BNLsMOM, I am so sorry this is going on. I know you are having trouble with your feelings and things at home and you don't need to be worrying (afraid) of your pdoc too! Did you ever talk to your T about how she (pdoc) treated you last time? What did T say?

I think she is being very narrow to act like lithium or ECT are the only options for treating bipolar. There are tons of different meds to try. I know I am working my way through the list! Haha, not really funny, but I have to try to have humor about this...anyway, if you aren't feeling better enough with the lithium then you deserve to try something else. Remember, the worst thing she can do is not change your meds. No matter what mean things and no matter what she threatens, you are in control. She cannot make you think and do things the way she wants. There is nothing wrong with going to a new pdoc. I know its not ideal to change again, but if she doesn't work with you kindly and in a caring manner, you should think about moving on. You shouldn't be scared of your doctor.

So after all that, I guess I'm saying you should be honest with her.

(BTW, personally, aside from topamax, I've never taken anything for bipolar that didn't cause weight gain.)