Asperger's??

I have had 2 episodes of depression in the last 2years. I am 48. Now my daughter is being treated for depression & anxiety. She is 18. We are both on sertraline. I have had & she is having cbt. I am having counselling.

I did not have a horriblr childhood. I haven't really anything to talk to the counsellor about.

I heard an item on Woman's Hour about women with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. The more I read the more I think we both have Asperger's. I have mentioned it to my counsellor & to a friend who is a GP. My daughter has mentioned it to her cpn & psychiatrist. In all cases it was quickly dismissed.

Is it worth pursuing? There is no treatment, we do not need benefits. I am in a (fairly) stable relationship & have always been employed except when I took time off with the children.

But would it help us to address mental health issues if we had a diagnosis?

Hi,

I'd get your daughter to check out early onset dysthymia (though you might find it difficult to find a UK GP to diagnose it) - it might prevent a lifetime of suffering to catch it early.

As for yourself, diagnosis is always helpful - you know what you're up against then and can do something specifically for it - it also gives peace of mind, rather than adding to it all with anxiety.

Best,
Johno.

Hi,

I'd get your daughter to check out early onset dysthymia (though you might find it difficult to find a UK GP to diagnose it) - it might prevent a lifetime of suffering to catch it early.

As for yourself, diagnosis is always helpful - you know what you're up against then and can do something specifically for it - it also gives peace of mind, rather than adding to it all with anxiety.

Best,
Johno.