To use my psychiatrist to get another diagnosis?

[BossyPaws]

I am under the psychiatrist for bipolar, BPD and anxiety. Currently on quetiapine.

I have suffered the traits of aspergers/autism since I can remember. Difficult eye contact, obsessions, never had friends, can't stand noise, no empathy (although I'm good at faking it) and basically not functioning properly. Psychiatrist has said I show aspergers traits.

But I see him for my BPD - could I use him to get an ASD diagnosis?

Yes, I don't see why not. DD was under the CMHT, and decided to ask for an assessment for ADD. She was diagnosed with it. Now, they are not sure if she BPD or her emotional dysregulation is due to the ADD!

A label is a signpost to help. It may help you get reasonable adjustments in education or work; or to get benefits like PIP. I believe women with undiagnosed ASD can either be diagnosed with BPD in error; or develop it as a result of the struggles of living life in a world of neuro-typicals.

You could ask him if he can diagnose aspergers or find out what the route would be for a referral for assessment. It's definitely worth it to find out!

Because in my job I'm expected to be sociable - maybe an asd would help explain why I struggle so much and maybe manager (and everyone else) would be a bit more understanding

I think perusing diagnosis is a good idea. You are obviously finding some things difficult. I think a diagnosis would give you ‘permission’ to struggle- ie the noise sensitivity. If you accept that it’s part of your neurodiverstiy, you may find it easier to cut yourself some slack, rather than feeling like it is a ‘failing’. I also think being able to say to work/ friends/ family- this is why is empowering. You may find it improves your anxiety/ stress general mental health.
Good luck!

Bossypaws...I think it would be a good idea. Then your employer can make reasonable adjustments at work.
My DH got diagnosed with ADD a few years back. Helps at work, plus he has meds for worst of the symptoms.

Sounds like a good idea to me.

My 21 yo DS is seeing a psychologist for an anxiety disorder and they have referred him for assessment for ASD. It’s something we’ve considered as a family for a long time but have never sought a diagnosis because we didn’t think it would make a difference. His school and university has always been very supportive regardless of a diagnosis. However, like you, I think he might struggle in a work environment so a diagnosis may help him to get adaptations made at work that he needs

IT depends on what service is provided in your area, where I live you would get referred to an Autism service for assessment but every area is a bit different.

Your psychiatrist would be able to point you in the right direction so you need to discuss it with them.

Equally where I live you would need to be referred to a Neuro behavioural team which would take about 10 months.

My private psych for OCD said she didn't see the signs when I raised it but it wasn't her specialism and I pointed out if had 45 years to practise 'normal' . Was referred on NHS and ended up going private and getting a dx.