DID Neuropsychiatrist and did

[silk123]

Hello, can a Neuropsychiatrist diagnose DID? How would they go about this? Just wondering what to expect or whether it is actually worth going?

Any help/advice would be gratefully received.

 

[mysweetheart]

They'll likely do a neuro-psych exam, which consists of a lot of different tests.

I'm diagnosed with DID, though I am in 'remission' - meaning all of my identities have integrated and I have one core personality.

 

[silk123]

Oh god, lots of different tests does not sound good to me, I do not think I will be able to manage that.

Nevermind, it was worth a thought I guess. The referral has already gone as well.

How am I ever going to get better if I can't remember what is happening in therapy sessions? It has been nearly 2 years now and I just can't remember....so frustrating.

 

[mysweetheart]

It isn't very bad, to be honest. I was able to do it while I was having 8-10 anxiety induced seizures a day.

 

[silk123]

Ok. You did well. I have lots of seizures too which I think complicates things a hell of a lot.

 

[silk123]

I'm just so sick of the neurology-psychiatry-neurology-psychiatry roundabout. It's just too stressful with no sign of getting any better.

 

[mysweetheart]

Trust me, you will. It just takes time. It's hard and it feels like it's never going to get better, but when you least expect it - it will.

 

[anthony]

Hello, can a Neuropsychiatrist diagnose DID?

A neuropsych can pretty much diagnose anything they want to... because they're both a doctor and psychiatrist, thus they cover both physical and mental health, let alone being a specialist in neuro-psychiatry.

 

[Ed Norton]

Despite his qualifications, a diagnosis of DID is particulary difficult to make because the doctor
has to confirm that at least two or more distinct personalities exist. This will take time. Also, he must first rule out any other causes of apparent dissociation such as certain seizure disorders. I know it is difficult but you have to be patient. Occasionally hypnosis can expedite the diagnostic process, but nevertheless you will probably undergo at battery of test. which may include such things as an MRI, EEG and psychlogical tests.

 

[silk123]

@anthony and @Ed Norton thanks for all your information. I have been having EEG's for 25 years and never had a normal one yet and the last MRI showed some small lesions in the brain so you never know he may be able to use past tests, that would be good.
I will just have to see how it goes, a bit worried about these psychological tests but I guess it is just something I will have to go through.
I guess having Epilepsy will complicate things but meanwhile I am in limbo and in therapy but remembering none of it.

 

[Ed Norton]

You probably would not get more than one or two psychological tests. My abnormal psych professor said that too many psychological exams can be very confounding for the tester. Two common tests are the MMPI, or Minnesota Multiphasic Personality inventory and the DES, Dissociative Experiences Scale. The former will be used to rule out things such as bipolar and schizophrenia. The latter is self explanatory. He will take a thourough history most likely do a neuro exam, consider the findings of your prior tests then refer you to a psychologist for furthrr testing. The process will probably not be as onerous as you imagine. Best of luck and be patient :-)

 

[silk123]

Well, hello everyone, just thought I needed to come and post. I'm quite emotional and low. Had appointment today and having left the office but whilst still in the hospital collapsed and woke up to signs saying Majors and Resus. Not good. Cannot remember anything of the appointment apart from him having to repeat every sentence 5 or 6 times before he could get a response from me.
Everything is just so hopeless.