Just curious, Is it possible for Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder to progress to Schizophrenia?

*****FROM ABC NEWS MEDICAL UNIT*****

 

Hi M_NAME and thank you for your question. Here is an answer from Bruce Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Shervert Frazier Research Institute, McLean Hospital:

Symptoms and signs of illness can change over time, and with such changes, a new diagnosis may be appropriate. For example, it is not uncommon for someone who has experienced a depression to experience a manic episode later in life. Thus, a diagnosis of major depressive disorder may change to bipolar disorder. Similarly, early symptoms of what will become schizophrenia may at first suggest a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.

 

NOTE: Top medical experts on treating bipolar disorder answer more questions like these on our OnCall+ Bipolar website: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/BipolarTreatment/.

 

*****FROM ABC NEWS MEDICAL UNIT*****

Thanks for taking the time to answer the question, though the information may be disheartening in my case. I guess I may need to be re-evaluated unless there is another suggestion.

Just curious, Is it possible for a counselor to project certain types of problems on you because of their background?

The counselor I was seeing, has a marriage and family background. However, it seems more the focus than anything else that goes on with me. I became so fed up I walked out of the session about 7 minutes into it on Monday. I've given this counselor a year and I believe it is time to move on. But I still wonder if it is just symptomatic of the illness itself. I do struggle to find someone to talk to, plus the appointments were becoming so far apart. I went for help in December 2004, and after 3 PCPs, 5 Psychiatrist, 5 counselors; I'm just spent on trying to get help with all the wrong people.

*****FROM ABC NEWS MEDICAL UNIT*****

 

Hi M_NAME and thank you for your question. Here is an answer from Jeff Szymanski, Ph.D., Director of Psychological Services at McLean Hospital Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Institute (OCDI):

 

My recommendation to people seeking therapy is to understand that they should interview prospective therapists looking for the best fit for themselves. It is common to be "assigned" a therapist, but if you went to a car dealer and they "assigned" you a car, you would be unlikely to purchase it. After meeting with a few therapists pick one you are willing to commit to working with. Once in therapy if you are having difficulties with your therapist, the best strategy is always to bring this up directly with the person.

 

NOTE: Top medical experts on mind and mood answer more questions like these on our OnCall+ Mind and Mood website: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodResourceCenter.

 

*****FROM ABC NEWS MEDICAL UNIT*****

Thanks for taking the time to respond, but I don't think you really answered the question. Back to your analogy, if all the car dealerships in your area are all of one brand with different models it doesn't matter which car is 'assigned'. They all come off the assembly line with the same chassis. I actually did meet with 2-3 dealers this last time before choosing this one. A year ago the dealer assured me that this model would work for me, though I was skeptical because I had more car knowledge than the dealer. So after a year do you look to trade in? Or do as suggested and talk directly with the dealer about the dissatisfaction? Or both?

But the original question is whether the dealer is pushing their brand because that is the only brand they know?