Severe Depression with Psychosis

Hi all!

I was recently given the diagnosis of extreme anxiety with panic and severe depression with psychosis. The doctor I saw said she used this label as more of a placeholder than an official diagnosis so that I could start taking atypical anti-psychotics while I waited for my appointment with their psychiatrist. Seeing the term psychosis applied to me felt surprising, until I noticed most of my paranoia--which I was so used to that it felt completely normal--disappear after a few days on my new drugs. Guess I didn't know how sick I have been all these years! This makes me even more curious to see what the psychiatrist has to say about an official diagnosis when we finally meet.

Has anyone else had similar experiences?

Hello,

I've been originally diagnosed 13 years ago (yay, time flies when you're having fun...) with major depression with depersonalising episodes. I can't say I understood what that meant. 4 years ago my diagnosis has been changed to bipolar disorder, which in a way has been a blessing, as it explained everything that was happening to me.

This is not to say you have BP. I think your doctor did the right thing, and glad the antipsychotics are helping! How is it going with the depression, is it better now?

Keep us posted about your final diagnosis, I'm very curious.

Oliveira wrote:Hello,

This is not to say you have BP. I think your doctor did the right thing, and glad the antipsychotics are helping! How is it going with the depression, is it better now?

Keep us posted about your final diagnosis, I'm very curious.

My moods come in waves. I have good moments and good days that are punctuated by mood swings, depressive symptoms, and panic attacks. The drugs have also helped dull the intensity of my emotions (thank goodness!). Since it has only been about a week since I started the pills I'm probably not currently seeing their full effects. I'm able to leave the house now because the paranoia and some of the anxiety have gone, and I'm no longer staying in bed crying all day.

I have an educated guess as to what's going on with me, but don't want to share until I get a formal diagnosis from a doctor. Similarly to yourself I think a diagnosis will help me make sense of my life, why simple daily living can be so difficult.

Thanks for the reply, I'll keep ya'll posted!

Well I finally got in to the doctor this week and my suspicions were partially correct. On top of the depression with psychosis, and severe anxiety with panic, the doctor agreed that I have BPD. While several doctors agreed that yes I have BPD they wouldn't actually give me a firm diagnosis, rather labeling me as "suspected BPD". I don't know what that might mean but there you have it!