New to Board, Question (trigger)

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2003
New to Board, Question (trigger)
6
Thu, 12-23-2004 - 12:10pm

Hi all,

I've been lurking here for a few days, and I'm very impressed with the information being exchanged.

I have a question, but a little background first:

I am cyclothymic (bi-polar) - diagnosed a few years back, but mostly experience depression and a bit of hypo-mania (no severe manic episodes thank heaven) so I was not pushed to try medication, since I seemed to be able to manage my symptoms on my own and bi-polars don't do well on straight anti-depressants anyway. I did have some therapy a few times back then, but recently decided I wanted to get on some medication (I got really tired of managing my moods through sheer force of will...It just wasn't working anymore)

My father was a severe bi-polar who committed suicide seven years back, so I have a good background in realizing when moods are getting out of control. What they look like and feel like. I don't think I've ever been (or will ever be) 'normal' but for years I functioned perfectly well. Then I had one pretty severe depressive episode and have never really bounced back. I cycle rapidly from feeling fine to being just disgusted with myself and everything else.

Even with all of this knowledge, I don't have a lot of experience with pdocs or tdocs as my Dad would never go, and I've only been a few times...

Anyway, my quesion is this: Do Psychiatrists actually talk to you, or are they just to dispense medication? Mine is very quick when I go in, just wants to talk about meds and how they are working, but doesn't really ask about anything else and the appointment only lasts about 10 mins... I feel stupid asking this, but I really don't know... Do you have to see a psychologist to actually talk about your feelings... Do I need two doctors? I don't want to think my pdoc is a bad doctor if he is only doing what is expected of him... Somehow I thought I'd get some therapy along with the meds, but that hasn't happened.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 12-23-2004 - 12:16pm

Hey Cat and welcome to the board!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2003
Thu, 12-23-2004 - 12:24pm

Hi Keli,

I've started taking Abilify. So far, so good, it is relieving a lot of my depression (although not all of it... unfortunately) I take a child size dose (5 mgs) because I have always be hyper-sensitive to medications. Took prozac once and had EVERY side effect possible, all at the same time... what a nightmare that was. Anyway, my pdoc went through seven different medications and the side-effects, and we dedided to start with Abilify for it's lack of horrible side-effects and change up to another med if it doesn't work. I've been taking it for about 10 weeks now and it seems to help, but I may need to bump up to 10 mgs at some point soon.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 12-23-2004 - 1:28pm

Hey there!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-20-2004
Thu, 12-23-2004 - 2:00pm

Hi Cattwomeannc,

Welcome. I don't have anything to add to what Keli said really. I know my HMO just pays my pdoc for a 15 minute med visit (including his charting and paperwork time) after the initial intake interview. They will pay for a separate tdoc though. Go Figure...

I'm glad you're here and have a med you like.

Love,

Jamie

Love,

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Thu, 12-23-2004 - 5:45pm

Welcome to the board, I'm glad you decided to de-lurk!


Anymore most pdocs strictly do meds and leave it to the tdocs to do the actual therapy.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2004
Thu, 12-23-2004 - 10:53pm

Hi -


I'm one of the fortunate ones who has a psychiatrist who is also my therapist which is very helpful, but I PAY for it! As others have said, most psychiatrists will accept assignment for med visits but not for therapy since the reimbursement is so low (I'm in a field that also has that situation). So, I decided this guy was worth it to pay out of pocket, and my insurance does cover about 65% which was a pleasant surprise. So, I do less of some things in order to pay for it, but it has been worth it and works for me. I totally understand that most women can't afford to pay out of pocket. So, I feel very blessed to have this as an option.

peace and love,


just_a_big_kid


Sue

peace and love,

just_a_big_kid