Am wondering if there is some sort of actual test/scan that can assess mental illness. I hear all the time that it is a "chemical imbalance" and therefore there must be a blood test or brain scan to show this?

I am most definitely unwell. Summary: usually insomnia at times sleep for 15 hr a day for days in a row, brain runs non-stop, can't keep a job, unmotivated to talk to close friends let alone be in any sort of public situation, extremely emotional some little things, yet usually numb, can't focus on even a 30 minute TV show. The crying bouts are new, and I think PMS related. It has been ongoing for about 15 years now... like teenage adolescence I never grew out of.

I was on prozac from 15- 20 yrs old. Am 28 now. I cannot remember anything from that period. I think perhaps I was misdiagnosed, or given the wrong meds. All I know is, that this way of life is not normal and I WANT help! The sickness colors every aspect of my "life." I just want to know if it's depression, ADHD, bi-polarism, anxiety, etc... surely there must be a way.

Recently started seeing a therapist (helps to be heard and not judged) but scared to go to psychiatrist as I generally get the sense they just want to write u a med and get u out the door asap. Thoughts or advice anyone?

There most definitely are tests to diagnose mental illness and imbalances.

Don't be afraid of a psychiatrist--they are there to help and not just out to prescribe meds. Simply ask your therapist or family physician for a referral. You fully deserve to improve your quality of life and the right professional will be able to help you find out exactly what's wrong as well as options on how to handle whatever that may be.

Good luck! :)

Symptom Checker | LIVESTRONG.COM (http://www.livestrong.com/tools/symptom-checker/)

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms - Signs Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Bipolar Disorder (http://www.manic-depression.net/symptoms/)

Bipolar disorder - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder)

These are just a few sites I have bookmarked for those who have doubts as to their state of mind.

I am bi-polar,diagnosed more than 15 years ago.

I had to find the right medications for me to begin to have a steady,productive life and it took quite a while to get here(I still have problems with it,but they aren't as frequent or severe.)

As far as a physical test? None that I have ever heard of, the chemical imbalance is in neurotransmitters.The medications prescribed for this can help the moods stabilize but there is no 'cure' for any of this.Therapy and medications are the only things that have helped me.

If you are at the point which things are further than uncomfortable and you need to find a better way of living,going to a psychiatrist(along with the therapy) has shown to be the best method for change.

Remember,we all hear the stories about how this medication didn't work and the side effect was that.. etc.

One med might be the best thing for one person but have adverse effects to others.We only hear the negative stories,not the ones that have felt relief from their prospective symptoms.

Keep an open mind about seeing a psychiatrist,they aren't all like a meat factory, in one door,out the other.. getting the right therapist/psychiatrist took me many years,but I think I finally found mine:)

Insurance helps,but isn't necessary for treatment.If you are still looking for new avenues to travel,keep looking,there are many good doctors out there,if you don't like one for any particular reason,look further.

I hope you write back, I would like to hear more from you(as your input helps me too!)

I think that you need to do whatever it takes to feel better about yourself and your place in the world.

Yes, it often takes some time to prescribe the right meds at the right levels.

I'd urge you to see a psychiatrist - they are the ones that prescribe the meds and understand the various disorders - but, and it's a big but. Make sure you get a professional referral and don't be afraid to chage if you don't like or don't feel comfortable with the person you're seeing. Just because they're a doctor, doesn't mean they're the right one!

It's your well being and happiness and you deserve to know what's happening to you and to get better!

In addition to the great advice you have already been given, I would like to add that it is a good idea to have a complete physical.

Some physical problems can mask depression such as thyroid conditions, and it is important that you have a complete analysis to make sure you are healthy.

The worst thing you can do in my opinion is to diagnose yourself. Be informed and read what you are comfortable with, but to get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, start with your GP, and work up from there.

Keep at it, and best of luck to you.

Hi, blueberry_82!

Okay, different bent here. That's what you'll generally get fro me.

What sort of good things have been happening in your life, please?

Thanks!

When I was diagnosed with depression, they let me write down my thoughts, and take a written "test" and then evaluate.