I see two concurrent issues. I personally believe psych diagnoses should have a shelf life. If a patient receives a strep throat diagnosis the doctor does not assume at another appointment, a year later, that they still have the same strep throat. My current GP has made a point to chart my misdiagnosis. This change needs to occur for accuracy, so a patient receives optimal care. As equally important, though, a patient should not have to fear their healthcare will be compromised if they suffer from a mental illness of any kind.
After countless doctors, I was finally diagnosed with Sneddon’s Syndrome. This took about 5 years. I consider myself lucky considering the average 7 year diagnostic delay.
I see two concurrent issues. I personally believe psych diagnoses should have a shelf life. If a patient receives a strep throat diagnosis the doctor does not assume at another appointment, a year later, that they still have the same strep throat. My current GP has made a point to chart my misdiagnosis. This change needs to occur for accuracy, so a patient receives optimal care. As equally important, though, a patient should not have to fear their healthcare will be compromised if they suffer from a mental illness of any kind.
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After countless doctors, I was finally diagnosed with Sneddon’s Syndrome. This took about 5 years. I consider myself lucky considering the average 7 year diagnostic delay.
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I look forward to hearing more from you on this subject. It is a dangerous escape goat.
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