Well, we had our post-psychological testing results meeting today at Bingham Clinic. And I could leap and shout and sing for joy! Bethany does NOT have schizophrenia!!!!! This is such good news for her and for our family.
What she DOES have: Asperger's Syndrome with clinical Anxiety, NOS and clinical Depression, NOS. And yes, severe anxiety, the doctor explained, can cause a kid to shut down and seem catatonic, the way she did. Severe anxiety can cause somatic disturbances and movement disorders...everything she has going on.
This diagnosis gives us a vision for the way forward and good hope for the future. Things don't look nearly as bleak as they did before. This is treatable and can be managed very well with cognitive/behavioral therapy and medication. I'm hoping we can get in to see the psychiatrist soon, and talk about whether her medications needed to be adjusted in light of these findings.
I'm so happy, happy, happy!
And on the feast of the Transfiguration, too! We have our own transfiguration, in a way: A change from what we thought (which was dire and sad and felt hopeless), to what actually IS (still difficult, but not hopeless).
Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee!!!!!!!!!!
What she DOES have: Asperger's Syndrome with clinical Anxiety, NOS and clinical Depression, NOS. And yes, severe anxiety, the doctor explained, can cause a kid to shut down and seem catatonic, the way she did. Severe anxiety can cause somatic disturbances and movement disorders...everything she has going on.
This diagnosis gives us a vision for the way forward and good hope for the future. Things don't look nearly as bleak as they did before. This is treatable and can be managed very well with cognitive/behavioral therapy and medication. I'm hoping we can get in to see the psychiatrist soon, and talk about whether her medications needed to be adjusted in light of these findings.
I'm so happy, happy, happy!
And on the feast of the Transfiguration, too! We have our own transfiguration, in a way: A change from what we thought (which was dire and sad and felt hopeless), to what actually IS (still difficult, but not hopeless).
Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee!!!!!!!!!!
Comments
Thank you for updating us as well, and we'll all continue to pray as B's care plan is changed.
Blessings to your sweet family! What an amazing day!
On an unrelated note, come visit us again soon. We really enjoyed the last time you stayed with us.
THANKS BE TO GOD!!!
I have tears over such news: finally an accurate diagnosis, and with treatment options!
Will continue to pray for healing along with everyone else and the saints!
Lots of hugs!
I am so very happy for you, Bethany and all of your family. I know we've never met, but crying tears of joy for you.
In Christ, Tamara
I have a niece and a nephew with Asbergers. They are both teenagers now and doing very well; their parents have been incredible champions for them and I know you will be, too...
May God continue to bless you...
It makes one wonder about the spectrum of disorders, though, as if undiagnosed/untreated schizophrenia might be at a far end of illness.
God's blessings, and graces to regain the strength to continue and persevere in the daily therapy.