[bwkeys45]

Hello! I had a psychiatric assessment done today and I feel like it was less-than-thorough. First of all, the doctor denied any possibility of my previous diagnosis of generalized anxiety, even though he really only asked questions about social anxiety. He also said that I am "in the bipolar range" but can't diagnose me with anything because cyclothymia isn't in the DSM V and I don't meet the criteria for bipolar II. However, after getting home and doing some research, I found that one of the main differences between cyclothymia and bipolar II is the severity of the depression (which, again, he didn't ask much about). He never once asked me about self harm or suicidal thoughts, so I don't know how he decided that my depression wasn't "low" enough. On top of that, he was quite rude and walked into the clinic 10 minutes after my appointment was supposed to start, then waited another 10 to call me in (that wasn't necessary to add, I'm just mad about it and wanted to vent ) So, did I just fall victim to a crappy public health doctor, or is that kind of stuff normal?

It is okay to vent. Sometimes doctors can be pretty crappy like this. Since you don't feel the evaluation went well I would recommend getting a second opinion. I was unaware that cyclothymia was dropped from the DSM-V.

You will also find that different doctors will diagnose differently. You might receive a Bipolar 1 with Psychotic Features from one doctor and another might diagnose you Schizoaffective Bipolar Type. It is just one of the qualms with mental health. That's why in my opinion the best doctor will treat symptoms once they have an established working ground.

[sui generis]

Probably got a crappy public health doctor. That guy sounds rude as hell! I once had a doctor tell me that if I was depressed I should find a boyfriend and then I'd be happy You know your mind and what you are feeling better than anyone else so if you feel there is something wrong and something they're not getting you need to tell them. Best of luck!

[littlemiss44]

I would also suggest getting a second opinion. He sound really awful. There are good ones out there. I have a fabulous one. If they don't bring sui or si I would bring it all up yr self. You are yr best advocate. Have you seen other pdocs before?

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[Skitz13]

I have to agree with Blwi. I've been evaluated by many psychiatrist, primarily in a hospital setting. I've had 5 different diagnoses.
I've been frustrated with my new pdoc because she won't give me a diagnosis, something that I feel I need. My primary diagnosis has always been BP but other things get added on here and there. A year ago another doctor diagnosed me with BPD and took me off my meds. Ya...I crashed big time. At this point my pdoc feels it safe just for now to regard me with a mood disorder, not that she not willing to commit herself but to allow the assessment process to go on until she has a real handle on me. Although I wasn't happy about it in the beginning, I now understand

My point is that Bliwi is right. A different doctor a different diagnosis. It's really hard to get a really good thorough assessment.

Pdoc's can be horrible but what if you were to see him a few times and see how things go. Sounds like he has a bit of an attitude problem but maybe as he gets to know you his attitude and observations will change.

Just putting it out there

[Skitz13]

Originally Posted by littlemiss44

I would also suggest getting a second opinion. He sound really awful. There are good ones out there. I have a fabulous one. If they don't bring sui or si I would bring it all up yr self. You are yr best advocate. Have you seen other pdocs before?

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Yes... I totally agree. You are your best advocate and people seldom use their voice and they need to exercise their rights in order to get proper care. As I posted yesterday we have to take control of our treatment not let someone else make decisions for us based on just their opinion.
You have to have choices, you need to have a say in how your treatment is to progress

You need to make them hear you and if they can't give you that respect, then yes, it's time to move on.

[pawn78]

This is why I finally decided to see a private Pdoc, it's $225/hour, but I only see him once/month for psychotherapy and prescription.

I resisted this for years, thinking I couldn't afford it, but the truth is, I can't afford NOT to see a good doctor at this point.

He's highly rated, the generic Lamotrigine is dirt cheap, so my only real cost is the Pdoc and he is worth every penny!

[nbritton]

I vote crappy public health doctor, and unfortunately this kind of stuff is normal in the mental health field. Bad doctors basically flock to psychiatry because they can get away with anything, they can't hack it in the other medical fields. It's like dentistry.

A good doctor is worth their weight in lithium :-)

[Secretum]

This is why I finally decided to see a private Pdoc, it's $225/hour, but I only see him once/month for psychotherapy and prescription.

I've done the same thing; my current t/pdoc (she's both) doesn't accept insurance, so it's $175 every time I see her. It's painful, but at least my money is being spent on something that helps me. The other pdocs and t's I saw that accepted insurance weren't all that good, in fact, they were sometimes downright negligent. I think it is from the stress of having to deal with insurance companies, taking energy away from their patients.

I know that not everyone can afford to see a psychiatrist that is out of network, but if you can make it work, I'd encourage you to look into it. So many mental health professionals today are just awful and burnt-out, and not any help at all.

[Sad&Bipolar]

There are many subpar doctors out there. You are entitled to a second opinion. Request one! Don't wait for the doctor to ask you all the questions. Go into your appointment with a list of things to address with the doctor. Be open and honest with the doctor, admitting to SI feelings and thoughts. if you have them. This will help the doctor to make the best diagnosis. Don't leave the appointment until all the things on your list addressed.

I recently had to find a new doctor, and it took appointments with 4 different doctors to find a good one. Be patient, and seek a different doctor ~ one who is willing to really listen to you.

[Honeydew1]

Originally Posted by Plzsti

I have to agree with Blwi. I've been evaluated by many psychiatrist, primarily in a hospital setting. I've had 5 different diagnoses.
I've been frustrated with my new pdoc because she won't give me a diagnosis, something that I feel I need. My primary diagnosis has always been BP but other things get added on here and there. A year ago another doctor diagnosed me with BPD and took me off my meds. Ya...I crashed big time. At this point my pdoc feels it safe just for now to regard me with a mood disorder, not that she not willing to commit herself but to allow the assessment process to go on until she has a real handle on me. Although I wasn't happy about it in the beginning, I now understand

My point is that Bliwi is right. A different doctor a different diagnosis. It's really hard to get a really good thorough assessment.

Pdoc's can be horrible but what if you were to see him a few times and see how things go. Sounds like he has a bit of an attitude problem but maybe as he gets to know you his attitude and observations will change.

Just putting it out there

My psychologist diagnosed me as having Bipolar 2. While in the Behavioral hospital the psychiatrist diagnosed me with Bipolar 1. I was having a manic induced Steroid episode. So, that's the only experience she has of me. I've been seeing her since then too.
My whole life I've seen so many "Psy" doctors. It's crazy!
I would recommend you get a 2nd opinion. Which I'm thinking I might too!