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Hey everyone,

I guess I'm in the 'self-diagnosis' party at the moment after it's been suggested to me that I read into AS and see how many of the basic tenets apply. It's been really eye-opening reading through some of the forums on here, and realizing how many similarities there are between my struggles and many of all of you. It's already helped... a lot.

What I don't know at this point is the right procedure for a formal diagnosis... I know some people don't really see a need for that step, but I feel that it's necessary so I don't just feel like a hypochondriac Is this the kind of thing where I should talk to my GP first, or should I seek out an appointment with a psychiatrist before that?

Thanks again for everyone who's already reached out.

-M

I'd try a psychologist first. Your PCP should be able to offer a referral. When I mentioned it to my PCP, she didn't take it favorably. Needless to say, I've made many adjustments over the years. I won't pursue a formal DX because it would be pointless. I get by well enough.

I have a job that has health benefits. I paid a 20$ copay to a psychologist and after three visits (tests, interview, observation) I walked out with my DX.

I tried telling other doctors my personal thoughts on the subject before any work was done, and I can tell you that is a bad idea. They would refuse to see me, or try to talk me out of it, or laugh. Finally I just made an appointment for a DX, that is all, not a specific DX just wanted an 'assessment' and I happened to get a forensic psychologist that did evaluations for the State. He didn't mess about, he set out the various tests, and I finished them up and he would go on to the next and after a while we were done. The interview was interspersed between the tests and they were boring, and painful. I found I had other comorbids that were troubling, but frankly, I don't think I can comprehend what they are at this time. More mysteries to discover, I suppose.

I got a DX so I can have intermittent Leave of Absence at my job. If it gets too much to bear, I can tell my manager and take off for the afternoon, etc. If I have paid time off accrued, I get paid for the hours, if I don't, I don't. But it is a job saver and that is why I got it.

good luck with yours.

I started by raising the subject with my GP. She determined that a psychologist would be best suited to make an evaluation & gave me the contact info for a nearby psychology clinic. I called & asked for an appointment for an evaluation. (This particular clinic has a resident psychologist who specializes in adult AS.)

The evaluation took about 4 sessions (all covered under my health plan - $20 copay per session.)

I'm still going to this psychologist, because I think it's helpful to have someone to talk to about AS issues who is knowledgeable & supportive. He asked me what issues are important to me & those are what we focus on. I don't plan on using the Dx to get accommodations for my job - but I am glad to have the sense of validation it provides.

Thanks, everyone. I'm going about setting up the appointments now (our health plan insists on a referral from the primary first... nothing like jumping through hoops)

I'm not sure that a Dx would really make any kind of difference in my career... while an accommodating administration would be nice, the fact is that it's hard to teach a class when I'm not there, and I don't like the idea of other people (my students) being directly impacted by my own issues

More later,

-M

Welcome greetings, BoilingOver, to the Wrong Planet community.

Welcome to WP!

I hope things go well for you.