SCID-D assessment

The SCID-D asks about dissociative experiences. It does not explore trauma. You may find yourself describing dissociation experienced during trauma but the interviewer should not pursue the trauma. The focus is to remain on dissociation. If the interviewer tries to explore trauma you can and should redirect the interview back to the SCID-D.

The SCID-D generally is very well tolerated. Some trauma inventories I would not ever administer to someone with a known trauma history; they are far too triggering. But the SCID-D is not like that.

Safe hugs. You can do this.

fireheart wrote:Thanks everyone.

I will take the assessment, in fact, it's next week. (!!!!!!!) It's supposed to take about 2.5 hours in one go.

I'm really nervous. We aren't sure which one of us would be best suited to go. After last time (invalidation), a protector wants to go. But she doesn't talk to strangers and is... well, like many protectors. Borderline rude. I don't think I can handle going after last time, because I was supposed to handle it and I couldn't. I know who I WANT to go, but this part seems unreachable. Last I tried I got the sense of: "I've taken care of plenty of things for you, now it's your turn!"

But it's a relief to hear that it seems to be a questionnaire and not more. Not intentionally triggering or asking about trauma in detail.

& yes, I am happy that they do diagnostics before letting you join the group. But I wish they would hold a neutral position rather than assuming the worst (that you are intentionally faking).

Ahh, next week, I missed that. Maybe it's good that it's in one go. It will be over in júst 2,5 hours and you can totally do that. And the person who upset you, won't be there!! <3

hey fireheart. just wanted to wish you good luck and a shot of courage!!

you can do this.

Thank you for wishing me well!

I did scramble the courage together and went. It was kind of heart-warming because even though I thought I hadn't managed to talk to the part who I wanted to go, he was there in the morning anyway. Then while travelling anxiety got too much, and I fronted again.

I did lots of breathing exercizes, but I couldn't help feeling nervous and dissociating anyway. It was very scary.

Then at the start of the assessment the lady asked to record (video) it, and that made us feel a little more anxious still. If we didn't agree, she said we would maybe need to come back and re-do the assessment. So we said yes.

Thankfully, she was respectful and I could tell she was trying to make me feel comfortable. That was nice. There were lots of questions. Of course I don't know what she thinks... but at the end she said that she thought that me and T are doing great work, so that does feel comforting anyway. I don't really mind the diagnosis. I just wanted to join their group... But the group is pretty much off the table, as it is already full anyway. So now I'm mainly focused on diagnostics and I am curious what they will say.

She said she will write out the interview and my answers and then look back at the video if she has doubts/can't remember properly. And then if she doesn't know how to interpret the answers she will ask a colleague to look at pieces of the tape, too. The process of diagnostics and discussing with colleagues will take some weeks.

She was nice. I could tell someone inside wanted to ask her if she couldn't just take me home.

Thanks for your support, guys. I am super tired, but relieved that it is over.

Does the group run continuously or or a set time? Maybe they will have spaces in the future or will run the group again.

The group runs for about 9 months. It is about to start up again, and they don't know when a new group will start. They said it will likely take at least 6 - 9 months. If they think I have a dissociative disorder and would benefit from the group, I will be placed on the waiting list.

wow fireheart! pat yourself on the back for getting that done. consenting to recording sounds scary

waiting is hard. I think mine took about three weeks.

this is a big step and you can be proud of yourself. you've earned some R&R!

man, filming would have made us freak out
good job!

Tomorrow I'm going to hear what they think...
There's a lot of tension and fear inside. I don't get what it's about... :/
I wrote down all possible outcomes, and yes, it would be confusing if they don't know what it is, but then I will just take a while to breathe and recover and I'm sure we will figure something out.
I think I'm mainly scared because of the first time that I went there, because it was very triggering to me.

There's someone inside who keeps repeating: "I am bad". It's just very apparent that these are OLD worries and feelings. And yet. Ironically, these are the types of issues that lead me to contact the clinic in the first place.

Any tips are welcome.

we would go for distraction. to avoid thinking about it until the time has come to get the results.

sending you peace and strength.