[BeethovenHamster]

I've had a wild ride with seeing doctors. The first was a primary care physician who said I had Bipolar without any doubt, then I saw a psychiatrist who said I had Major Depression and Anxiety, then I saw a therapist who said I had Bipolar with psychotic features, but now is thinking maybe I have psychotic depression. I've scheduled another psychiatrist who is in line with that therapist. It makes me nervous because I really feel the mania, and I don't want to take meds for an illness (major depression) I don't think I have. The thing is, also, I don't feel depressed any more, and I wonder why should I experiment with drugs when I don't even need them.

I know bipolar people often get misdiagnosed, and many people with other illnesses get wrongly diagnosed as bipolar, so I'd thought I'd come here to ask, should I go through with the treatment of the psychiatrist? Should I hold off?

(I am an 18 year old male, if that matters)

[Crazycatlady82]

My psychiatrist told me the best thing about meds I've ever heard. He says it doesn't really matter what the diagnosis is, the symptoms are treated the same. He says you never have to take a med you don't feel comfortable with, to always try one med at a time or you wont know what is or isn't working. Good luck! And just remember that if you are manic, it will get worse, and mania can put you in the hospital just as quick as depression could.

[Victoria'smom]

I go to my therapist 2-4 her a month and she sees my daily notes. I see my psychiatrist 30 min. A month. I trust them both emencly. Even then I trust my therapists view more because she sees me 8x or more then l my psychiatrist does even though they share notes. I would go in with all you former notes from all drs sealed ( so you don't look) and hand them to him while your being evaluated. That way he has all your mental health history as well as what you say and he can ask questions based on your file.

Do not stay with any mental health worker that you don't trust with your life.

[r010159]

Originally Posted by Crazycatlady82

My psychiatrist told me the best thing about meds I've ever heard. He says it doesn't really matter what the diagnosis is, the symptoms are treated the same. He says you never have to take a med you don't feel comfortable with, to always try one med at a time or you wont know what is or isn't working. Good luck! And just remember that if you are manic, it will get worse, and mania can put you in the hospital just as quick as depression could.

Good advice! I will add that a good, accurate diagnosis can speed up the search for the right medications.

tucson