Disagree with a psychiatric diagnosis
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Anonymous
| I went to see a psychiatrist for a condition I've been diagnosed long time ago. He administered a (pretty brief) questionnaire and based on it diagnosed me with something else in addition to what I have. When I expressed my hesitation, he sort of pushed portion of questions, made them more leading and insisted I do have the condition. I still disagree, but don't want to disrespect his authority. At the same time I don't want to start the drugs I don't think are necessary. What should I do? |
Anonymous
| Tell him you disagree and don't start the drugs. |
Anonymous
| Second opinion. |
Anonymous
| Definitely get a second opinion. Be open, though, and really listen to what the other doctor has to say. I think that psychiatric diagnoses are usually more art than science, so there is a lot of room for differing opinions. |
Anonymous
Definitely. It sounds like a cursory evaluation. It's possible that you were misdiagnosed, but I would try a different doctor. |
Anonymous
Thank you! When I come see another doctor, should I disclose that I am there for a second opinion, or should I not? |
Anonymous
| Get a second opinion. My parents took me to a psychiatrist when I was 13, 6 months after my brother died. He said I was Bipolar. I had an appointment with my GP for a school physical a couple weeks later. He said there was nothing wrong with me - my brother had died suddenly at a pivotal point in my life and I was acting out in understandable ways. I went to therapy for a couple years and never took drugs. 15 years later I am just fine. |
Anonymous
| Second opinion , definitely. You want a correct diagnosis. More important, you don't want to be taking the wrong medications if the first doctor wasn't right. |
Anonymous
I would and I would disclose the diagnosis. Explain that you aren't sure if it's right and you would like New Doctor to confirm or rule out. If they have an idea what you want to know he/she can be more careful about ruling something in or out. |
Anonymous
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I've been to a lot of therapists and never had them diagnose me on the spot like that based on answers to a questionnaire. I mean, never. Now idk what's going on with you, maybe it's different but It can't hurt to get a second opinion.
If the second guy gives you the same diagnosis though then I'd say it's time to take the meds. 
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Anonymous
| I would get a second opinion. |
Anonymous
| I would get a second opinion and would not tell of the first diagnosis until after you get the new results. The second diagnosis needs to be perfectly objective without any influence as a result of the orts. Psychiatric diagnosis can be quite subjective despite all the tests and questionnaires, |
Anonymous
Yes, I don't think a doc should prescribe meds after a cursory examination, and then insist when you express hesitation or doubt. That's not a good sign. Be open to the possibility that he may be correct, but no need to rush anything. I would find a doc who doesn't do this and is willing to take the time to get an accurate picture of what's going on with you. |
Anonymous
| I always feel uncomfortable about getting second opinions from doctors, but I think it's best to be clear that you are asking for a second opinion (with the new doctor). Doctors are fine with that & expect patients will do it - it's a good thing in their eyes. I'd be okay with telling them why you are in doubt about the other diagnosis. I think honesty is always the best policy. |