My psych test results came back and, as a friend put it, I seem to have hit the trifecta. Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Agoraphobia. I'm a winner! ;)
I had previously been diagnosed with Dysthymic Disorder, which is a more even keel/lower grade depression. Sort of like having a persistent low grade fever. Major Depressive Disorder is a more definite diagnosis (Dysthymia is often seen as a "catch all" category), which consists of a similar persistent depression punctuated by more severe episodes. The anxiety diagnoses are almost more important to me. It shows that I'm not just some lazy rabble, but that I have genuine difficulties functioning in public situations. Grocery shopping isn't just annoying, it throws my whole system into chaos.
So, now that I have my results I can work with my therapy team to be sure I'm on the proper course for treatment. It can also bolster a potential bid for disability benefits in the future, if that becomes necessary. It doesn't change the world for me, but it answers some questions and gives me some reassurance.
Oh - and my IQ was 108 - average.
1 comment:
Hey Jenna - cool blog. I should be working right now, but it IS 6 in the morning - and I've been working for an hour already! Cut me some slack if my focus has drifted away from work deadlines and into facebook (which sadly, I rarely find time to visit - and is where I stumbled upon your blog).
Anyhow:
1) I'm really, really sorry to hear about your diagnosis! My wife was diagnosed with a mild form of depression a couple of years ago. She took some medication for it for about 6 months. She said it really helped her. They took her off of it to see how she adjusted w/o it - and things seemed ok - so they quit prescribing it. Things have been good so far. I'll pray for a similar outcome for you: may God bless you with a speedy and full recovery to complete health: mental, physical, and spiritual!
2) If you need someone to talk (or correspond) to -- even if it's just to babble, I'll gladly offer you my time. Please don't think this is your burden alone! All your friends and family care and want to help!
3) I'm not sure if your blog was intended for 'public consumption'. I understand writing can be a release and your blog does deal with some personal things. If that is it's purpose and you aren't comfortable with me following your blog, just say so--it's all cool. I won't be offended; I'll kill the bookmark & forget the URL.
4) Lastly, I saw somewhere in your blog the mention of Sherlock Holmes mysteries. If you like mysteries-in-general, I stumbled upon a radio interview with an author named Brian Freeman a couple of weeks ago. He's a writer from Minnesota and most of his writing is based around Duluth. I happened to remember it when I went to the library later in the week and I checked out his first book (his 'breakthrough book'): "Immoral". I really, really enjoyed it! Some great twists. If you get a chance to check it out, let me know what you think.
Best wishes and many prayers - Chris Mattson, Class of '88.
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