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I HAVE WHAT????????
Last night I had my long awaited appointment with a psychiatrist. I was not referred but decided to seek out a mental health professional in the hopes of finally figuring out what makes me tick as part of my spiritual and mental Transformation Process. My husband came home early to watch the kids and off I went.
We discussed basic info as this was the initial intake interview. I was asked about my childhood, my siblings, my parents, my marriage and my children, and coping strategies. It was somewhat emotional, but I want so much to get to the bottom of things.
The session ended with a "rule out" diagnosis of bipolar type 2 and post traumatic stress disorder. I was dumbfounded. I left with 2 perscriptions: zoloft and lamictal.
My frustration comes in once again walking out with major medications as a first line of defense. Doesn't it seem quick to diagnose something such as this? Couldn't my symptoms meet the criteria for a vast array of other things? I wonder what the outcome would have been if I went to my gynocologist for this- PMDD? Would a therapist have set up a schedule of talking things out? Would my minister have suggested spiritual counseling and prayer? General practioner? Because I chose a psychiatrist is the likelyhood of this diagnosis and the administering of psychotrophic medication predetermined?
Needless to say, I am frustrated and confused. As I sat in the waiting room I felt unsure as to the reason for my being there. What was I expecting to happen? To what extent do I follow this path? It is very scary.
Hi New Me...I am going to ask my husband what he thinks about how your appointment went. He is the Pres/CEO of what is now called Southwestern Behaioral Health Care...his degree is in business, not psychiatry but they employ several psychiatrists. I am curious about the comments made about them being quick to prescribe versus psycologists input. I think that it is good you went and talked to him. My brothers ex wife (they are in Georgia) has an extreme bipolar situation complicated with other mental issues...she just can't get the medications right and balanced...when shes not on medication she ends up hospitalized so I know in cases it is so necessary for some and some feel majorly better when they take them. I wonder about how quick that diagnosis came...I will ask my husband what their procedures are and get back to you tonight. he may not be able to tell me much but I want to check...he could ask one his psychiatrists about the quickness of the diagnosis...should it be a lone=ger process...like meet with you more times. It seems to me like it would take more than that, but I am a Dental Hygienist...I encourage the fight against plaque. Susan
I agree that Psychiatrist have a big tendency to prescribe rather than counsel and help you get to the root of your problem. I have seen this first hand with my sister. If you feel 'okay' I would forego the medicine and try to handle your problems another way, maybe talking with your pastor or your Ob-gyn. I think a lot of people get thrown into taking meds and then have the long-term effects of trying to get off meds AND still never get to the root of the problem. Good luck, with God, all things are possible.
Thanks Kat & Mae for the support- I don't feel badly so I'm frightened to go down this path. It is so frustrating!
Your doctor might be spot on, or as you pointed out he could simply be going with his specialty. If you are not comfortable you may want to get another opinon. Best to you -
Psychiatrist have a tendency to prescribe rather than counsel. If you have a specific issue you are wanting to work on I would find a psychologist I look forward to the day when medical professionals start doing prevenative medicine rather than throw a pill at everything I hope you are feeling better soon - My prayers are with you!
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