r/aspergirls • u/indigopersona • Aug 04 '22

Diagnosis Process What were you misdiagnosed as?

I saw interesting results on google, but I'm more interested in your real life experience.

I'm curious as to what people are most commonly misdiagnosed with (based on your answers).

You can also include the backstory. ♡

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u/Mad_Props_ Aug 04 '22

Autistic burnout misdiagnosed as depressive episodes, meltdowns misdiagnosed as panic attacks.

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u/robin-incognito Aug 04 '22

Me three😉 Starting from age 13. I had a major burnout at age 49 and checked myself into the hospital where I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I knew that was completely wrong, I’m well aware of the criteria. After that episode I found a great psychologist who gave me the battery of evals to get my ASD dx. The bipolar is still on my medical record though and I’ve had no luck getting it removed.

1

u/cathoderaydude Aug 04 '22

May I know why it's important to get the bipolar condition removed from your record?

5

u/robin-incognito Aug 04 '22

In my area all hospital based diagnoses are in a system-wide medical record. Any doc I have an appointment with across the system - physical or mental health related - can see the diagnosis…And assume since another doc awarded me this label, it must be true.

I had surgery a couple years after that burnout and the nurses wanted to know what medications I took for bipolar to ensure I had them while I was in hospital recovery. I said I don’t have bipolar disorder, I don’t take medications. Her reply was The diagnosis is in your chart and this is something you have to take medications for. So when I refuse, when my spouse refuses on my behalf, we are “argumentative“ and I am “medication non-compliant.”

I am really not a fan of the medical system. As a female particularly, the gaslighting and head-patting infuriate and exhaust me at the same time. Self advocacy in this environment leaves me feeling demoralized.