[BlueFaith]

I went to see my pdoc already again... I was just there on Tuesday. But since Tuesday was more or less just getting to know my previous medical history and what not, he wanted to see me again today. We talked about lots of things, and he seems to think that I have more going on than just the bipolar disorder. He thinks I also suffer from GAD and maybe even some type of personality disorder although he wasn't specific about what. Too early to tell I suppose. But I am wondering why he can see that I have all these other things going on with me, but my previous pdoc didn't? I mean I complained to the previous one that I was having problems with some things, and he always told me it was part of the bipolar disorder. But now I go to this new pdoc and he thinks I should be diagnosed with possibly 2 other things. And this is just after two visits. Now.. I went to the previous doc for nearly a year and he never even once questioned the possibility of another diagnosis. Why is it that this new one knows what to do to help me but the old one didn't? That confuses me. I am truly happy to be going to this new pdoc though. He is so nice and friendly and he acts like he really cares.

-Jennifer

[darkeyes]

Hi there,
More than one disorder, is pretty common, and pdocs that are more "up" or open minded in their field recognize it, where sadly some never do or just don't believe in that.
I have ADD and Bipolar-II, my pdoc (soon to be "fired") only cares to treat my Bipolar, and is reluctant to address the ADD, which is the problem disorder with me, years ago when I took diet pills(stimulants) that even proved to me and many that DX of ADD is more obvious. I think that is really my only DX and I am being treated for the wrong one.
Oh well, that is a whole, long other story.
But yeah, some docs aren't either trained,and/or open to the fact that people can and often do have more than one DX.
When I'm feeling cranky about my DX, I think that my pdoc is just giving me a "broad spectrum" med with hopes it will address both. I'm sure that is untrue, but you know when we get cranky. Then I get this other cynical feeling, that if he treats me for ADD, I may feel better and accomplish something, focus, etc. but he uses the excuse "the meds may trigger mania". Yeah, it can if I were a "manic manic" type bipolar, but I have never had a manic episode, if so it never was noticable, just get gravely depressed when not medicated. Again, those are my problems.
This is a good topic you brought up hear, be interesting to see what others have to add.
I have one I am soon to post about how to request a new pdoc or go and find one.
You shall see it posted in the next day or so.
Take care now,
DE

((((((((((((( MentalPollution )))))))))))))))))))

[TheCheshireCat]

Hullo MP,
I had the same experience. For years I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, then while in hospital this new doc said she suspected I was actually bipolar, which turns out to have been really bloody accurate. When I thought about it, it explained so much about my past behavior that made sense of it. And this was after one session. Sometimes, I think, docs draw an early conclusion about an illness during therapy and then are a bit blinkered about seeing bits of behavior that don't dovetail with that. A fresh set of eyes and ears can bring a revealing new perspective to your dx, I've found. Ta. Cheshire Cat

[dogtanian]

i think you should listen to the new pdoc, and at least get looked into for other things that may be present in you - if you get a diagnosis,and from that, help with the disorder, then he's helped you - if you turn out not to have it, then that's no loss, and at least he's raised the issues relating to it in your sessions so you can work out a way to deal with them best. i think he sounds really helpful!

good luck! xx

[Col303]

Hi MP,

I have to agree with Cheshire. New eyes and ears have a definite way of seeing things differently. I was dx'd with major depressive disorder and it took a reaction to an antidepressant and a stay at the hospital before anyone would belive me about being Bipolar. When I first went to see my pdoc he was able to also dx'd GAD. After years of torment I finally had the answers I had been looking for and some much needed help.

Don't be afraid to ask him questions about the dx's or any of the meds he may put you on. Go in with a written list if you have to. That seems to help me or else I will completely forget what I wanted to ask until the ride home