Posted by Dinah on May 30, 2003, at 8:51:34
A year or two ago, I went through psychological testing to see why on earth I do the things I do. (That was my official reason for being there, when the psychologist asked.) And I found the results less than eye opening or even useful. The MMPI was interesting, and the results pretty accurate, but it didn't tell me much I didn't know.
Moreover, I know that the DSM-IV is sadly lacking. There is so much overlap between diagnostic categories. And some are overly limited, while others are overly inclusive. It's a noble effort but falls far short of the goal. I'll bet it's more than possible to go to several practitioners and get completely different diagnoses.
Yet still, I'm contemplating trying again. A different psychologist. More specialized diagnostic tools. (And for heavens sakes, no Rorshach.) Brain imaging. Something!!!
I'm looking for that magic label. Is it some primordial drive that humans have to name something? There are a fair number of cultures that attach an enormous meaning to a name. Is there an innate human need to name something to have power over it? Or is it just me?
Am I schizotypal? Depending on how you interpret the criteria, I could be, I suppose. Am I borderline? Again, depending on the interpretation, I could be. But most practitioners I've seen have rejected that label for me. Where on the dissociative spectrum do I lie? Is there a name for it? I rather suspect that it would be DDNOS, and that isn't all that powerful a naming tool. Not otherwise specified. Whoo. That'll explain me.
If I had a label that I could agree with, would it help me understand myself? Would it help me find a solution for living a steadier life? Or is it just the quest for the mythical answer to life...
poster:Dinah
thread:230170
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030529/msgs/230170.html