Comorbities with Anxiety

So... I'm a 12 year active duty member of the Army still in service.

I just returned from an appointment at Behavioral Health.  I stated that of course I was mostly interested in the symptoms, how I feel and working forward - but since I am only seeing decline AND that I am working with specialists in other fields: I wanted to talk about what their actual diagnosis is.  I have been seeing both a 'chiatrist and 'cologist. 

After a sleu of questions and discussion - she said that I was very confusing and agreed with my statement that I was probably an X-Man.  She was going to follow-up with the 'chiatrist, compare notes/thoughts and also do some research.  She thought that there is some comorbidities involved and would be difficult to fit a diagnosis.  Each one seperately she thought it would be appropriate for OCD, GAD, Bipolar and some sore of depressive disorder.

Has anyone else had experience with a sleu of diagnoses being thrown on them?  Is that really possible?  I can't help but think that it's really an issue of so many similarities between different disorders.  I used to believe that the labels are not very important - however tomorrow I meet with an endocrinologist and it would be nice to tell him "I've been diagnosed with _____" rather than to say "I have issues with anxiety and depression frequently."  I just feel like there may be more clues for the puzzle of symptoms we will be discussing.

I appreciate your thoughts.

Hi Ninjasm,

I am sorry to hear of the confusion with your dx. First of all, know that you are not alone! We have had similar concerns and frustrations voiced here before.

The mind and it processes are beyond complex...and therfore it can take time and work (both on the P-doc and the patient's part) to reach the appropriate mental health assessment.

Even then, you can have differing opinions (this is why it is GREAT that the psychologist and 'chiatrist are conferring together) between professionals.

You can present as a mixed bag (comorbitity) with 'such and such', tending toward 'this and that'...so that for a while, everything is about as clear as mud!

However, with patience and perseverance toward getting the answers you seek, you will find out what you need to know in time....and arrive at the right dx.

For now, get educated, take some self assesment tests (only for a baseline and to go over with your doctors of course) and reach out as you have done here, with our depression and bi-polar forums as well...so that you can cast as wide a net as possible.

Best of luck in your journey, and keep us posted.:)

Scaredy Cat

I met with the psychiatrist today.  Shortest appointment ever.  That is very frustrating when I sit across from his desk - tell him I am doing awful and he quickly makes a change to my meds and says come back in two weeks.  I understand that it is a highly expiramental field.  He said I have a Non-specific anxiety disorder... but if taking Wellbutrin away and increasing to 200mg Zoloft does not improve my awful side-effects (terrible insomnia) or improve my condition at all then he thinks they should go back and reevaluate my diagnosis.

I'm also a tad confused here.....so add me to the list.

Bear with me if I'm just not getting all the info straight.

New psych doc? Same psych doc? Brand new Dx based on,....what information exactly, and what changes?










M.

N.,

No, you weren't being confusing...it sounds like what you were being told was, but this can happen when trying to navigate all of this new territory. Like you said, it's not an exact science.

Okay...sounds like you are just needing to find the right Rx combo...it takes time, so hang in there.

I am also glad to see you are starting CBT. It also requires time and effort, but is completely worth it! As long as this is an option, I would recommend take advantage of it!

For now, keep posting for support, and check out our Resources for great information and self-help ideas.:)

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

S.C.