Assistance for a female with Asperger's

Hello,
After many years of seeking therapy from both Psychiatrists and Psychologists I have completely lost trust in the profession. Upon trying to commit suicide when I was in my early 20's I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. The medication prescribed to me did not work, in fact in reduced my inhibitions and I had a car accident as a result. I continued to seek out assistance and was told I suffered depression and anxiety which is true, however no clinician was able to identify a catalyst for my mental health issues. It wasn't until I saw a Psychiatrist in which I was adamant that I had some type of attention issue that he suggested I seek a specialist in ADHD. Upon reading about the condition I noticed there was a high level of co morbidity with Asperger's. Upon reading about Asperger's I then realised this was my issue as I have always struggled socially and have a poor working memory. I completed a number of online tests which suggested I was on the spectrum and then went to a Psychologist that specialised in the area. She conducted some tests and concluded I had the condition. I then tried to seek out a Psychiatrist that specialised in the area but this is proving to be difficult. No one seems to really know what they are doing. I have decided to treat myself with various nootropics which help a little. Are there any other females with Asperger's that have had similar experiences? The problem with Psychology and Psychiatry I think is that there are a lack of biomarkers for the conditions diagnosed. There is too much guess work and too much focus on therapeutic techniques that do not work in the long term. I honestly feel that they are all there to exploit vulnerable individuals as it is quite a lucrative occupation in which the rates are not regulated by the government.

I agree - they are after the money and power

why experiment with drugs ? some are dangerous

why not try maslows' hierarchy of needs .
work on basic needs - a good job - one that will help you grow -
or at least pays decent .
a good place to live -
good food , exercise .
take care of your physical needs -
a healthy body is the simplest step to a healthy mind

brainfog2017 wrote: I continued to seek out assistance and was told I suffered depression and anxiety which is true, however no clinician was able to identify a catalyst for my mental health issues. It wasn't until I saw a Psychiatrist in which I was adamant that I had some type of attention issue that he suggested I seek a specialist in ADHD. Upon reading about the condition I noticed there was a high level of co morbidity with Asperger's. Upon reading about Asperger's I then realised this was my issue as I have always struggled socially and have a poor working memory. I completed a number of online tests which suggested I was on the spectrum and then went to a Psychologist that specialised in the area. She conducted some tests and concluded I had the condition. I then tried to seek out a Psychiatrist that specialised in the area but this is proving to be difficult. No one seems to really know what they are doing. I have decided to treat myself with various nootropics which help a little.

I've noticed how so many people self-diagnose because there's so much info online and in essence you know yourself far better than any psych staff ever will. My diagnosis has changed so many times that it is obvious they are simply not all that accurate. It is all so subjective.

I know one guy from group therapy classes for schizo's who was originally wrongly diagnosed with schizophrenia but later was re-diagnosed with some sort of autism. He is still high functioning.

What nootropics are you using?

Prior to 1980 Schizophrenia and Autism were considered to be part of the same spectrum.

brainfog2017 wrote:Prior to 1980 Schizophrenia and Autism were considered to be part of the same spectrum.

Interesting. I can see why they would think they were similar. A high functioning schizophrenic could easily be mistaken for an autistic. I've had people ask me if I was autistic.

There is so much overlap between disorders (look up the issue of comorbidity) thats often its impossible to say if its one, the other, both or a tertiary. You don't have an exact determination so relative observation lets imagination and speculation take flight.

For myself I am curious to see if I have some sort of high functioning autism or ADHD. I don't think it was diagnosed earlier because I'm female and my symptoms weren't so classic or typical. If I had the funds, I would see a specialist for my own curiosity and to feel validated.

I think the system has plenty of problems, and that even to say that it's an inexact science, that a lot of problems are caused by poverty and people not having enough money to see a doctor often enough and buy the best medication, and that this is the best we can do for now is still too apologetic and gives psychiatry way too much legitimacy and credit.

I would bet money that maybe 15 years from now current typical practice of psychiatry would be considered hugely unethical. That we will implement more use of MDMA, GHB, Ketamine, and LSD, and that there will be new therapies and medications that are far superior to the antipsychotics and antimanics we current use for difficult-to-treat cases of bipolar and schizophrenia.

I think 15 years is optimistic. Ketamine is now being used in a number of mainstream University Research settings, however MDMA, Cannabis and Hallucinogenic drugs such as Ayahuasca are not. There is still a substantial amount of stigma surrounding these substances which is facilitated by the fact that theyare still illegal. The irony is that the widely prescribed SSRI's being used today were developed based on findings from LSD studies. The problem we have is that the science is further ahead of policy, various governments in western democracies cannot keep up with the science that is available. Even though there are plenty of scientists and facilities available in which to conduct these trials it is the mentality of the government and mainstream that are preventing progress, hence people that could be getting help right now are being made to suffer because of the ignorance and cowardice of those in authority.

Speaking from my own experiences, ketamine and MDMA are extremely helpful in dealing with schizoaffective/bipolar problems. I only use them when it is absolutely necessary and in the smallest amounts possible, and for the shortest duration possible. So they still work when I really need them. And I don't get any withdrawals from them.