Finding no help and no diagnosis

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So, I doubt my story is that novel and unique, but nevertheless, it is rather unsettling for me. I strongly believe I have Asperger's syndrome if not some other Autism spectrum disorder. All things in life since I remember myself strongly suggest that. Yet only after graduating from school did I find out about such a disorder that describes a lot of my problems and peculiarities. All the online tests, how unscientific may they be, pointed to it as well. So, after casually mentioning that I have Asperger's and not being believed, so to say, including tutors in university, I decided it'd be useful to get an official diagnosis. So I went to a psychiatrist, what caused me a huge fit of anxiety and gave me precissely nothing: I was sent to a psychologist to do some tests which were strangely enough all about drawing trees and houses or making out a relation between a few images. Throughout I was told that I 'might be' or 'might not be' diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Since nothing concrete was told, I didn't go there again...

This year I decided to try again as I kept thinking about not telling some things to the psychiatrist and speculating that might have misled him and thus not helping me in getting assesed. Yet this time the case was even worse... I went to another doctor, since that one wasn't available (a thing I didn't regret in the slightest, mind) and this one called my bluff by insinuating I invented myself a disorder and so on and not actually listening to me. I was once more sent to the same psychologist to do almost the same tests... Another thing- the psychiatrist offered me medication- just offered, taking it out of a locked drawer, without telling what it is- and I rejected. Then, when I returned, as I was asked to, to the psychiatrist, I was impolitely asked why did I turn up, if I reject treatment (I wasn't actually told about any treatment besided giving me some pills without naming them even) and I felt rather baffled and scared so had no words to say. Later on I managed to ask, what's the diagnosis after so much dull testing. I was told that I was already informed about it (I was not, in fact), and after inquiring again and again finally learned that I apparently have a schizotypical personality disorder (though I was initially told that I have a 'reasoning disorder', for what it's worth). And thus I was told and apart from being told in person have no evidence at hand.

So, I personally think that I have Asperger's syndrome and not SPD, even if the two things have some aspects in common. The problem is that I live in Lithuania (in Eastern Europe), where until this year it was 'scientific' to claim that autism is 'for children' and when you grow up, you automatically turn schizophrenic . Though now the legislation is different and specialists must assess you in a normal scientific way, that didn't happen in my case and so I was diagnosed with what looks like what I have, but is more 'meaningful' in my case...

So, what am I now to do? Should I visit the doctor again and tell that I need some actual grounds for diagnosis and explanation? After all, I am considering filling an official complaint about this kind of 'service', yet as filling complaints is rather tricky and involves dealing with bureaucracy, I doubt I will... Maybe it's not only the case for post-Soviet countries and there are more people around the world, who are misdiagnosed on no scientific criteria?

Oh dear - I'm glad they finally changed that guideline! It sounds like the doctors you saw haven't quite caught up with the new policy, but hopefully in time more and more will?

In the US it's still difficult to find a specialist who is qualified to give an autism diagnosis. Typical counselors don't feel comfortable making that assessment, but I was lucky enough to find an autism specialist not too far away. I would suggest searching for someone who has experience specifically with autistic patients, and don't bother with the ignorant ones, because it's just a waste of time, money, and effort!

As for the psychiatrist who asked why you came back - his job is specifically to prescribe medication, so the only reason to go back to him is if you want meds (rather than counseling). Which is not obvious to first-time patients - sorry he was rude to you about it!

For a lot of people, the diagnosis process involves traveling long distances to see a specialist, and paying full price for their testing services. If this is the case for you, you're not alone! It's a lot of effort, for something that might not qualify you for any services or help, and some people choose to just quietly accept that autism seems to explain their symptoms, but that an 'official' diagnosis wouldn't really change their situation.

In any case, welcome, and I'm glad you're seeking answers and help with your struggles!

You might just be better just to focus on the symptoms rather than seeking a label. I went through a similar process of seeking a diagnosis as an adult and I can't say that I got much from the experience. I have social anxiety, depression and obsessive thoughts. I seek treatment for these issues. I sometimes mention to a doctor that I have some autistic symptoms but the only time the diagnosis has helped was with accommodations at university and I mostly didn't need them.