Bipolar II misdiagnosis

[Edwards07]

Around 2000-01 I went through a rough patch, which turned out to be depression. The psychiatrist I went to see diagnosed me as BipolarII on my first visit, prescribed Lamictal and sent me home with free samples. I went and read up about bipolar disorder - couldn't believe that's what my problem was and sure enough, I didn't fit the description. I had a sister in law who saw this same psychiatrist because she needed help dealing with prescription drug dependency. Guess what? This same doctor diagnosed her for the same thing, prescribed the same pills and gave out the same free samples. I never took the pills. I was suspicious from the beginning and never went back - but after my sis in law, I called complete bull on it. Turns out I just needed to stay off my computer, get some fresh air, excercise and enough distance from a bad on and off relationship and I was fine. I laughed off the diagnosis, until I decided I wanted to get my CHL.

The problem here is that this particular psychiatrist is dead now. How can I know if this is even on my record? Does anyone know of a way to access mental health records, from a deceased doctor at that? I've seen that the law states that they can waive that diagnosis if a doc. gives me a clean bill of health - but what if it was never my problem? What are my options here?

Thanks for reading & I appreciate any insight you folks could share-

[rotor]

You can contact the Texas Medical Board to find out who is maintaining the medical records (if anyone). I believe that medical records must be maintained for 7 years. Since the doctor is dead his wife probably took over the records and may or may not know anything about maintaining records. The issue for you though is not if there is anything in the records, probably there is, but that you have been diagnosed and now must fight that diagnosis. I can not tell you how to fight that diagnosis. Contacting the Medical board is VERY slow. Expect to wait a long time for a response.
What if the records are not available? Are you planning on not being truthful on your application? No comment.

[Edwards07]

Na, I wouldn't lie on the application - I have a squeeky clean record and want to keep it that way. There could be a chance that nothing would show up but I'm not willing to risk it. I'll just have to keep carrying only in my truck / rv if I can't find a way around this.

The doc was an old lady - I don't think she had a spouse to pass it to. I can't be sure though.

[The Annoyed Man]

Na, I wouldn't lie on the application - I have a squeeky clean record and want to keep it that way. There could be a chance that nothing would show up but I'm not willing to risk it. I'll just have to keep carrying only in my truck / rv if I can't find a way around this.

The doc was an old lady - I don't think she had a spouse to pass it to. I can't be sure though.

First, isn't there some database somewhere that can be queried to find out if you're psychiatric disposition was even reported out by the doctor? If there is, and you're not listed in it, then there is no reason to even mention the diagnosis on your application, because DPS would be querying the same database.

You could also try setting an appointment with a currently practicing psychiatrist to get a negative diagnosis for bipolar disorder. Simply tell him/her about the previous misdiagnosis, and say that you're worried it might affect a possible security clearance for a job application, so you'd like to nip that one in the bud. (DO NOT say it is for a LTC, as psychiatrists as a breed tend to be anti-2nd Amendment, and he/she might report your case out just to stop you from getting the license.)

I don't claim to know if this is a good idea or not, but it could get you past the issue.........unless of course the new psychiatrist finds something else in your psychological makeup to worry about.

[rotor]

I doubt if there is a database anywhere on your psychiatric history. From your description of things I doubt that there are any records anywhere but the quandary is that you did see a physician and got a bad diagnosis as far as getting a LTC. You might be proactive now and see a psychiatrist, tell him/her your story and see if you can get a letter saying that there is no history of any past or present psychiatric disorder. I would not mention that you are doing this for an LTC. Perhaps say it's for employment purposes. A properly worded letter from a board certified psychiatrist should go a long way to helping you get an LTC.
Missed TAM's post but agree.

[Edwards07]

First, isn't there some database somewhere that can be queried to find out if you're psychiatric disposition was even reported out by the doctor?

I've been online searching for something like that. I haven't turned anything up - also possible I didn't understand what I was looking at

...unless of course the new psychiatrist finds something else in your psychological makeup to worry about.

That would be my luck!

[ScottDLS]

I doubt if there is a database anywhere on your psychiatric history. From your description of things I doubt that there are any records anywhere but the quandary is that you did see a physician and got a bad diagnosis as far as getting a LTC. You might be proactive now and see a psychiatrist, tell him/her your story and see if you can get a letter saying that there is no history of any past or present psychiatric disorder. I would not mention that you are doing this for an LTC. Perhaps say it's for employment purposes. A properly worded letter from a board certified psychiatrist should go a long way to helping you get an LTC.
Missed TAM's post but agree.

