meds. I was in a dizzy daze from that point until I moved back home and found a doctor that diagnosed me properly (w/PTSD, Major Depression and Anxiety, and NO Bipolar). I felt much better and like I was "living again" on the new meds, still having triggers and other issues, but better than the zombie life.

So sorry that happened to you @Julinha. And the psychologist, understand how you wouldn't trust psychologists and psychiatrists. I have real problems trusting psychiatrists and would never see one and with all my power I am not going to get into a hospital ward. And that was because of what happened to my sister so I can see exactly what you went through. I am so glad you are out of that and managing your health. And well done for taking action against these people. No matter what happens you are a brave person, and you took them on, that is a tremendous achievement as well as you getting yourself out of the whole situation.

The more I hear these stories, more I know it wasn't an unusual case my sister, too many vulnerable abuse victims subjected to more abuse in a system that is also about power and control of medical professionals. Very, very disturbing. I think if any new people come on here, reading some of this stuff, perhaps they will see that it is so important to get to therapy early. Don't let yourself deteriorate and get to hospital if you can. which I know if you don't know and a lot of abuse survivors don't even realise they have this condition is probably not realistic, but maybe some will realise. As I said I thought I could be bipolar and was lucky to by chance get a psychologist who recognised the complex trauma. But any who do suspect trauma or PTSD then shop around for psychologists and/or psychiatrists but I know that is so hard, especially if you have no money, and are just left to a hospital system when you get too ill.

 

[Deleted member 31177]

So sorry that happened to you @Julinha. And the psychologist, understand how you wouldn'...

I appreciate all you wrote, Lizio, and thank you so much! I can't afford the hospital, either. I have only Medi-Medi and because I get a higher payment from SSA, my "Share of Cost" on Medi-Cal is $1,226 PER MONTH which means I wouldn't be able to pay rent, eat, pay for medication, feed my cats or get their medication and pay only a few of my bills because I make only about $700 more than that, net per month. ANd I checked MANY times about this, and they don't budge, so I am suffering physically a LOT from many different things that are serious and some severe, but can't afford the doctors (just the little clinic, and only for emergencies, but they don't do surgeries - just for minor things like a bladder infection or things like that.

Going to County Mental Health is free, I have AARP for RX Insurance so the meds are pretty low in cost each month. I'm just going to be okay with that and carry on until it's my time. Just added another Life Insurance Policy for a grand total of $20,000 so no one has to worry about my bills and things, and my Will is pretty much done, just need to add my brother as Executor and talk to the Mortuary and live for 2 more years - LOL (in order for the second Life Insurance Policy to Vest! But then Armageddon may come before then and it will all be futile! (I am a 3 year studying Jehovah's Witness and very, very happy with this, so I do look forward to the end of this system of things!) :-D

Anyways, thank you so much for your kind words. I will be turning off my computer very soon - just checking out the shelter animals and trying to get some of the kill shelter animals over to the no-kill shelter next door. They said they would send people over, but haven't yet. Will have to call them Monday. (Animal Advocate). Hugs and Love to all!

 

[Queen Boudica]

Yes of course in the States, the medical system means that people can't afford hospital. We have free hospitals here, but extras to pay. But this wonderful government we have want to turn our healthcare system into more like the States. It is so wrong

 

[Deleted member 31177]

Yes of course in the States, the medical system means that people can't afford hospital. We have free hospi...

Wow Lizio, I am SO SORRY to hear that!! The medical system here is really, really bad!! Yes, I have Permanent Social Security Disability income now, but I can't go see a real Specialist Doctor anymore. I found that out when I got my Endoscopy from the Gastroenterologist and went to the Urologist around the same time - those bills came quick and boy, were they large!

I just don't get it. I am SO GRATEFUL, however, for at least the County Mental Health where it is free! Start a Petition or something so they don't let that happen where you are!! I'm so serious! It's just horrific here! Wishing you all the best!! I'm off to bed! Julie O'

 

[Casper1018]

I was misdiagnosed as Borderline Personality Disorder, Alcoholic and Drug Dependence prior to disclosing my childhood sexual abusers from ages 3-28. I was then correctly diagnosed as PTSD.

 

[Deleted member 31177]

Hi Casper1018,

Wow, It's so sad that these doctors do not take the time to fully evaluate us before making a diagnosis(es). It's as if they HAVE to make a diagnosis the FIRST DAY we see them and prescribe medication when this could (and does) cause us some serious damage. So glad to hear you were quickly re-diagnosed with the proper diagnosis of PTSD and also SO SORRY to hear what you had to go through as a child and for so long into adulthood! I truly cannot even imagine how horrific and traumatic that had to have, and still is for you having had gone on for so long. Sending virtual friendship hugs your way from my kitties who are all special needs kitties (in case you do not like being touched). Please take good care of you as you are 100% worthy of holding your head up high, having true love in friendship, in a relationship, and are deserving of everything good in this world. You are totally worthy Casper, to receive love and care and healthy friendships and to deny negativity from your life be it in friendships (which I now do) or in any relationship or in a group, you can just walk away and never look back. Just move ahead. You are a creation of God, the Sovereign on true God!

 

[Mallaky]

5 years ago I got diagnosed with mild AD(H)D and having a bit Sadness.

I laughed my ass off and cried hopelessly at the same time.
Made the vow to only return to mental healh care when I know what was going on. Took years. Am back in the system and going good so far.