[Mary.Abacus]

In the past week, I saw two different psychiatrists, and while both told me that I'm bipolar, they diagnosed different types (I'm currently starting to settle down after being manic for two Weeks), and have already wanted to put me on medication.

I'm not one to take medication religiously, and the side effects scare me. Isn't it a bit quick to prescribe me with something after only talking to me for an hour? I was assuming a diagnosis/medication would come a bit later after we'd mapped my moods for a while.Is this normal?

[Blue_Bird]

That's mainly what psychiatrists do now, prescribe. Most of them don't do talk therapy or anything like that, based on your history and talking to them for an hour they may have a general idea of what's going on

[lunaticfringe]

Yes I'd say this is normal. Is usually takes a psych half an hour to an hour to make a diagnosis and prescribe something. Considering the seriousness of the illness, they want to get you on something right away. The meds will most likely need to be adjusted more than once but a good doctor will want to start the process as soon as possible.

[Mary.Abacus]

Ah ok, I suppose I didn't know what to expect, Ive only ever been to Psychologists before.

[Mary.Abacus]

Well, the first one was quite certain I'd end up in hospital, and wanted to put me on this medication for seizures that also works for bipolar (started with "s" can't think of the name), and the second one suggested sodium valporate? But I refused anything for now, bit scared of side effects. She just gave me tamazepam because I don't sleep ATM, and forwarded what she wanted me to take to my doc.

[Nevvy]

Yeah, I started off at the GP (and in turn got sent to have many many tests), and eventually to a psychologist. I saw the psychologist for several months until she came to the conclusion that I should probably see the psychiatrist for bipolar disorder.

The psychiatrist (with cooperation of my psychologist, which was rather nice) within one meeting, decided what it probably is and I immediately started on the bipolar medicine journey, and the path to finding the appropriate cocktail.

I also found it a bit strange, after seeing my psychologist for almost a year and seeing this new guy who immediately started on treatment. I have been with him for several months now and we are still working out the right combination, but I indeed agree with lunatic, and it is a process that they want to start asap (because it can take quite some time...).

[Blue_Bird]

Sodium Valporate is Depakote which is a mood stabilizer, I'm on it and it works very well, it's also used to prevent seizures

[lunaticfringe]

It concerns me that you're not following the doctor's orders. I totally understand being afraid of the side effects. I did not take my meds for years for that very reason and ended up doing a lot of things that I really regret and that could have been avoided had I been taking my meds. I also ended up in the hospital twice, destroyed relationships, blew through all my money, etc. I know the meds seem scary but it's scarier without meds in my opinion. If you're newly diagnosed, read as much as you can cause this is really important stuff.

[Victoria'smom]

Think of it like your GP. You go in say your symptoms and leave with a script. See if it helps and go back if it doesn't. Get a therapist that is willing to work with your psychiatrist. Get your preferred drug list on your insurance's web page. know the anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-psychotics that are on that list.

[scatterbrained04]

The possible side effects of medications can be scary. However, untreated bipolar disorder is a lot scarier.

Being prescribed medications on the first visit is very normal.

[thatguyinla626]

If the psych Rx'd you a controlled substance please do NOT fill them that can be a gateway for abuse (I KNOW) just choose they DR you want to stay with and fill those. Each MD gets a report of what was written and adderall came up twice (i never abused stimulants but did fill them) and I was confronted at least here in california.

[Mary.Abacus]

Ok thanks so much everyone, you're all so helpful

I think it's just all very daunting for me ATM, and I'm going through phases of denial.

They will base it off of what you tell them during your appointment. Whether you are bipolar 1, or 2 or mixed, a mood stabilizer is prescribed. Then if you need something for other symptoms, they will prescribe something else.

If you are manic, you can spiral out of control and become psychotic and delusional and then depressed and possibly suicidal.

Originally Posted by Mary.Abacus

Ok thanks so much everyone, you're all so helpful

I think it's just all very daunting for me ATM, and I'm going through phases of denial.

I was in denial and quit my meds. I was stable and as my psychiatrist said, "high functioning". So , I quit. Very bad choice. I instantly reacted.

[~Christina]

Where you in a full blown Mania ? usually coming out of one that lasted 2 weeks is not the norm when un medicated, of course its possible ,anything is possible when it comes to Bipolar.

Yes its just common practice to go to a Pdoc and talk about your symptoms and be given a script. Usually Pdoc's prescribe a mood stablizer to at least begin with.

I personally feel it's more important to treat the symptoms not the "diagnosis or label" That can come later down the road when your Pdoc is able to determine where you fall on the Bipolar spectrum.

