I would agree with this, both as a prior patient myself, and as a psychiatrist and therapist for 45 years. Not only does one size not fit all, many diagnoses are truly hidden even from the most observant therapist.
Since I was both an eclectic therapist and a medication provider, I would work with my patients to discover their diagnoses. Sometimes we would agree to a trial of medication(s); other times I would make a referral to co-workers specializing in trauma, alcohol use disorders, whatever, who were more competent in those areas than I was. Or we would agree to sit there and try to find out what was going on.
The key point was empathy. If a patient said “Doc, I think you may have it wrong” - I would listen. Intently. I had training in CBT as well as psychodynamic therapy, also did groups, marital therapy, saw some kids. But one had always to meet the patient where she was at. I don’t know from what you wrote exactly how your anxiety disorder had been hidden from you (and others), but someone, or something helped you discover that diagnosis. The field is really still new, even after over 100 years.
Should probably also say hi! I'm a nonbinary human who was raised and socialized female who didn't realize they (rounded first, skipped second, and stealing third!) had ADHD until much much MUCH much later in their five-and-counting long decades of life.
I would agree with this, both as a prior patient myself, and as a psychiatrist and therapist for 45 years. Not only does one size not fit all, many diagnoses are truly hidden even from the most observant therapist.
My own eye-opening experience was finding adult ADHD in women in the 20s and. 30s that had never been previously diagnosed. https://medium.com/@ed.schwartzreich/previously-undiagnosed-add-in-women-a-small-tale-of-discovery-55691549e4bf
Since I was both an eclectic therapist and a medication provider, I would work with my patients to discover their diagnoses. Sometimes we would agree to a trial of medication(s); other times I would make a referral to co-workers specializing in trauma, alcohol use disorders, whatever, who were more competent in those areas than I was. Or we would agree to sit there and try to find out what was going on.
The key point was empathy. If a patient said “Doc, I think you may have it wrong” - I would listen. Intently. I had training in CBT as well as psychodynamic therapy, also did groups, marital therapy, saw some kids. But one had always to meet the patient where she was at. I don’t know from what you wrote exactly how your anxiety disorder had been hidden from you (and others), but someone, or something helped you discover that diagnosis. The field is really still new, even after over 100 years.
Should probably also say hi! I'm a nonbinary human who was raised and socialized female who didn't realize they (rounded first, skipped second, and stealing third!) had ADHD until much much MUCH much later in their five-and-counting long decades of life.