which docs to get??

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-16-2006
which docs to get??
2
Tue, 04-17-2007 - 1:54am

So I've posted a few times about my DH's new diagnosis with bipolar. He also has some pretty bad memory implantation and recollection issues (he remembers things completely wrong). I think he needs to see a psychiatrist and psychologist, but he doesn't want to do the psychiatrist because of the high expense - but I don't think a regular medical doctor (who is what he said he'd go to) will be able to understand all the meds out there as well as a psychiatrist.

Can you guys give me the benefits you've seen with each, and how often you go?? TIA!



Jess





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Jess


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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2002
Tue, 04-17-2007 - 11:48am

I would urge you to see a pdoc if at all possible. Many GPs will not even handle psychiatric cases. And recently, I went to a GP in Canada because I could not get my usual medicine here, and he kind of messed things up, though he was a good GP. It really does take a pdoc to treat bp right.

If a bp person is stable, they will only have to see a pdoc once every three months. But stability can take ten years. Until you reach that point, you will have to see a pdoc more often, maybe monthly, or weekly during bad times.

Express!
Beth "Petrouchka"

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Tue, 04-17-2007 - 12:03pm

He is almost definitely going to need to see a pyschiatrist (pdoc) for prescribing meds, although in a few areas there are psych nurse practioners that can prescribe, as well.