what's my diagnonsense?

Last year when my mental health room center stage and I started taking meds for the first time, the first psychiatrist I saw put in my file I'm bipolar. He never told me. And so when the clinic I was referred to asked what my diagnosis was I just said depression, and I think it got changed in my file. Now I'm afraid to ask. Its not like a name will change what I go through, its just this limbo makes me feel like I'm out in left field by myself.

I'm on mood stabilizers and an antidepressant. They don't give those to people who suffer from just major depression do they?

I try not to worry too much about labels. Insurance companies need them for billing purposes. I also try not to worry about comparing my meds to others- seems like there is such a broad range of combinations prescribed for various conditions. I have read of mood stabilizers being used for depression in folks without a bipolar diagnosis. Lamictal/lamotrigine for example has anti-depressant qualities.

The real question is whether you feel the medication you are taking is keeping you stable. Certainly you should ask your dr about your diagnosis and the rational behind what is being prescribed if you feel you are in the dark. You have a right to be informed. ++

The name of the disorder may not mean much, but the treatment will vary. I think it would be a good idea to talk to your pdoc about this, or to the clinic about being re-diagnosed (or just asking what they have you as).

Hope it works out for you

Hi and welcome

Yes, they give mood stabilizers for depression sometimes. You have every right to ask what your diagnosis is - you can also look on your bill and look up the dsm code online.

I also think you have every right to try to change your dx if you feel so inclined. If you don't want the label, you could tell your doc you don't feel you fit the bill. Just be careful with yourself if you end up having an episode and get help if you need it.

Hang around a bit and do some reading, you may find something helpful here to help you decide

Thanks everyone :-)

It's better to go with the doctors diagnoses that way you will get the right meds for it. I was diagnosed bipolar 1 back in 1997 and now have a paper trail a mile long about it. It helps to have a paper trail with the correct diagnoses. Go with bipolar since the doctor wrote that down.

Having a diagnoses of just plain depression is too broad and will be harder to get the right meds for. The bipolar diagnoses narrows it down to a treatable point with a reference. Hang in there.

I made it clear to my pdoc from the beginning that knowing, for me was very important. He never questioned me on this as I doubt yours will question you. After all, how is he/she going to discuss what's been happening and explain things to you if they don't even tell you what's wrong. Good luck, I know taking the lead with a pdoc can be a hard thing.