my 16 year old daughter was wrongly diagnosed?

Question

1. with psychoses
2. then with bipolar(i think the meds brought the symptoms of bipolar, now possibly schizophrenia, but i clearly think it could be aspergers (not much eye contact, speech problem
twitching with fingers, always has had a problem socially interacting, never had many friends (i always thought she was just shy, quiet and introverted, about 3 months ago she has almost stopped talking

Answer 1

Schizophrenia is typically not really seen until the 20's, Aspergers is seen in childhood. What you describe doesn't sound like BiPolar thats for sure and it also doesn't sound like Schizophrenia either. Possibly a social anxiety disorder and slight developmental delay? Being on the wrong meds or too many meds can mess with the body more than it helps. If she was schizophrenic she would have periods with crazy outburts, hallucinations and probally talking to imaginary objects and people. People with schizophrenia rarely ever "withdraw" Aspergers yes, but like i said that is something that is usually see at the latest Kindergarten or 1st grade.

Answer 2

Psychosis is a type of mental health symptom (hallucinations and delusions). Schizophrenia is the "classic" psychotic disorder. She might have been diagnosed with Psychotic DIsorder NOS (not otherwise specified) which is psychosis without all the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, Bipolar disorder can also have psychotic features. The difference between bipolar and schizophrenia isn't always clear cut--it's not unusual for someone to be diagnosed with one and than have the diagnosis changed to the other, and both are often treated with the same medications.

Social withdrawal can be a feature of psychosis, depression, or Asperger's and other types of autism.

I work for a mental health agency and we have a lot of people diagnosed with Asperger's and Bipolar or Schizophrenia at the same time.

Asperger's/Autism are usually diagnosed when someone is a lot younger than 16--if her school had concerns about her socialization and communication since she was about 5 or younger, then it might be a possibility. It just seems like she would have had that diagnosis by now if she is 16.

Did she have the finger twitching since early childhood or did it start recently? Children with autism do tend to unusual movements like "hand flapping." If it started recently it might be a side effect of the medication.

Most of the time, people aren't diagnosed with Schizophrenia until they are at least in their early 20s; but some people are diagnosed at an earlier age.

If you strongly feel your daughter has Autism/Asperger's, you might want to try referring her to a Neurologist (medical doctor who specializes in the nervous system). However, please note that a new diagnosis of this type in someone your daughter's age would be very unusual.

Answer 3

I'm sorry but it's normal now a days. My best friend is 16 and pregnant. 2 of my other close friends had sex, one was 15 and the other only 14. Also, I know of 4 other guys/girls my age (16) that had sex last year while in grade 9. That's all that I know of, I'm sure there are tons more. And I go to a small school!

Answer 4

The symptoms you describe are symptoms and typical behaviors of people suffering from schizophrenia or another sort of psychosis (bipolar disorder can cause psychotic episodes). If you don't agree with the diagnosis, why don't you seek a second or third opinion.

Answer 5

Are you asking us,looks like you given yourself the answer...schizophrenia although most common in late adolescence and ealry 20...Does she suffer from external stress a lot..and how about hallucinations.Aspergers syndrome comes to light in early childhood and is some form of obsessive behavior/autism and mainly affects boys.The thing is she is just 16 and in puberty ...these diseases/conditions are often genes-related so check out family history

Answer 6

You really have a lot going on there with your daughter! My heart goes out to you. Please, don't seek advice other than a professional doctor, and get at least three consultations before you decide which medications she should be on and agree with the doctor's opinion. If they all differ, keep seeking opinions until someone gives you a reasonable answer and will stick by it. Oops, I misdiagnosed is not an option!

Answer 7

thats probably a good diagnosis and I understand that you'd be hesitant about checking that out with a doctor considering your doctor misdiagnosed your daughter in the first place however, I think that only a doctor can prove your suspicions and then give you medication to help your daughter with the disorder.

Answer 8

I'm sorry to hear this. She may have schizophrenia. Does she groom herself well? Have you ever noticed her talking to herself in converstaion? Hopefully they can help her with meds. Don't give up on her!!!!

Answer 9

I'm sorry to hear that about your daughter. I believe they all have similar symptoms, and if it makes you feel better (which I'm not sure it will), statistics prove that 80% of all diagnoses are incorrect. What is your question on them?

Answer 10

sue that doctor and get a differend one