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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by floatingbridge on August 25, 2009, at 18:35:26
Recently my Dx was changed from bp nos to mdd recurrent, trd.
I'm curious about other's experiences with Dx changes. How or why it happens, how often it may happen, what it may have been like to experience this, or whatever one may care to share.
Any comments?
Thanks,
fb
(I hope this is the right board to post this to.)
Posted by Partlycloudy on August 25, 2009, at 19:03:59
In reply to How or why do Dx's change?, posted by floatingbridge on August 25, 2009, at 18:35:26
Mine changed after I found a better pdoc who asked me to keep a mood chart for 30 days. Although I'd been treated for BPII for almost 4 years (most unsuccessfully) with another doctor; the charts revealed that I wasn't bipolar at all.
He changed my dx to MDD and anxiety disorder with panic attacks. Completely revamped my meds, and I'm doing much better, especially since I'm not arguing with my doctor any more.
I'm convinced that my previous doctor was intent upon pushing a select few medications and wasn't interested in listening to her patients' issues. It took many appointments with me leaving in tears before it dawned on me that this wasn't the type of treatment I should be receiving.
Posted by Garnet71 on August 25, 2009, at 20:43:52
In reply to How or why do Dx's change?, posted by floatingbridge on August 25, 2009, at 18:35:26
I'm not sure, but I think MDD-recurrent (what is trd?) is sometimes used when there is a need to exceed therapy frequency limits set by insurance companies. Many people need more than 20 sessions. But you did not say whether or not you are in psychotherapy.
I guess there is always the more obvious answer - that a dx changes as new symptoms appear or change, or as the doctor gains a clearer picture. The longer you see a doctor, the more likely your dx will be accurate-just an opinion.
Posted by 10derHeart on August 25, 2009, at 20:48:14
In reply to Re: How or why do Dx's change? » floatingbridge, posted by Garnet71 on August 25, 2009, at 20:43:52
Posted by Phillipa on August 25, 2009, at 22:07:56
In reply to Re: How or why do Dx's change? » floatingbridge, posted by Garnet71 on August 25, 2009, at 20:43:52
First panic attacks, then GAD. Phillipa
Posted by SLS on August 26, 2009, at 7:26:13
In reply to How or why do Dx's change?, posted by floatingbridge on August 25, 2009, at 18:35:26
> Recently my Dx was changed from bp nos to mdd recurrent, trd.
Have you ever had a manic episode, whether spontaneous or drug induced?
I like PartlyCloudy's idea to keep a mood chart. I would recommend recording your mood states for longer than 30 days. You might consider using a mood chart indefinitely; at least until you are satisfied that you are being treated adequately.
You can try this one:
http://www.slschofield.com/medicine/mood_chart_beam.pdf
You will need to have an Adobe PDF file viewer to view and print the chart. You can find that here:
If you are really into charting, you can use a life chart to reconstruct your history of mental illness. This was first recommended by the folks at the NIMH, NIH many years ago, and is now a regular part of their program. A life chart makes diagnosis a lot easier.
http://www.slschofield.com/medicine/mood_chart_nimh_r.pdf
Diagnosis can aid in treatment. However, with some doctors, it can hinder treatment. You need to have a doctor who is fluid in his evaluation of the patient as more information is collected regarding response to treatment.
- Scott
Posted by floatingbridge on August 26, 2009, at 11:47:35
In reply to Re: How or why do Dx's change? » floatingbridge, posted by SLS on August 26, 2009, at 7:26:13
Hi Scott,
I agree with you and Partly Cloudy--I keep a daily mood and med chart--and have w/ this pdoc for over a year. Maybe that aided him in his re-diagnosis. For me, it has been essential, esp. for tracking meds and responses. Scott, I haven't looked at you chart yet--I, of course, clicked on the do not click section of your home-page and was more cautious after that ;)
fb
Posted by floatingbridge on August 26, 2009, at 14:34:35
In reply to Re: How or why do Dx's change?, posted by Partlycloudy on August 25, 2009, at 19:03:59
Hi Partly Cloudy,
May I ask what meds are working for you? I have anxiety, too
thanks for your response, btw.
best,
fb
Posted by floatingbridge on August 26, 2009, at 14:35:46
In reply to Re: How or why do Dx's change? » floatingbridge, posted by Garnet71 on August 25, 2009, at 20:43:52
>The longer you see a doctor, the more likely your dx will be accurate-just an opinion.Hi Garnet, thanks for posting. I'm hoping you are right!
fb
Posted by Partlycloudy on August 26, 2009, at 17:01:00
In reply to Re: How or why do Dx's change? » Partlycloudy, posted by floatingbridge on August 26, 2009, at 14:34:35
> Hi Partly Cloudy,
>
> May I ask what meds are working for you? I have anxiety, too
>
> thanks for your response, btw.
>
> best,
>
> fbAt the moment I'm on generic Paxil, which I've been on for 3 months or so. Although it's working on my depression, I'm finding it activating and my anxiety is higher than usual. I see my pdoc next week and we'll talk.
I take 1.5mg Xanax in split doses over the course of the day. My anxiety does not appear to be situational but is rather a constant companion. Right now it feels like a chemical problem rather than a psychological problem, and my therapist agrees.
I also take 100mg Seroquel to sleep. Sometimes it works a treat; at other times my anxiety overcomes even the wallop of that sedating med and it takes about 2 hours for me to drop off.
I consider this a work in process, as does my pdoc. I longer feel that I'm at the medicinal end of my rope, though; and that's a definite sign of improvement.
take care,
pc
Posted by Zyprexa on August 28, 2009, at 3:51:21
In reply to How or why do Dx's change?, posted by floatingbridge on August 25, 2009, at 18:35:26
Dx is not that important acoding to one doctor. My Dx has been just about everything in the book as far an mental illness. I guess its a mater of what simptoms are most prominent at the time. They are probably all right but one doctor will notice one thing and anouther doc anouther.
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