I went for 9 years being treated for severe depression (I didn't know what mania was), then PTSD leading into panic disorder, and was FINALLY properly diagnosed in 2003 as BP2, until I had a major manic episode, so now I'm BP1 as of March 2005.

I have lost all faith in the psychiatric realm of medicine, and have been relying solely on my GP for med adjustments and such. In fact, he's the one who gave me my Xanax back, took me off the Valium, and put me on Lunesta for when I can't sleep. Why should I (or my medical insurance) pay someone $75 for barely 15 minutes when they're going to be WRONG because they don't hear AND listen to what you are saying, especially when you TELL them you can tell the meds aren’t working. Aren't we the best experts on our own moods/bodies? It was my last shrink's fault I had a manic episode anyways because he had me over-medicated on the wrong med altogether, so why trust them? I've seen 7 different ones in the last three years. And that's quality of care?

I'll stick with my family doc, who I've been with for over 16 years, and when he gets stumped, let him ask his colleagues at the hospital where he serves as president of medical services. I've felt great the past nine months under his sole care, getting better each day, gotten back into the work force full time, and have had no fluctuations of mood that are out of the "normal" boundaries (so to speak). Plus, he actually LISTENS.

And here's a side note: as long as the doctor has an MD or DO, the can prescribe ANY medication, even for mental conditions. That's how I started on my anti-depressants in the first place 12 years ago. My GP writes my scripts for my Klonopin, Xanax, Lithium, Seroquel AND Lunesta. You don't have to be a shrink to prescribe the meds. Shrinks just have a better knowledge of the newer drugs available to treat different mental conditions. You wouldn't expect a shrink to know the best new antibiotic for tonsillitis, so why expect a GP to know the best mood stabilizer?

They may not get it straight, but at least my family doctor listens to me and knows I know what I'm talking about when I describe any issues(if any) with him. He knows I use the internet as an integral tool in my treatment, such as self educating myself on my condition and my medications, and possible alternatives that are out there. Like I said, why pay another doctor that doesn't care who spent two extra years on a specialty when I can stick with someone I trust won't screw me up again, and will listen to me and my suggestions? It's great knowing I have total say and control in my treatment, whereas I didn't have that with a shrink. Sorry if I sound irritated, but the psychiatric community has screwed me up for too long to go back.

OK, I'm off my soapbox now.

Dolfin