There is no database and to collect your diagnosis for such would be against Federal law. Feds only care if you've been "adjudicated mentally defective and OP was not. It's Texas that has these diagnoses called out in the criteria. Stupid but that's the way it is for now. If you recall exactly what your diagnosis was then you are supposed to disclose it.

[Rex B]

That stuff is still going on IMO. My Niece's daughter was just diagnosed as bipolar, but I don't buy it.
Same doc diagnosed her a few years ago with depression and gives her a lifetime Rx for antidepressants.
She's actually just a 21-year old millenial facing Reality for the first time and finding out life is not all rainbows and unicorns.
I guess with enough psychoactive drugs the unicorns will come right back.

[rotor]

Thinking about the database comment. When you saw the psychiatrist did you pay cash or was this on insurance? If on insurance then probably you have been coded 296.something (ICD9 code) and that would be the only "database" reference, filed with your insurance company.

[The Annoyed Man]

First, isn't there some database somewhere that can be queried to find out if you're psychiatric disposition was even reported out by the doctor?

I've been online searching for something like that. I haven't turned anything up - also possible I didn't understand what I was looking at

...unless of course the new psychiatrist finds something else in your psychological makeup to worry about.

That would be my luck!

By the way, how to you answer question (f) on the 4473 when you buy a gun? Maybe answer the application the same way.

[Edwards07]

That stuff is still going on IMO. My Niece's daughter was just diagnosed as bipolar, but I don't buy it.
Same doc diagnosed her a few years ago with depression and gives her a lifetime Rx for antidepressants.
She's actually just a 21-year old millenial facing Reality for the first time and finding out life is not all rainbows and unicorns.
I guess with enough psychoactive drugs the unicorns will come right back.

Right, a lot of docs are nothing more than pill dispensers.

[Edwards07]

First, isn't there some database somewhere that can be queried to find out if you're psychiatric disposition was even reported out by the doctor?

I've been online searching for something like that. I haven't turned anything up - also possible I didn't understand what I was looking at

...unless of course the new psychiatrist finds something else in your psychological makeup to worry about.

That would be my luck!

By the way, how to you answer question (f) on the 4473 when you buy a gun? Maybe answer the application the same way.

I answer no, because it's true. Difference is though, that applying for the chl they're asking specifically what if anything I've been diagnosed for. That's where they got me.

[Edwards07]

Thinking about the database comment. When you saw the psychiatrist did you pay cash or was this on insurance? If on insurance then probably you have been coded 296.something (ICD9 code) and that would be the only "database" reference, filed with your insurance company.

I can barely remember - I'm pretty sure I used my insurance.

[rotor]

That stuff is still going on IMO. My Niece's daughter was just diagnosed as bipolar, but I don't buy it.
Same doc diagnosed her a few years ago with depression and gives her a lifetime Rx for antidepressants.
She's actually just a 21-year old millenial facing Reality for the first time and finding out life is not all rainbows and unicorns.
I guess with enough psychoactive drugs the unicorns will come right back.

Right, a lot of docs are nothing more than pill dispensers.

If you are bipolar though the treatment is pills. Find a good board certified psychiatrist, have him/her do a mental evaluation and get a letter saying you have no evidence of past or present psychiatric disorders. Then keep your fingers crossed.

[Edwards07]

That stuff is still going on IMO. My Niece's daughter was just diagnosed as bipolar, but I don't buy it.
Same doc diagnosed her a few years ago with depression and gives her a lifetime Rx for antidepressants.
She's actually just a 21-year old millenial facing Reality for the first time and finding out life is not all rainbows and unicorns.
I guess with enough psychoactive drugs the unicorns will come right back.

Right, a lot of docs are nothing more than pill dispensers.

If you are bipolar though the treatment is pills. Find a good board certified psychiatrist, have him/her do a mental evaluation and get a letter saying you have no evidence of past or present psychiatric disorders. Then keep your fingers crossed.

I suppose if I was evaluated and they say nothing is wrong with me, then I guess the question would be whether or not to leave out the misdiagnosis on the application... since the condition never existed. As far as I know, that type of condition never actually goes away. I'd have proof with the new eval. Wonder if that would fly in court? Almost sounds like I need a shrink AND a lawyer.