Question (and possible Trigger)

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2003
Question (and possible Trigger)
3
Thu, 12-23-2004 - 12:02pm

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: 05-13-2003
Thu, 12-23-2004 - 12:11pm

Hey Cat,

PDOCs only dispense medicine. I LOVE my psych and she occasionally makes suggestions (like exercise) However, I only see her for fifteen minutes a session every three months. If you want therapy, you can go to a psychologist, a social worker or a psychiatrist. I think lots of health plans set up therapy with a psychologist or social worker because they are cheaper. Personally, I have had both a social worker and a psychologist as therapists and liked both alot.

Tell your PDOC you want to do therapy and ask if he can set it up.

Good luck and you are NOT stupid.

Unfortunately, some of us are just more experienced at this stuff than you are.

S.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-01-2004
Thu, 12-23-2004 - 1:07pm

First welcome to the board! Second this is an awesome question. It depends on who you talk to as to who is best. But meds for you and your condition are usually a great way to go. I was just telling a new member that I wish I could actually find a med that worked for me.

A medical doc is the only one who can prescribe meds. I would suggest a psychologist, they seem to make the best therapists. Though I must admit that is my bias.

You will find people who have had great therapy from psychiatrists. But those people were excellent at helping people before med school. I will be honest, I have met some pretty socially inept psychiatrists. But that is not always the case.

Keep an open mind, see what your insurance covers. Try one therapist and if you don't feel right, then see if you can go to a new one.

I hope any of this has helped.

Sending hugs and good thoughts your way.
Take care,
Lisa-)

Co-CL Depression Support Board

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-13-2004
Thu, 12-23-2004 - 1:14pm

Hi.

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