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Diagnosis questions, especially if your are in the UK!


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I have been considering getting a diagnosis, but obviously in the UK we do not have the DSM-V we have the ICD-10 and from what i can find (which is very little) HPPD is only mentioned alongside hallucinogen dependence, so I was wondering if i can even get a diagnosis if that is the case. Has anyone else managed it, and was it difficult? 

 

I was also wondering if being diagnosed has hindered anyone in any way? There's always stigma attached to mental health issues, I know in certain job they check your medical records for this kind of thing, not sure if it would matter or not though? 

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Personally i would avoid getting diagnosed.

The stress and anxiety associated with the diagnostic process will almost certainly out weigh the benefits.

The important thing is that you know for yourself what disorder you have. Having some quack acknowledge your disorder won't do shit for you.

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Having some quack acknowledge your disorder won't do shit for you.

That is not true. You might go to a doctor who doesn't believe you/isn't willing to acknowledge you. If someone has diagnosed you, you don't have to convince another doctor what you have. "I don't need your diagnosis, look on my record" is a wonderful piece of ammunition against sceptical/unempathetic doctors. This is particularly useful with GP's. I had a diagnosis from a great psych who specialised at a drug clinic. It has been really useful for me to get referrals to psychotherapists, neurologists etc from my GP, who before were much more unwilling to help.

Not to mention, if you have a diagnosis of 'hallucinogen persisting perception disorder', and want to try levetiracetam, you can present the study "Levetiracetam efficacy in hallucinogen persisting perception disorder" - you can try meds based on what has been shown to be relevant.

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I do see your point syntheos, however the question remains... After visiting these numerous specialists, are you any better off ?

Yes, I think so. Everything is a step closer, isn't it? You are a step closer to resolving things when you have a diagnosis and it is not a GP handing out SSRI's. A step closer when you are able to try levetiracetam. When people care and listen. When you get cognitive help. All these things help, especially psychologically; even if no one can cure you. I might have responded well to levetiracetam and be even better, but that couldn't have happened if no one was willing to diagnose me and if I hadn't taken in the study. Most of my healing has been to do with time, but without specialists doing their best to help and reassure me, I would be worse off.

One day I will see a specialist who will be able to help, maybe cure my (our) condition. The new research on locating the cause of visual snow (hypermetabolism in the lingual gyrus) is really promising. As is the review paper.

 

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Well put syntheso,

I guess I've become more and more sceptical of pretty much everyone in the medical field over the past 2 years.

I have spent thousands of dollars and hav'nt got any where.

I have been lectured, laughed at and even been asked to grow up from "professionals " and "specialists "

Needless to say my frustrations and doubts increase to grow.

Lifestyle and heathy eating are my only support group really.

I wish you well and hope you find some relief shortly

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It's nice to get a diagnoses but it would be nicer to get an exact clear explanation in regards to what specific area of ur brain is being affected or malfunctioning and why.. It would be the nicest feeling for a specialists to sit down with you and clearly explain what has happened knowing the proper protocols that work with exact antidotes for solutions.. Furthermore maybe they could explain what components are lacking certain chemicals and elements with a plan to fix them.. Instead of just guessing all the time with mask conventionals for anti-psychotics or anti-seizure type ball park solutions.. I feel personally we need to figure out the specific areas that have been torn or damaged understand the correlations between the anatomical structure, pathology, nervous system, etc and their supporters exactly why they are not operating correctly. Time is of essence but so is death.. I hope the hyperspace button gets pressed here soon because I'm becoming an old fart..;O)

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It's nice to get a diagnoses but it would be nicer to get an exact clear explanation in regards to what specific area of ur brain is being affected or malfunctioning and why.. It would be the nicest feeling for a specialists to sit down with you and clearly explain what has happened knowing the proper protocols that work with exact antidotes for solutions.. Furthermore maybe they could explain what components are lacking certain chemicals and elements with a plan to fix them.. Instead of just guessing all the time with mask conventionals for anti-psychotics or anti-seizure type ball park solutions.. I feel personally we need to figure out the specific areas that have been torn or damaged understand the correlations between the anatomical structure, pathology, nervous system, etc and their supporters exactly why they are not operating correctly. Time is of essence but so is death.. I hope the hyperspace button gets pressed here soon because I'm becoming an old fart..;O)

This is happening right now. These things take time. But some considerable progress has been made in the last couple of months with these two new studies;

http://hppdonline.com/index.php?/topic/3865-hppd-and-the-serotonergic-system-a-comprehensive-review-including-new-mdma-related-clinical-cases/

http://hppdonline.com/index.php?/topic/3849-the-relation-between-migraine-typical-migraine-aura-and-visual-snow/

 

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