Not an actual diagnosis

[ready2moveon]

My symptoms have been bad lately - the shutdown has been a struggle. However, every time I experience anxiety, irritability that I would attribute to my CPTSD I get very agitated thinking about it. Like I am a fraud or I am making axcusess or something.

I am seeing a LCSW for coping with chronic pain. My thrapist thinks I have PTSD but I have never been tested/evaluated specifically for PTSD. I am guessing my therapist is not qualified to make the actual diagnosis. Am I being silly? Should I seek an actual diagnosis or accept the opinion of my therapist

 

[Deanna]

My symptoms have been bad lately - the shutdown has been a struggle. However, every time I experience anxiety, irritability that I would attribute to my CPTSD I get very agitated thinking about it. Like I am a fraud or I am making axcusess or something.

I am seeing a LCSW for coping with chronic pain. My thrapist thinks I have PTSD but I have never been tested/evaluated specifically for PTSD. I am guessing my therapist is not qualified to make the actual diagnosis. Am I being silly? Should I seek an actual diagnosis or accept the opinion of my therapist

To some people it doesn't matter but you'll need a diagnosis, especially for medication associated with it

 

[Teasel]

I think it's very common to doubt you really have PTSD or c-PTSD, I do it on a weekly basis ;)

But everytime I read the symptoms I'm like yep, I defo have c-PTSD.

If you read the symptoms listed here, do you relate to them?

I understand getting a diagnosis can help. But I honestly doubt I have c-PTSD just as often as I did before getting diagnosed.

So I don't know, where I am getting diagnosis took years. Maybe if it's easy enough for you to get an assessment you could do so if you want to?

 

[ready2moveon]

To some people it doesn't matter but you'll need a diagnosis, especially for medication associated with it

I don't

I think it's very common to doubt you really have PTSD or c-PTSD, I do it on a weekly basis ;)

But everytime I read the symptoms I'm like yep, I defo have c-PTSD.

If you read the symptoms listed here, do you relate to them?

I understand getting a diagnosis can help. But I honestly doubt I have c-PTSD just as often as I did before getting diagnosed.

So I don't know, where I am getting diagnosis took years. Maybe if it's easy enough for you to get an assessment you could do so if you want to?

Oh I definitely relate to the listed symptoms. It all makes sense but I still have my bouts of doubting or even thinking I am making my symptoms worse by assuming I have PTSD. I am glad to hear you experience the same.

I am not sure how easy it is to get in for an assessment. I'll ask my doc next time Im in

 

[Friday]

When my symptoms are up? I don’t have PTSD at least twice a day :cool:

If your therapist is an LCSW? They can probably diagnose, but not necessarily. Some do, some don’t. Some? That’s ALL they do, diagnosis or diagnostic testing (Because many diagnosing professionals prefer for an independent 3rd party to do the baseline testing, and then they collate the results from the medical tests, psych tests, and their own experiences). You’ll need to ask them if they can / are willing to. Or you could also just ask them if you already have either a diagnosis or working diagnosis in place, and take that answer as a stepping stone to discuss diagnosis in general.

 

[susannahsays]

Qualification is determined on a state by state basis and LCSWs are deemed qualified to diagnose in most states. The National Association of Social Workers defines clinical social work as: Clinical social work is the professional application of social work theory and methods to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction, disability, or impairment, including emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders.

I would probably not rely on a clinical social worker for a diagnosis of autism, schizoid or schizotypal personality disorders, or any of the psychotic disorders. A clinical psychologist could do the first three but a psychiatrist would be needed for the last to assess for organic brain disease as the cause of symptoms. But for the most common mental disorders, clinical social workers are perfectly qualified - and unfortunately, PTSD is common.

 

[ready2moveon]

Qualification is determined on a state by state basis and LCSWs are deemed qualified to diagnose in most states. The National Association of Social Workers defines clinical social work as: Clinical social work is the professional application of social work theory and methods to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction, disability, or impairment, including emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders.

I would probably not rely on a clinical social worker for a diagnosis of autism, schizoid or schizotypal personality disorders, or any of the psychotic disorders. A clinical psychologist could do the first three but a psychiatrist would be needed for the last to assess for organic brain disease as the cause of symptoms. But for the most common mental disorders, clinical social workers are perfectly qualified - and unfortunately, PTSD is common.

Thanks for this. Perhaps I made an incorrect assumption.