Do you have good coping skills? have you made lifestyle changes to help keep your body in the best possible place mentally and physically?

The battle with Bipolar needs to be an attack plan that comes from all directions. Mediation, Mindfulness, Breathing exercises, Yoga, Cardio exercises, healthy diet, Good sleep Hygiene. the list goes on and on..

Seeing a Therapist is very helpful . Educate yourself when it comes to commonly prescribed medications so you will know what questions to ask. Honestly a good site for psych meds is crazymeds.com I know there is some differences in meds prescribed between the USA and Aussie.. We have many member here from your country. I am sure they will come along with information.

Welcome to PC

[MrMisdiagnosis]

I am from Australia, Epilim(valproate) is more commonly prescribed here for BP1 and BP2 however for BP1 I know someone who is on lithium.

If you see a psychologist they will tell you to talk and think less and teach you some mindfulness techniques to reduce the symptoms such as racing thoughts and restlessness.
Psychologists tend to be anti-med so keep that in mind if you see one, they might even tell you that you wont need them so dont be confused by being told different things by a psychologist and psychiatrist.

You have been told you are BP1 and BP2, the difference is that BP2 is mostly depressed states with hypomania, and BP1 is mostly manic states that require hospitalization.
My guess is that you explained mania so one presumed BP1, but because you wernt hospitalized the other probably concluded it was hypomania hence BP2.
BP2 can become BP1.

Regarding the medication, the truth is half of people with bipolar are not aware and usually manage with their disorder not even knowing they have one, it can be put down to having a personality disorder or whatever.
The problem occurs when the depression is severe enough to trigger suicidal thoughts (such as with me). Or the mania is severe enough to ruin relationships or get in to trouble at work or with the law(such as someone I know with Bipolar type 1). There are also mixed states which is just a mess of different symptoms from depression and hypomania.

If you really dont want meds you should at least do things to try limit the amount you might need in the future.
Cutting out sugar, alcohol and caffeine, exercising, taking fish oil all take stress off the mind.

I would say you should go over your past and see if this is your 1st mood swing and also try find what may have triggered it, with bipolar its usually just long term stress.

[MrMisdiagnosis]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

I personally feel it's more important to treat the symptoms not the "diagnosis or label" That can come later down the road when your Pdoc is able to determine where you fall on the Bipolar spectrum.

How are they meant to know what you have exactly if the symptoms are being medicated?

Originally Posted by Mary.Abacus

Well, the first one was quite certain I'd end up in hospital, and wanted to put me on this medication for seizures that also works for bipolar (started with "s" can't think of the name), and the second one suggested sodium valporate? But I refused anything for now, bit scared of side effects. She just gave me tamazepam because I don't sleep ATM, and forwarded what she wanted me to take to my doc.

Seroquel? Thats for type 2 bipolar but not for seizures, it also helps a lot for sleep.

[Mary.Abacus]

When I first went to my doctor I went because I was suicidal, I'm a mum, I can't be. I have had depressive bouts my whole life, but this one, like two others, I actually cut myself, and my thoughts scared me so I sought help.

I went for an appointment a week later, and those things were least on my mind, who needs sleep I feel GREAT. AMAZING. I CAN ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING! And that's when it really ...really clicked with me that the bouts of insomnia, the creativity, weren't just me coming out of a funk. I've been this way for years, it's destroying my life.

Being diagnosed on a first or second visit is a shocking practice and can be more harmful than helpful. I hope that they have correctly diagnosed you and are using the suitable treatments. Diagnosis should take at the very least weeks to months so the pdocs can see the full range of symptoms. Diagnosing after one appointment is terrible and I hope that they dont just drug you to the eyeballs and say "welcome to your life from now on".

[venusss]

And I don't even fall "you need to be medicated NOAW". C'mon, most bipolars coped with it for years, few more weeks will not kill you unless you are acutedly suicidal, then you need different approach (and i am not sure that hospitalizing a suicidal person for few days and releasing them with lots of pills on their hand is the best thing to do..........).

Since there is no medical tests for it, you need to be careful with diagnosis. Imagine you go to GP with some uncertain problems, they start you on chemo straight away without any tests, cause it might be cancer, so just in case.... would you agree with such thing? Probably no.

Bipolar in itself does not kill you. It's not bacteria or growing tumor. If you go to a friggin doctor you are probably aware something is wrong... so this self-awareness can be used to keep yourself safe, while you work on the diagnosis and treatment plan.