[jesusplay]

I had an idea of what my diagnosis would be before seeing my first pdoc, based off google and taking a couple of online test.

Should I just start naming symptoms and acting dumb this time or just straight out tell the doctor "I have formally been diagnosed with this and that but I also think I may have this"

Can I just go to the office telling the pdoc I'm pretty confident I have this and that?

Can I ask on the first visit to try a certain medication?

Can I refuse to take or be prescribe lithium? I don't want it in my body.

My anxiety is bad and I'm freaking out.

I have a bipolar and depressive disorder diagnosis and "anxiety state".

I think I may also have ADHD...

[Victoria'smom]

Just answer new pdoc's questions honestly. If he suggests lithium than tell him why you refuse to take it. Unless you are being court ordered you have every right to refuse whatever medication. If he says "maybe try (med name)" ask "Can we try (the med you want to)?" Asking for ADHD meds usually throws up red flags to pdoc.

[WikidPissah]

I would be straight up honest with him. I think telling him what your dx has been and what you think it is would be great. I think letting him decide on medication would be best though, no matter how much research you have done, he has the education and experience.

I agree with the above posters. Good luck!

[wotchermuggle]

Originally Posted by jesusplay

I had an idea of what my diagnosis would be before seeing my first pdoc, based off google and taking a couple of online test.

Should I just start naming symptoms and acting dumb this time or just straight out tell the doctor "I have formally been diagnosed with this and that but I also think I may have this"

Can I just go to the office telling the pdoc I'm pretty confident I have this and that?

Can I ask on the first visit to try a certain medication?

Can I refuse to take or be prescribe lithium? I don't want it in my body.

My anxiety is bad and I'm freaking out.

I have a bipolar and depressive disorder diagnosis and "anxiety state".

I think I may also have ADHD...

I expect that your Pdoc will ask you open ended questions like "what are your symptoms" or "what has your life been like lately" and let you explain so that he/she can get a better idea of what your diagnosis could be.

[pbutton]

My first pdoc appointment was pretty much a set schedule of questions. He asked me about various symptoms and I said if I had issues with them or not.

[Mapleton]

A pdoc is going to be cautious about your straight up asking for ADHD meds. They will probably ask about addiction history in your life and family.

Raising that you think you have ADHD as a concern, and that its debilitating is a good idea, but typically bipolar is a differential diagnosis for ADHD, so a pdoc will need to untangle the issues, by seeing how you respond to meds. It might take a while to get this all sorted.

Just be a little patient if it doesn't get fixed right away, perhaps? I'd agree with others not to push the "how about some (class 2) stimulants while you have your script pad handy?"

[ultramar]

I think many pdocs prefer to make their own determination as to diagnosis (i.e. not necessarily automatically going with previous ones) and some may want to get to know you over a period of time before coming to a diagnosis. I personally tend to trust these pdocs more, making diagnosis in one visit is pretty tricky, especially when it comes to illnesses such as bipolar disorder. I'm not sure they put too much stock in on-line tests...

I would just be thorough and honest about your experiences and symptoms. You may want to keep a mood diary for a while by way of preparation. You might also want to bring in a list of questions/concerns, it can be hard to remember it all under the limelight of a first pdoc visit.

You could tell him/her what you think your diagnoses are, what you have previously been diagnosed with, but don't be surprised if he disagrees or prefers to hold off on a definitive diagnosis for the moment (though he may have a provisional one). Although I already had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder from my pdoc of many years in the city where I used to live, my current one held off on it until he witnessed a manic episode himself, and I really respect him for this (meanwhile he kept me on my previous meds). Bipolar disorder can mimic other things (and vice versa), it's tricky.

As far as meds, my experience has been that different pdocs kind of have their 'pet' meds, the ones they consider most effective for different disorders/illnesses based on their experience with patients (and research, etc.). I certainly think it's very important to have a big conversation about benefits vs risks of meds, especially when it comes to mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics, the side effects can be pretty horrendous. I struggle a lot with my meds sometimes, especially when I'm feeling well --side effects

Best of luck!