I called my doctor and told them I don't want to see them. They tried finding CBT for me- ironically I found better resources than she did.

She wants to set up an appointment, and mentioned something about clearing off bipolar when I go to the main hospital.

The dumb thing is the main hospital doesn't think I have bipolar. My history indicates this. She has the notes, and even said herself she doesn't see bipolar. She wants me to see her but I don't have to.

Everything just seems wrong- from her suggesting ADHD and bipolar, to pushing lithium, and pushing for regiment of mood stablizers, at least 3 months on each (or until my neurons are fried). Stupid doctor.

Now she wants to clear bipolar? Basically she is not sure but would push a regiment of mood stabilizers. Um is it me, or really is this just a big WTF?

So are you saying you are doing just fine now and no longer need to pursue a diagnosis or treatment?

are you going for CBT?

have you found a better doctor? having an alternative sounds like a good idea. going without mdeical treatment doesn't. you know?

She is not the right doctor. I am not stopping seeing doctors. I am just not comfortable with her. How would you feel if you were given medication based on a diagnosis of social phobia, when it was treatment for bipolar, then told you have bipolar then told you don't.

I feel like my doctor just used the bipolar label to justify her way of medicating me, and then is changing her mind, right after coming out with the diagnosis too. Even if you do have things that are wrong, you would be hesitant to see a doc who is sketchy in their decisions.

No I am not perfectly fine. I get depressed. I have trouble with public spaces and don't even want to be near people who I used to be comfortable with. Bipolar? I don't know? I don't care anymore.

But the question is DO you have another doctor to go to if you stop seeing your current doc? Until you do, at least go see your current one - but explain clearly to her that after the yes you have bipolar/no you don't episode you're understandably extremely sceptical and that unless she can explain the reasoning behind her proposed course of treatment to your complete satisfaction, you're NOT going to go on any mood stabilisers.

I've got an appointment with my GP coming up. I have group therapy as well and people who have connections to many doctors. There is also a local mood disorder program where they treat depression, anxiety, and bipolar.

I am fast coming to the conclusion that I am not bipolar 2, and never was, and never will be. Mood swings- yes with an obvious trigger for them each time- but no clear bipolar. Everytime I've gone through some major emotional thing there has always been some existential, or traumatic cause.

I wish I were Bipolar 2. Hypomanic is fun, Manic or mixed is very desctructive and can really screw up your life.

you could always go to a different doctor for a fresh perspective, but since you alreayd seem to have decided it might not be productive.

LeeAnne -

I definitely would be feeling and choosing as you are!! Something does seem really "WTF?" to me also. And it sickens me how blatantly obvious some doctors/therapists/etc. are about how - to them - it's all about making a $! Plus - these fields definitely attract people with unresolved issues - often making those seeking help WORSE!!!

I think you are wise to shop around!

Sue

And it sickens me how blatantly obvious some doctors/therapists/etc. are about how - to them - it's all about making a $! Canada has publicly funded health care.

Try seeking treatment at an academic medical center if your health insurance plan will cover it. With their salaries being markedly lower (on average) than their private practicing counterparts, you can bet that the former aren't in it for the money.

Academic psychiatrists are more likely to stay abreast of new developments in the field, which means you're more likely to get better care.

Oftentimes, academic/university hospitals have extensive affiliate networks that make referrals more streamlined.

There are MANY reasons to go academic if your health insurance covers it. Just some food for thought...

It's unfortunate that you have had such a negative experience with this doctor. When you questioned the doctor's diagnosis and asked for an explanation, did (s)he provide one? If not, then fire that doctor's a.$.s. After all, the "healthcare consumer" model swings both ways. As a consumer of healthcare, YOU have the freedom of choice.


***EDIT*** Ho, hum. I obviously didn't take my evening adderall dose. I missed that you are Canadian and deal with a public healthcare system. Still, if at all possible, try to go academic. Even in a public healthcare model, you are justified in finding a different doctor if you feel this one isn't fulfilling your right to a decent minimum of care. Good luck, LeeAnne. I'm sorry things have been so rough, but don't give up on doctor's entirely. After all, they're human too. :O)

I have had tremendous difficulty in finding a psychiatrist that I get along with. The most important thing is that you be able to trust them-- after all the drugs they prescribe are powerful psychotropic agents, sometimes with serious side effects. How can you be expected to take a medication if you doubt the competency of the person prescribing it? I have no idea how the Canadian health system works, but perhaps you can tell your dr. you would like a second opinion. If you don't connect with your dr. now, you're never going to. In some respects, this defeats the entire purpose of seeking help in the first place. It may take some time to find the right dr., but once you do, hopefully you'll be able to get the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.