[Secretum]

I am a college student, currently home on summer break. I was diagnosed w/ bipolar II by a psychiatrist at college 2 weeks before finals; she didn't want for me to have to deal with potential side effects during exams, so she told me to find a different pdoc at home to start treatment with.

After calling several different MDs in my insurance network (one had retired, one had moved, one had no appointments until August, and the group practice I tried to get a hold of was always "on the line with another client") I finally managed to schedule an appointment. I'll be seeing this doctor tomorrow, and I'm really scared.

I'm afraid that I'll get lost trying to find his office. I worry that he will prescribe a med that will cause nasty side effects. I'm afraid that I'm making a bad decision to see him; what if I'm actually mentally healthy, and don't need meds? He probably wouldn't be able to tell, because (I think) he only does 15 min evaluations. (I know that that is not a good sign, but I honestly could not find any other pdoc.)

And then there is the issue of telling my family. I planned to let them know about my diagnosis right when I got home, but...I was a coward. Now that I am seeking treatment, I'll have to tell them. I'm sooo scared that they will view and treat me differently. Unfortunately, they are not the most accepting of mental illness. I also don't want to cause them any more stress...

Thanks for letting me whine.

[Direction]

I usually get pretty nervous about seeing a new professional also. Write down some key points before going, so in the moment you don't forget what is important to you...I think your post mentions some items that would be good to bring up...concerns about meds and diagnosis time spent with you before prescribing, etc.

[Manic5]

One thing I've learned over the years: a healthy doctor/patient relationship is a two way dialogue. That means medications should be something discussed, and not simply prescribed without your input on the subject being considered by your doctor/psychiatrist. He shouldn't only suggest medication, but also be willing to answer any questions or concerns you have and take your input into account. Of course, this doesn't really apply if you're committed to an institution But that isn't the case here.

Remember that the success of any medication depends - ultimately - on your willingness to take it. If it doesn't sound like something you're comfortable taking, let the psychiatrist know. If it comes down to it, remind him of the fact that if you have serious reservations about the medication before you've even left his office, then you're not going to be comfortable taking it, and its not something you're likely to stick with.

A doctor-patient relationship is just that: its a two-way street, a dialogue, and your questions should readily and easily be answered, and any concerns addressed to your satisfaction. If it doesn't live up to this fundamental expectation, then long-term (and even short-term) its unlikely to be beneficial and satisfactory. If your psychiatrist is oblivious to this, then you're far better off discovering that sooner than later.

Best of luck.