Do you know of any good online websites that help people diagnose

[Deja Q]

mental conditions?

I want to see if I can self-diagnose myself with criteria I already know about, and then take the results of any such tests to my counselor for discussion.

Thanks.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. You cannot effectively self-diagnose.

See a psychiatrist and get a referral to a psychologist.

[Deja Q]

3. And how many of them should I see?

I've been to several over my lifetime.

And almost each of them said I had something different.

[melnjones]

9. which is why i find...

that sometimes seeing a therapist (masters level social worker or counselor) is more effective than seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist. But I am a little biased, being a social worker myself:-) Being able to diagnose something and give it a label is helpful for some people, but for other people can be damaging. You could discuss with your counselor the benefits for you of finding a diagnosis.

[Metatron]

2. The typical depression and bipolar disorder tests that you find online

are pretty similar (if not identical) to the questions you would be asked by a physician or psychologist. You can type the condition into google and get decent results.

[CO Liberal]

4. Try This Simple Test

1 - Go to www.freerepublic.com.

2 - Spend ten minutes browsing.

3 - If everything made sense to you, go have yourself committed ASAP.

:-)

(Edited for fix typo in link.)

[Deja Q]

6. LOL! Thanks for the chuckle!

:-)

[BoX o BooX]

8. Bad URL, birthday boy.

Just in case anyone tries the link. ;)

[smirkymonkey]

27. Touche! Good one!

That is one test that cannot possibly fail. :)

[melnjones]

5. well...

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/ is one place you can go to look at diagnostic criteria and symptoms, but self-diagnosing can create more problems than it's worth sometimes. We all have symptoms of some mental illnesses even without having the illnesses themselves. I would recommend talking to your counselor about any reasons that you want to find a diagnosis before you begin your search or at least while you are doing it.

[AlienGirl]

7. What are your symptoms?

I have a good users' knowledge of mental illness, maybe I can help.

You can DUmail me if you want.

Tucker

[tridim]

10. Is being pissed off all the time because Bush stole the election,

screwed up the country, and is apparently going to screw up the country even more a symptom of an illness or a logical reaction to horrible situation?

[Deja Q]

12. Possibly a logical reaction. But what can we do? It's out of our hands,

except as to how to react.

Politics only fits in with my current emotional state as being a symptom. The actual problems stem way back, and until recently I've never really been diagnosed - and I am surprised that I had been given the ADD diagnosis.

[Deja Q]

11. My life, what's left of it, is an open book - thank you for offering.

I have been diagnosed with many things over my life. The only two conditions I agree with are: Generalized anxiety disorder (brought about by a horrific childhood, please don't ask me for details) and ADD. I also have great difficulty in learning via 'traditional' methods (book reading.) I can spend hours reading a page of networking concepts and just not get it. And when I learn it, I learn the commands but the logic of them often still eludes me,k though sometimes I understand enough to do it right. I also have trouble getting enthused to do anything.

I am in a crossroads at work. Trying to study for a new position and I am not grasping the ideas - again, reading a bunch of pages in books and not understanding the logic. (which is strange, I've been tested to have a high IQ).

While I do know that my employer plans to eliminate PC support, I am seen as highly regarded in my department by my management. If I am unable to prove myself in other fields, my longevity at the company will be over quickly. I do not wish that to happen. But it is NOT that fear or job loss that keeps me from not understanding the concepts of what I am trying to learn, as I know it won't be for a couple of years and that anything can happen within that time. (What I have learned, I have literally done on my own. It's useable knowledge, but it's less than thorough. And if I am supposedly so bright, how come I see my co-workers, who seem to have a better grasp at the concepts and system logic? I feel, well, dumb.)

I have social difficulties - partly because of the anxiety I've cultivated over the years and partly because I've always been something of a geek and a nerd; I've never been mainstream. Heck, I even feel nervous at family get-togethers, and I shouldn't. It's always been like that.

I'm also messy/cluttery but I'm working on that...

As with thought processes, they also occur in my writings. Sometimes I'll start a sentence and then not finish it, continuing with something else. I've re-read e-mails I've sent to management and felt embarrassed because I mixed up or forgotten key details. Yet they still believe, and have told me, I have excellent writing skills. Seems crazy, but true.

I always had an urge to buy and have things. Partly because there are no people in my life; I'm lonely, alone, and am a pariah. With what seems to be the end coming (or end of life as we know it with the impending economic crash and wars), I've been extra reckless these days - but am going to make as many returns as I can, so I'll be okay.

And, lastly, I also have a very bad habit of forgetting things. Or not realizing things that are necessary. I nearly got fired from my previous job in 1997 because I kept forgetting details. (this goes back to the logic/thought issue.) I'd go to a place to set up a sound card and, duh, not realize that speakers were necessary. Or go out to install a modem but forget that a phone cord is necessary. It's generally little details. Even to this day, I am shocked at how I've been able to keep my current job and I still feel stupid around my co-workers...

My personality is akin to those of TV characters Rose Nylund, Reginald Barclay, Vila Restal, and Chrissy Snow combined. (that sounds stupid, but it's the only way I can describe it.)

