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Anxiety and Stress Disorders

Identifying A Psychological Disorder

12/30/2005

Question:

How can I find out what kind of psychological disorder that my mom has?

Answer:

The best way, of course, would be to ask her.  Another option would be to offer to accompany her to a doctor's or counseling appointment.  If your mother chooses you not to know, and does not give her permission, her physicians and therapists will not disclose any information to you.  If you have concerns about your mother's health or safety (or that of others due to your mother's actions) you may share these with your mother's physician or therapist, and they may use this information in her care, but they may not (and probably will not) share any information with you unless your mother gives her permisssion.

Medical information, including information about mental health, is considered confidential and not shared by health care workers to other people without an individual's consent.

For more information:

Go to the Anxiety and Stress Disorders health topic, where you can:

Response by:

Nancy Elder, MD Nancy Elder, MD
Associate Professor
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati