[mat4sanity]

So I'm new to this, never posted to a forum before... my name is Matt and I have some questions. After 6 years of one day thinking there was a problem and the next feeling fine calling it a personality quirk, I finally went and contacted my primary who sent me to a GP. Also have an appointment somewhere else in 2 weeks. Now I understand that I'm not a doctor/psychologist and nor are most of you so neither of us can diagnose me with bipolar. But about 3 weeks ago I finally gave in the following day after an episode... I call it that because I'm sure pacing through my apartment trying to figure out why I got up, where I was going, what did I need and about 50 other thoughts running through my head while throwing my phone and other objects trying to remind me why I got up in the first place isn't normal. But then again if you ask me tomorrow you'll probably get a different answer lol. So this GP crossed out bp1 almost immediately and suggested that 2 was also unlikely and tossed it up to general anxiety and depression... Now let's just for a second review what I told her... 1. I lost my job in December due to some outbursts and intentions that didn't benefit my job but does in my desire to become a famous musician who might miss out if a scout attends an open mic. 2. January - March depression, 1 meal a day, didnt get out of bed, low heigine, missed every open mic in that period of time. And averaged 8+ hours of sleep a night 3. End of march, started feeling better, recorded 5 cover song posted online tried going to open mics, not much interest. 4. First week of april Episode (from above) 5. Erratic sleep, biting off more than I can chew at new job pun inteded, heightened irritability and energy, buying random stuff I can't afford, obsessing over my future appointment, racked up a nice phone data bill and 2 additional episodes and 4 new original songs completed which leads me to 6. Yesterday and today, can barely keep my eyes open, just reviewed my finances which has increased anxiety and once again searching for answers as the past is doomed to repeat thyself. I've been able to track these periods back to when I was kid. Now the GP said I was too aware of my symptoms for me to have BP1 however when I discovered what BP actually was my "bouts," what I used to call them, of depression made sense and included why my life is like egg after being hit several times with a frying pan when I'm not depressed. So i researched the heck out of it and discover that according to ds5? I match the criteria and scored a 47 on on this sites test and passed about 4 other online self assessments. What do you guys/gals think I should do? Should I trust her judgement? I really don't want to be misdiagnosed, I'm damn near unhirable as it is already... I've lost 5 jobs to this thing/condition and doubt these swings can be caused by general anxiety.

[Victoria'smom]

You really need to push to see a psychiatrist.

Definitely see a doctor, and if you aren't satisfied with your treatment then see another one.

(I'm definitely not a doctor, but have you considered ADD/ADHD? - I just say this because your description reminds me so much of an ex of mine who has ADHD, which I believe can cause a lot of depression, agitation, anxiety as well...)

[BipolaRNurse]

A GP is not trained to recognize and treat psychiatric problems...they tend to dismiss everything as depression and/or anxiety and medicate accordingly, which can be disastrous for people with bipolar. Please get a referral to a psychiatrist, who can suss out the more subtle symptoms and make a proper diagnosis (it may take more than one visit).

Hi Matt, welcome to PC. I hope you get the support and advise you need. (((Hugs)))

[st0psign]

I'd make an appointment with a pdoc

[~Christina]

I would never trust a GP/PCP/Family Doctor with anything psych.... They just don't have enough training.

You could have any number of things going on... Many Pdocs take numerous visits or longer to put a "label" to anything.. Doesn't mean they are going to wait and wait to treat you.. Most pdocs will start treating your distressing symptoms and the labels come later on.

Welcome to PC

[zepchic]

Yep 2nd opinion and push for psychiatrist

[ComfortablyNumb5]

Yep see a pdoc. Chances are the GP will give you an antidepressant which can be very bad for bipolar, if that's what you do have. In the mean time take care of yourself. Get enough sleep and food. Practice breathing deep when you're anxious. Stay away from anything mind altering, this includes large amounts of caffeine. No matter what your DX is, we're all here to help. Welcome to PC and take care.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[annielovesbacon]

I'm with everyone here, definitely go see a psychiatrist (people here on this forum call them pdocs)! Depression and anxiety tend to be the "general" diagnoses that GPs will give patients because they do not have the expertise to diagnose much else psychologically.
Good luck and welcome to PC!

[mat4sanity]

I do actually have adhd, I was diagnosed when I was 12

[mat4sanity]

Thanks everyone!!! This is really helpful. That GP really gave me a bad feeling when she dismissed some of my symptoms. I will inform her I would like a referral for a pdoc if this other place tries the same thing... it also depends on cost because im broke :/ . I was really worried that no one was going to respond to my post and you guys really made this site for me quite inviting

[BastetsMuse]

Originally Posted by mat4sanity

What do you guys/gals think I should do? Should I trust her judgement? I really don't want to be misdiagnosed, I'm damn near unhirable as it is already... I've lost 5 jobs to this thing/condition and doubt these swings can be caused by general anxiety.

I think you should make an appointment with a psychiatrist and be evaluated by that kind of professional. A GP isn't enough.

[zepchic]

Originally Posted by mat4sanity

Thanks everyone!!! This is really helpful. That GP really gave me a bad feeling when she dismissed some of my symptoms. I will inform her I would like a referral for a pdoc if this other place tries the same thing... it also depends on cost because im broke :/ . I was really worried that no one was going to respond to my post and you guys really made this site for me quite inviting

Do you have a community clinic? That's where I go, though I had to wait 4 months to see a pdoc, with only therapy visits. They have a sliding scale. Or at least you could seek out a pdoc with a sliding scale. If you don't have insurance, you don't even need a referral right?

[mat4sanity]

Do you have a community clinic?

Yes actually. That's where my second appointment is located. They do have a sliding scale and is one of the reasons I picked it. But I still have 2 weeks before my first appointment/evaluation. I'm not even sure if I will see a pdoc but I hope I do. Today I feel great, not worry in the world but I've also experienced times like this and when the anxiety comes back I'll fall back into mixed awesomeness that'll drive me Insane. Someone here said they usually prescribe meds if needed the first day to get certain conditions under control before having a set diagnosis. Which I also hope they do.