Q: I was misdiagnosed as having schizoaffective disorder for ~18 years. My psychiatrist has verbally admitted to her error.
She indicated that she has suspected that I was not on the schizophrenia spectrum for years. The symptoms that caused the misdiagnosis were due to psychological and emotional abuse by my husband (a covert narcissist), and she also never identified that I was being abused. I was severely overmedicated up until 2 years ago, when I was diagnosed with hypercapnea that was directly attributed to being overmedicated and my PCP indicated that there could be serious consequences if my medications were not removed/reduced. I have been unable to work since 2005 and will probably never be able to work again. I am having Zero luck finding a lawyer in California who takes psychiatric malpractice cases.
ETA~I just looked up this doctor on Yelp. I had never done that before.
She has 23 reviews right now. 21 are 1 star. ~13~ SPECIFICALLY mentioned both being misdiagnosed AND overmedicated. That is just the people who took the time to write Yelp reviews.
A:
To explore your options, you might consider reaching out to an experienced medical malpractice attorney to assess the potential of your case. HHJ Trial Attorneys are known for handling complex cases and may be able to provide guidance on whether pursuing a claim is feasible and what documentation you'll need, such as medical records, expert opinions, and evidence of damages you've sustained.
https://hhjtrialattorneys.com/
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A:
I'm sorry to hear about what you've been through. It’s important to seek legal advice to understand your options regarding the misdiagnosis and overmedication you experienced. Start by reaching out to the State Bar of California, which can help you find attorneys who handle medical malpractice cases.
You might also consider contacting local legal aid organizations in San Francisco that offer services to individuals with limited resources. Additionally, gathering all your medical records and any documentation related to your diagnosis and treatment will be crucial for your case.
Support groups for individuals who have faced similar challenges can provide guidance and possibly recommend attorneys who have successfully handled psychiatric malpractice. Remember, taking these steps can help you find the assistance you need to move forward.
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