A Diagnosis That Changed – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
From the book – Chapter 33: How Mental Health Conditions Are Assessed and Diagnosed
A Diagnosis That Changed
Hamid, twenty-seven, from Birmingham, was diagnosed with depression two years ago after a long low period. A medicine helped for a few months. Then he suddenly felt wonderful: he slept two hours a night, talked quickly, spent money he did not have and started three business plans in one week.
His girlfriend, Sofia, was alarmed. When he crashed again into a deep low, she persuaded him to see the doctor and brought notes of what she had seen. With his permission, she described the highs as well as the lows.
What this story explains
This story shows that diagnoses can change over time, why information from others and second opinions are reasonable, and how to live with a diagnosis while keeping a sense of self.
How to recognise it
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A diagnosis that does not fit the whole picture, or a treatment that is not working.
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Periods of unusually high energy, little sleep and risky decisions, alongside lows.
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A person or family who first saw only the depressed phase.
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Reactions to the new diagnosis: sadness, denial, fear, relief.
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Concern about stigma and who to tell.
What to do
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Keep a simple mood and sleep diary, including the highs.
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Share concerns about a change in pattern with the doctor.
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With permission, let a trusted person give their observations.
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Ask 'how certain are you and could anything else be going on?'
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Ask for a second opinion if the diagnosis or treatment does not fit.
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Take time to adjust, and decide carefully whom to tell.
Do and don’t
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Do give the full history. | Don't hide the highs. |
| Do ask questions. | Don't use the diagnosis as a joke or insult. |
| Do take time to absorb it. | Don't stop treatment suddenly. |
| Do choose carefully who to tell. | Don't let the label define you. |
| Do keep appointments. | Don't diagnose a family member yourself. |
Read the full chapter – Chapter 33: How Mental Health Conditions Are Assessed and Diagnosed
Stories from real life
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- Thyroid, Not Just Nerves – Marta, thirty-eight, an accountant in Warsaw, had been anxious for months. Her heart raced, her hands trembled, she lost weight, and she could not concentrate at…
- Maya Will Not Sit Still, Or Is It More? – Maya, eight, in Hyderabad, had been called lazy and careless by her teacher. She lost her things, stared out of the window and sometimes cried before…
More on this topic: What is mental health? A simple guide to the mind and who can help
More questions
- Maya Will Not Sit Still, Or Is It More? – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Why diagnosis matters?
- Who can diagnose?
- Understanding the diagnostic systems – mental health assessment and diagnosis
- The assessment process, step by step – explained simply
- Step 1: The interview – the assessment process, step by step
- Step 2: The mental state examination – the assessment process, step by step
- Step 3: Standardised questionnaires and rating scales – the assessment process, step by step
- Step 4: Physical examination and tests – the assessment process, step by step
- Step 5: Information from others – the assessment process, step by step
- Psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor – what is the difference?
- Early warning signs of mental distress