Hello!

[burrow_owl]

I'm new here and I was wondering what is the best way to get a diagnoses for a mental illness? I've been struggling with symptoms of a anxiety disorder for about 4 years, and I wanted to know if it's a disorder or just a normal feeling

[Girlie32]

The big question is what is normal. Clearly we are all different and that's great. You can get scoring for anxiety and look at criteria for diagnosis. Obviously a psychiatrist should be good at giving a diagnosis but since some criteria are subjective opinions may differ.

[Cathy63]

Hi. I'm new here too. Your regular doctor would be a good place to start. They can diagnose mental illness. My family physician diagnosed my depression.

[mjlitl13]

Hi, going to your family Dr first for a diagnosis is best.

If he or she finds that you need some type of anti-anxiety medication, either he/she can prescribe it or send you to a Psychiatrist to prescribe medication for you.

I have dealt with anxiety all my life and, when I became an adult, my family Dr prescribed medication for me which helped for awhile. But, for me medicine alone wasn't the answer.

I ended up finding a therapist through a friend and that helped a lot!

Now, I have gone through a few therapists in my lifetime, along with a good Psychiatrist to monitor my meds (I now also take anti depressants).

Long story but depression often does accompany anxiety disorder.

The one thing that helped me the most with my social anxiety was joining a self-help group, but it took many years for me to be ready for that.

I am currently 65 years old, which is one reason I have so much experience with this.

Don't let all I have told you overwhelm you. Start with a "baby step" and just go to your family Dr for now.

Good luck and Hugs,

MJ

[Hidden]

I would suggest a phsycologist or psychiatrist to get a true diagnosis. My family doctor's knowledge of mental illnesses was limited. Since I've always suffered from anxiety and depression the majority of my life I know the signs. My family doctor will prescribe me what he thinks is best. I was diagnosed at a young age.

[gogogirl]

If possible contact your pcp and take it from there. You could also contact NAMI ( National Alliance on mental illness.