Thanks for helping.

[AlienGirl]

13. Sounds like you might have depression

Depression often goes along with ADD and anxiety. Interestingly, ADD is beginning to be considered an autistic spectrum disorder (which could explain the social problems and the trouble "getting it together").

All of those conditions are exacerbated by stress and by changes in routine.

Are you having any new symptoms, or just worsening of "normal" symptoms?

Also, are you having suicidal ideation?

Tucker

[Deja Q]

17. No suicide. Not yet. I do think of

death in general, and the end of civilization as we know it. I don't know where or when the end occurs (whether it be the end of my job - if that happens, or the end of the economy, or the end of the world. For the latter two, I'm choosing to live it up and try to be happy in some form, even if it is shallow because I have no control over the world and I want to be happy, if not for a little while. For the first issue, my job, I have some control - but only if I can figure out how things work. Otherwise, I have no future. Maybe I don't, but I am trying hard TO understand the work (I do have a basic understanding... it is difficult to explain...))

Autism... I've read up on it, albeit a little. I used to think that it made sense for me. Maybe it does. I really don't know. I believe I fit some of the qualifiers at any rate.

There is no change in routine except for what I am doing in my job; without any real training I am doing database maintenance. I've made my own databases in the past, but this one is larger. I've asked for formal training but, as I am no diplomat nor debater, I couldn't even begin to make a case before the bosses told me a nice polished statement that I couldn't answer (until several hours later when, ding, the perfect response would just *pop* into my mind.)

I've experienced no new symptoms, except for the eating thing. I've already gained something like 6 pounds over the last few weeks, though the zoloft may be influential in that respect. (I was down to 203, but I think some of that was water loss. I felt 'normal' at 205 pounds. Since then I'm up to 211. And I'm struggling to jump off the junk food, even though it is comforting. Yes, I must admit it is comforting...)

Worsening of symptoms? That I cannot tell. I've always struggled with logical concepts; what I have been able to do must be out of luck. (which reminds me of a story; when I took TCP/IP configuration course, I had NO troubles whatsoever doing the maths involved in calculating IP address subnets... it's been 3 years, but I recall I took to it easily. But other things, such as the 7 OSI model, the TCP stack, and so on, I couldn't even begin to make sense. For troubleshooting commands like TRACERT and PING, I know what they do, but I keep forgetting to use them when troubleshooting network failures. (So I ask a coworker who then goes to the boss who then gets on my case, because he knows I have taken classes for this stuff and thinks I'm some know-it-all genius... I may be able to remember arcane knowledge and a surfeit of tedious words in the English language, along with remembering production information about movies and TV shows, right down to episodic level, but I do have fundamental problems I've never been able to figure out WHY. Or if there is a cure so I can function normally to get high paying jobs... which is probably a moot point these days...)

[AlienGirl]

19. The autistic spectrum goes from just-a-bit-odd to nonfunctional

I have Asperger's and a lot of what you're saying sounds like some of my task-ordering difficulties. The ability to memorize giant amounts of information on things you're interested in rings true as well. (I have an encyclopedic knowledge of zoology and animal behavior, for instance.)

Do people often say you "lecture" them instead of conversing normally?

Everyone is thinking about the disasters ahead, so that part is pretty normal. I asked about suicidal ideation because that's an emergency; I'm glad to hear you don't have it!

Tucker

[Deja Q]

22. Memorize... lecturing... yes! That's it! And thanks...

Yes, I have a huge habit of preaching to the proverbial choir and lecturing. I love rattling off information. (the timesheet I made for my boss also has numerous charts breaking down my time in every conceivable fashion. He said it wasn't necessary, but the people who hire me out from my department have found the charts to be invaluable. (And, for the vast majority, I somehow managed to get the calculations right the first time, though over 6 weeks I realized what I didn't do right and exapnded my abilities. Problem was, I only looked at the charts for a few minutes every Friday. It goes back to not realizing things and 'slowness'.)

And I do have a problem with task organization as well. I try to prioritize and, admittedly, with all of the work assigned to me I've decided that somebody is going to have to wait, but I do tend to get hyperfocused on one activity - often to the point of neglecting other things.

You're right on the money with memorizing. (though I wish I could remember some of it when I talk to my boss! I floundered for 5 minutes when I used the word "tangential" in a sentence and he asked what it meant. I know what it meant but I couldn't remember the simpler meaning, despite "tangent" being one of my favorite and most used words! I hate being put on the spot and doing oral presentations, even with all the right information in front of me...

And thanks for asking about suicide and, again, for conversing with me! (Having felt suicidal before (it's been years, fortunately), I would have called 911 if I felt I was in any significant self-danger.)

[AlienGirl]

24. Talk to your shrink about the possibility of autistic-spectrum issues!

Have you seen the various DU Asperger's threads?

