crazy or misunderstood, many diagnosies!!!!!!!

Welcome CC,

One of the things I'm learning about psych conditions is that diagnoses can be much less certain than you might think. It just isn't like physical conditions where an X-ray can identify a problem. A psych diagnosis is an opinion by an expert but it can only be based on limited information. Also, 21 years ago autism wasn't nearly so well known. Even now, it is a fairly rare thing and it is hard to diagnose in many cases.

Have you tried the free online test (see link earlier in this thread)? This isn't totally reliable and I think some people have problems at lower scores than others. I scored 43 but "managed" for many years without a diagnosis, other people are more affected at much lower scores - I suspect that females might get lower scores but be more affected by the condition. It's a useful indicator but it's just one piece of the jigsaw.

Finding it hard to explain is a common problem. If we were great communicators then, by definition, we wouldn't have the condition. This is a real Catch-22 problem for many people as they struggle to explain why they would benefit from a diagnosis so doctors can be hard to persuade. There are, however, things to do to get around this so don't feel as though it needs to be a problem.

i have a diagnosis of bipolar, i was diagnoised 21 years ago. i also think i may be on the autisum scale, its frustrating as when i mentioned it in the past they didnt take me seriously, have been looking on line for answers recently and i now think i could be on the autisum scale as i am exactly as i have read.

find it a struggle to explain and would love for someone to chat to 

There are a few other people on the forum that have been diagnosed with bipolar and other psych conditions before getting to a diagnosis of ASD. The autistic mind tends to work in categorical black/white terms which, when coupled with our poor communication/social skills can lead one into states where you think everything is clear and simple (the high) but you then fail to get the world to see it your way and you end up on a low. This can appear similar to bipolar but it isn't really the same thing.

Being in a misunderstood and contrary position against the world also leads to stress and this can lead to psychiatric problems. I found that having a better understanding of myself and how I was different to others has been a massive help in sorting out my mental state.

You also have another couple of problems in that the professionals don't have any straightforward lab tests that can identify exactly what mental problems we have - they can only make a judgement of what is presented to them in a consultation. If the picture is clouded by secondary issues that have arisen through unrecognised underlying conditions, such as asd, then it is hard for them to work out what is really going on. I think there is also a danger of self diagnosis, in situations like yours, as you are trying to figure things out when you are under great stress.

Have a browse round the forum - use the "search the community" facility above to see what other's experience with bipolar etc have been - you may find stories that resonate (or not?)

hi thank you checked it out and scored as somewhat in the autistic spectrum though i had trouble gauging my definatly's from my somewhats, especialy as i find my state varies with how things are going in my life generaly and at what level my bi polar aspect is functioning.. was goodto get some extra insight though!! nice one  cheers!!

Hi Free ohm,

Have you tried the free online test at aspergerstest.net/.../ ?