I disagree with Diagnosis

Hello All

At Last I've found a forum for Cyclothymics

It's taken me a while for a shrink to take me seriously...ie " Well there's not much one can do for Cyclothymia" I have found the SHO's better than the actual Consultants. This last one actually talked about mood stabalisers and how Lithium helps with the depression aswell as the hypomania. My only concern is weight gain as it can slow the metabolism down and I have successfully reached my target weight. I found out about a drug called Lamotrigine which is very successful for cyclothymics, but there can be a risk of a serious rash. Anyway I wrote to the shrink explaining this and passing on my appreciation if we could discuss this at our next meeting.

Our next meeting is on Monday 16th, only two days away. I always receive a copy of the letter of what the Shrinks send to my GP, and one part of what I read has totally upset me because it is totally untrue. He wrote as well as having Cyclothymia he feels I have Histrionic Personality Disorder. He never mentioned this or discussed this with me. To quailfy to be diagnosed one must have 5 or more of the following:

1: Praise Hungry
2: Be seductive or provocative
3: Be Over dramatic
4: Be very shallow with emotions
5: Be Self Centered
6: Be Impressionistic
7: Be Attention seeking
8: Considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are.

The only thing I could possibly identify with would be over dramatic. I am far from seductive or provocative; I like praise where it's due, but I know when I don't deserve it. I am very honest with my emotions whether it be angry or caring; I am certainly not self centered, or impressionistic. I am not an attention seeker and I do not consider relationships to be more intimate then they are.

My friends and family agree with me and they see me more often than a blinkin' shrink.

I'd appreciate any words of comfort.

Many thanks

Annaliza