Getting a diagnosis?

[5elle]

Hi! I'm new here and my first post but me, my GP and psychologist are a bit stuck.

I have psychosis (auditory, touch, smell, visual hallucinations and delusions), derealisation/depersonalisation symptoms and what was thought to be anxiety/depression with hypomania. Also autistic level 2 very high masking, which has been diagnosed.

The trouble is I am having is finding a psychiatrist who is willing to give me a diagnosis or do a diagnostic work up or even just put my symptoms in a report or in writing. I have one who medicates me but also won't diagnose. I tried a second opinion and they told me I'm " just a bit anxious" but also "a very complex case and will only get worse" and also refused to entertain a diagnosis. Another psychiatrist told me to stop taking my meds.

I'm a bit too complex for my psychologist to do a formal diagnosis.

I don't really care what's wrong with me, I'm very good at grounding and mindfulness which manages some of it but I have no family in the state and no close friends I can call on for help so rely on formal support through disability pension and NDIS.

My worry is both of these government supports need things in writing usually and I can't seem to get this.

Any tips, tricks or hacks in getting a written diagnosis would be gratefully received, thanks 🙂

[Snowie]

Hi @5elle 

Welcome to the forums. It sounds like you are really going through some difficult times at the moment. I acknowledge how hard it has been for you.

I can understand being worried about the government agencies needing a formal diagnosis and not being able to get one.

Unfortunately I think you need to find a psychiatrist who will be able to formally diagnose you. I know you have already tried this quite a number of times however. It took me quite a few times to find the right psychiatrist for me. One thing I found helpful is doing some research about the psychiatrist before I made an appointment. Finding out what they specialise in and where their interests lay. I did find out that this helped me.

I hope some other members might have a few more ideas for you.

We are here to support you.

[5elle]

Thanks @Snowie
The ones I've seen were recommended for me and my symptoms. I've also been through the register/directory thing of all Aus psychiatrists but can't find any that understand how adult autistic masking and psychosis work.
The initial appointments are so expensive too!

[Snowie]

it really does sound like you have done your research @5elle 

Unfortunately I don't have any other suggestions.

Hopefully there will be other forum members that can help.