Tucker

[Deja Q]

25. More on Asperger's...

http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/

I found it quite interesting to have read this:

Individuals with AS can exhibit a variety of characteristics and the disorder can range from mild to severe. Persons with AS show marked deficiencies in social skills, have difficulties with transitions or changes and prefer sameness. They often have obsessive routines and may be preoccupied with a particular subject of interest. They have a great deal of difficulty reading nonverbal cues (body language) and very often the individual with AS has difficulty determining proper body space. Often overly sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells, and sights, the person with AS may prefer soft clothing, certain foods, and be bothered by sounds or lights no one else seems to hear or see. It's important to remember that the person with AS perceives the world very differently. Therefore, many behaviors that seem odd or unusual are due to those neurological differences and not the result of intentional rudeness or bad behavior, and most certainly not the result of "improper parenting".


Indeed, several people have told me that I "perceive the world differently". And the other boldface comments ring true. And I do readily and literally jump to unexpected noises, to say the least...

and this clip:

it is not at all uncommon for a child who was initially diagnosed with ADD or ADHD be re-diagnosed with AS. In addition, some individuals who were originally diagnosed with HFA or PDD-NOS are now being given the AS diagnosis and many individuals have a dual diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism.

I'm surely not going to say that AS is what I have, especially as it has been said to be wary of internet-based sources (I treat them as a start but not a definitive and exclusive source) but I will definitely pursue the possibility to see if it's worth considering as being the diagnosis.

[AlienGirl]

26. Funny Aspie moment...

A woman with an autistic son came into my store, so I started talking to her about autism and research into the neurology of it. About halfway through, I said, "Oh, neuropsychology is a hobby of mine; I have Asperger's."

She laughed and said, "I could tell!" People who know autistics and Aspies can often make on-the-spot diagnoses from things like the way people walk and talk, and whether or not the person follows "normal" rules for eye contact.

Tucker

[serryjw]

14. Have you looked into any .........

physical reasons for the problems? Do you eat well. Are there any deficiencies in your diet?Are you having an alcohol or drug problem?

[Deja Q]

18. I have.

I know that I have some physical ailments. Whether they came about due to adverse effects of a medication I use to take, untreated excess anxiety, or other factors is still 'up for grabs'. I know that anxious scenarios exacerbates some of those symptoms.

My diet is very good, except for the recent indulging of junk food. I only eat lean meat or soy substitutes, a LOT of vegetables, milk, water, occasional fruit. Some chocolate, but not much. My parents have even commented that I eat much better than they do. :-) My diet is high in fiber, low~medium in fat. I try to keep within 2000 calories, if not less. (again, the recent junk food episodes have changed this, but I may as well try to get back into the habit and prolong my life and lifestyle, lonely as it is.)

No drugs.

No cigarettes,

No alcohol, especially as that would have an adverse reaction to my meds. I CAN say that I open up socially when on alcohol. Or, more frequently, when on alcohol (2 beers), my current mindset or emotional state is amplified. (If I was sad, 2 beers will make me very sad. And so on. I suppose I must be in a semi-outgoing mood on the occasions where I did 'loosen up' and communicated with people; most of which just wanted a hook-up (and most of which I ultimately said 'no' too!) )

[Randers]

15. This looks like a good site

http://allpsych.com/disorders/dsm.html


I think there is a lot of overlap - and conditions can be diagnosed several ways.

I associate buying binges with manic-depression. But then - many people are probably out there "binging" as we write.

[AlienGirl]

16. Buying binges aren't always manic

Some people with anxiety go on buying binges because it gives a temporary feeling of power over their own life and safety, and some depressives go on buying binges because it causes a temporary mood lift. And plenty of people with addiction go on buying binges because they're addicted to the "reward" they feel after buying something.

Tucker

[Deja Q]

20. I did just buy a DVD set, even though I knew in advance I shouldn't have.

A friend introduced me to a new TV show. I saw it on the shelf and simply had to have it. That way, when I watched it, he and I could converse about it. The one episode I had seen before buying it was so strong that I decided it was purchase-worthy, rather than rent-worthy. (But I checked and this series, "Firefly", is so obscure that it's not found in rental places...)

I will be returning it and waiting for later on, but it was a need to see something new and different and then converse with my friend about it. (which goes back to isolation, not being able to converse with normal mainstream people who think I'm weird because I'm big into sci-fi :-) and all that...)

But, yeah, there was a mood lift from purchasing it. And one other thing; I had convinced myself to buy it using a multitude of reasons and excuses.

[Droopy]

21. Well, HypnoToad, after reading your responses above

I can say with absolute certainty that I don't know what ails you. What I can tell you is that you should continue to seek the council of qualified professionals. Mental illness can be very tricky to diagnose. In my case I went through three different hospitaliztions and four different mental health professionals before somebody got it right.

I suggest that you go to your current psychiatrist and tell him/her what he/she is doing isn't working so well for you. If they refuse to try something new or to take a closer look at your symptoms, then maybe it's time that you moved on to somebody else. Don't be afraid to tell your doc everything about yourself. The more you talk to your doctor the better off you are.

[Deja Q]

23. Cool. Thanks much. I did recently move to a new specialist...

Partly because of distance and partly because I wanted a second opinion.

And I believe it was a good change.

I will definitely open up to my new counselor more at this point. (I at first didn't understand fully what she meant by writing down how I felt in certain situations, but now I will be able to answer the template form she'd given me.)