New - May be Bipolar with Questions

Avatar for atober
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2004
New - May be Bipolar with Questions
6
Wed, 08-10-2005 - 10:55am

I was diagnosed with depression and generalized anxiety disorder over 10 years ago. I have been being treated for this all this time (except when I was pregnant twice - no meds then). Anyway, I went to a new treatment facility last night and during the "intake" process with the therapist she asked some questions and then asked if anyone had every thought that I might be bipolar. Honestly, since being diagnosed I and the drs I have seen have just treated my original diagnosis. My problem now is that the medications (especially the ones for anxiety) are not working well for me. I'm guessing that is why she thinks my diagnosis may be incorrect. Does anyone know what I should be looking for to determine if I am actually bipolar. At first I was upset, but now I am kind of excited to receive the correct treatment and maybe feel better.

Any input is appreciated.

Alison

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-06-2005
Wed, 08-10-2005 - 11:11am

I would think if the tdoc/pdoc thinks they are treating you for the wrong thing, they would change meds.

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God could not be everywhere, so

Avatar for atober
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2004
Wed, 08-10-2005 - 12:53pm

Thanks for the link. I definitely can relate to some of the symptoms (mostly the down ones). Anyway, after the intake therapist told me this last night she gave me an appointment with a pdoc for SEPTEMBER 13TH!! I have to just suck it up for over a month I guess. I had problems even finding a doctor locally that takes my insurance and has evening hours so I really can't go anywhere else.

I am very frustrated at this point because if I am bi-polar I would like to start treating it now instead of a month from now. I don't know if these people realize how long a month can be when you are suffering.

Alison

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-06-2005
Wed, 08-10-2005 - 3:09pm
yeah, it is ridiculous how long they make you wait...it just adds to everything you are dealing with.
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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Wed, 08-10-2005 - 3:21pm

Alison,


Glad you have a pdoc appt. already scheduled, believe it or not a month isn't a bad wait--around here 3 months is very common.

Avatar for atober
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2004
Wed, 08-10-2005 - 3:42pm

Thanks for all the info. I really wish my appt was sooner. I am currently on zoloft, elavil and xanax (as needed). Hopefully this will keep me together until then. I will be lurking and maybe posting some in the meantime. I told my tdoc last night when I went for my intake that these message boards were one of my "support systems". She looked at me sort of funny but I really think these forums are great. I visit the depression and anxiety boards everyday and will start coming around here too.

Thanks again.

Alison

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Wed, 08-10-2005 - 4:36pm

Alison,


You'll find some tdocs/pdocs are very leary of peer led groups and some pdocs just plain negative on any kind of support group (even if they're led by a tdoc); in fact, some pdocs & tdocs just refuse to work together--never understood that but it exists.