Got My Diagnosis Report. Some Questions.

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Got my report from the psychiatrist today, the one she sent to the doctors.

At the end she says: "It's my opinion that James does fulfil the criteria for Aspergers Syndrome, according to my clinical assessment, and considering the following diagnostic issues, according to Gillberg's criteria and the ICD 10 classification system". Which is what I knew already.

The concern is, she's written stuff I don't agree with. And this is now on my medical record for life. It's unlikely she will change her opinion.

She also suggest I be taken off Citalopram, and be moved onto Quetiapine. She says ... "James reports recurrent depressive illness, which is not fully responsive to antidepressant medication and it may be worth while augmenting the action of his antidepressant with a small dose of an atypical antipsychotic medication such as Quetiapine which appears to have a favourable response in many with Aspergers Syndrome".

What is this drug? Never heard of it.

She says a lot of stuff that was quite painful to read that I didn't even know. Stuff from my mother and my partner.

I also feel like there was some stuff we didn't address. I am no good with initiating conversation, so unless asked a question I will not answer. But I suspect further meetings in the future will address these issues. At least I hope.

I'm an American. Will this formal diagnosis make it easier for you to collect benefits?

I can understand your discomfiture on having untoward things in your lifelong file.

I've heard of the drug; I don't know anything about it.

is there a way you could, eventually, get off ALL drugs?

I'm glad you feel that way.

You do have to obtain some sort of qualifications.

When I mentioned "benefits," I meant in the present, since I was under the impression you were having housing issues at present. I wasn't advocating one being dependent on benefits WHATSOEVER.

I know what you mean about "being taught by idiots." There are more than enough to go around. I know what you mean about the "cost" aspect.

With benefits, aren't there ways to obtain a qualification for free? Aren't there ways to show 'real-life experience" and "real-life knowledge," thereby precluding one from having to attend University or college in order to pick up the formal qualifications? Maybe there's an exam which could be taken in lieu of logging class time?

Also: I'm an American LOL (though I should have known about Housing Benefit, since I've done research on it LOL)

Another name for Quetiapine is Seroquel. It is, like she said, an atypical antipsychotic medication usually used to treat psychosis and, in some cases, depression. It can be very effective for depression. Don't let the term "antipsychotic" scare you. Although it's not approved for AS. Abilify and Risperdal are the only antipsychotics approved for Autism, as far as I know.

Hey there! I am a med student and I thought I could tell you what I know so far about Quetiapine and treating depression. It sounds like she is suggesting that your depression may be somewhat resistant to treatment. Commonly when depression shows resistance to treatment, they augment that treatment with other medications of several different varieties. If SSRI's, TCA's, and other common antidepressants aren't working or aren't working completely, a doctor might prescribe lithium, another mood stabilizer, or a 2nd generation antipsychotic (which Quetiapine is). Totally normal. When a doctor augments with another medication, he or she uses a low dose of the new medication and can then keep the patient on the other medication but hopefully will get better results. From what I know about Quetiapine, it can be effective for depression and the common side effects I know of aren't terrible (sedation and weight gain).

But the best way to find out about a new medication and your doctor's ideas about treatment would be to ask lots of questions when you see the doctor! Maybe bring a list with you (I have trouble remembering and I need to prepare to ask things so I feel more confident). I could be off on my interpretations and your doctor would certainly know more.

Hi Jay,

Are there ways to take tests to obtain qualifications in lieu of class time?

How's the music coming along?

I just want to second what Amanda said. They aren't trying to take you off of your anti-depressant. They want you to take Seroquel in addition to the medicine you already take. If you have any questions about specific prescription drugs, go to drugs.com and type in the name of the drug. It will give you the information you would normally get when you get the prescription filled at the pharmacy, including side effect and recommended uses.