|
Jun 26, 2013, 06:12 PM
|
|
|
|
Member Since: Mar 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 1,486
|
|
I think many pdocs prefer to make their own determination as to diagnosis (i.e. not necessarily automatically going with previous ones) and some may want to get to know you over a period of time before coming to a diagnosis. I personally tend to trust these pdocs more, making diagnosis in one visit is pretty tricky, especially when it comes to illnesses such as bipolar disorder. I'm not sure they put too much stock in on-line tests...
I would just be thorough and honest about your experiences and symptoms. You may want to keep a mood diary for a while by way of preparation. You might also want to bring in a list of questions/concerns, it can be hard to remember it all under the limelight of a first pdoc visit.
You could tell him/her what you think your diagnoses are, what you have previously been diagnosed with, but don't be surprised if he disagrees or prefers to hold off on a definitive diagnosis for the moment (though he may have a provisional one). Although I already had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder from my pdoc of many years in the city where I used to live, my current one held off on it until he witnessed a manic episode himself, and I really respect him for this (meanwhile he kept me on my previous meds). Bipolar disorder can mimic other things (and vice versa), it's tricky.
As far as meds, my experience has been that different pdocs kind of have their 'pet' meds, the ones they consider most effective for different disorders/illnesses based on their experience with patients (and research, etc.). I certainly think it's very important to have a big conversation about benefits vs risks of meds, especially when it comes to mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics, the side effects can be pretty horrendous. I struggle a lot with my meds sometimes, especially when I'm feeling well --side effects 
Best of luck!
|