Repealed diagnosis of SSD

I was diagnosed about a year ago with disorganized schizophrenia/schizophrenic spectrum disorder. I only had mild, if only residual auditory hallucinations (my cell would 'ring' if I was in a car listening to music, or I think I would hear my mom calling me), but no progressive sign of social withdrawal, depression, or completely bizarre thoughts. My diagnostic psychologist referred me to a colleague at a prominent psychiatric research center, and my appt. was today.

The doctor, who had multiple articles published in prominent journals, ect, was very surprised when I met her; during our appointment, she asked questions, I gave answers- she said other than residual auditory hallucinations, and disorganized thinking, I was definately not a candidate for a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

It also explains why 99% of the music I listen to is classic/psychedelic/prog rock from the 60s and 70s, maybe a bit of 90s alt, but nothing else. It could just mean today's music sucks?

I'm extremely well-developed emotionally, I have neurological difficulties speaking to new people, higher than average intelligence (I took an IQ test during the appointment, results averaged 125-132) and I have a very deep-rooted fondness for reading encyclopedias, dictionaries, directions, manuals, textbooks, ingredient labels, and any label on any random product. I am very very quirky, I enjoy imitating animal sounds (I'm quite good) and I am told that I am odd or weird at least 5 times a day, but in a good way.

I walked away with a NEUROLOGICAL diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome.

All this time, I felt like I was crazy, when it was simply my quirkiness from a syndrome that is not usually regarded as detrimental, but rather as a good thing. I am much happier now that I have a REAL diagnosis.

Well congrats, PB!! I always wondered about your SSD diagnosis, myself. You're much too cognitively aware, and even with the disorganized thinking, capable of organized thought to have been slotted into that SSD category. The auditory hallucinations must have thrown that original doctor or psychologist who made the diagnosis off. Psychiatric diagnoses are tricky and subtley different, from what I've learned so far, but this news really reassures me, too! Labels sometimes are the hardest things to deal with, aren't they?

I look forward to more of your brilliant quirkiness, encyclopedic curiosity and emotional health! Sounds like you're a very healthy "Aspergerian" as a whole.

purple banana,

Im happy for ya honey ! sorry about the illness, sounds like it flat out sucks! I usually relive my mother hollarin like a mad woman at me for nothing,
I was the best child out of 5

Did your diagnoses get you awarded SSD $$ the money helps carry the stone Im sure

sorry ass government in America needs to get a life and approve alot more people for disabilty

people cant help getting illnesses

Its just plain not right the way our govenrment steals from Americans out right steals from hard working folk

another story

cyber hug () to ya purple banana

Silky, by SSD, Purple Banana and I were referring to schizophrenic spectrum disorder, her original diagnosis, not social security disability. At least I was since I'm the one who used the acronym. PB is a wonderfully able young lady. She works as a nursing tech/aide at a major medical center and is also studying English in college. I don't think there's even the remote possibility of SSDI (social security disability insurance) in her future. That's a young lady who's going to do great things. Already has, if you ask me!

Purp, I think I might be in your same boat, other than enclicipidas i read spelling textbooks, and i doodle rather than call wildgame

omg Im so sorry Id edit it


if I could get back in my post !!

PLEASE FORGIVE ME?

Haha NO I CANNOT FORGIVE YOU.

Thanks for having the confidence in my abilities :) It really makes a difference when people care. I used to be very anti-social, until I got a job at the hospital. In order not to get fired, I knew I HAD to work on it, and I did, and now (besides no eye contact and fumbling my words sometimes) barely anyone can tell. I pride myself in not using any medication to correct my social withdrawal, although as long as it is marginally unacceptable, I let my freak flag fly :D I don't mind getting looks from strangers because I am confident in my own ability.

aww I know your a sweety )

my sister has appiled for SSD shes been denied 7 times, now she has law counsel )

SSD 101

SSD
about the process of disabilty, Social security disabilty is awarded when one becomes unable to work due to a disease/chronic illness, one has to pay into disability to get awarded a claim ,SD is for pp that have worked

SSDI Social Security Disability Insurance is awarded for
disabled ill children,a child or an adult they
can get awarded SSDI even before they reach age 3, if they are ill




if only we could all stay healthy and beautiful our entire lives? what a world it would b

Id love to live forever but thats just me



:stoned:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by birdgirl73

PB is a wonderfully able young lady. She works as a nursing tech/aide at a major medical center and is also studying English in college. I don't think there's even the remote possibility of SSDI (social security disability insurance) in her future. That's a young lady who's going to do great things. Already has, if you ask me!

---

Birdgirl, you have no idea how much your words on this topic mean to me. After reading a few of your posts, I looked at your profile and wasn't surprised to find that you were a medical student. Your posts in the medical forum are something I truly look forward to.

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 11 years ago; I had a terrible time for a very long time, but now, I'm out of a bad marriage, working part-time, and going to school full-time to get into the medical field, too. I'm able to take care of my child the way a good mother should, and my child is thriving in every way possible.

There IS life after a diagnosis of mental illness. You just have to do whatever it is you have to do (meds, meditation, therapy, etc.) to be a productive member of society.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by silkyblue

my sister has appiled for SSD shes been denied 7 times, now she has law counsel )
:stoned:

---

Thanks for the SSD/SSDI 101! Yes, it's nearly impossible to get without the help of qualified legal counsel. The SS administration is just like any other insurance company about paying benefits. People pretty much have to be terminally ill, in a coma, or with a few, specific clear-cut diagnoses like muscular dystrophy or end-stage congestive heart failure to get it without a struggle. After that, attorneys really need to help because the SS administration will tell regular folks no until the cows come home. This is very frustrating for physicians, who spend hours completing and submitting paperwork for patients who're very clearly disabled and need those benefits to survive only to see them get turned down repeatedly.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cm8883

Birdgirl, you have no idea how much your words on this topic mean to me. After reading a few of your posts, I looked at your profile and wasn't surprised to find that you were a medical student. Your posts in the medical forum are something I truly look forward to.

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 11 years ago; I had a terrible time for a very long time, but now, I'm out of a bad marriage, working part-time, and going to school full-time to get into the medical field, too. I'm able to take care of my child the way a good mother should, and my child is thriving in every way possible.

There IS life after a diagnosis of mental illness. You just have to do whatever it is you have to do (meds, meditation, therapy, etc.) to be a productive member of society.

---

Thank you for such a kind compliment, CM8883, and your kind words on your rep comment. Glad you're on a steady course now. I've had friends and acquaintances with varying degrees of bipolar. I know it's not easy. My heart goes out to you, and I'm glad you''ve got your sights on a career in the medical field.

The more I learn about psychiatric illnesses, the more that medical specialty is beginning to appeal to me. I have great admiration for clinicians who do a good and ethical job of treating patients with mental illnesses. Goodness knows they've helped me when I've needed it with depression and anxiety. Take care of yourself, OK? And thank you again for your kind words!