Expert: Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP - 10/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am 37 and my family doctor diagnosed me several years ago with having Bipolar.  I have been on Prozac, Depakote, Serroquel, Amantadine, Topamax and Abilify.  I believe that is all.  I have been racking my brain trying to understand some things. My 17yr old has ADHD and my toddler has ADHD.  I wander if I have it. I have look at some of my so-called bipolar problems and they fall in to the category of Adult ADD.  I begin with cleaning the house and it will take forever. Begin in the living room then when I take an item from there to place in the correct room, I then find something there and so on so on.  Takes a LONG time for me to complete a simple task.  Grocery shopping,  I get easily sidetracked.  Sidetrack is really an understatement.  I am always going and going.  Sometimes I will drink a couple glasses of wine to calm myself down a few notches.  Please help me.  I need to find a Psychiatrist in my town to  I have mentioned this to my Doctor who tells me I am wrong and then he will either change what meds I am on or increase the dosage.  HELP!!

ANSWER: Dear Dona,

Thanks for asking me your question.  I am surprised that your family doctor diagnosed you with Bi-polar Disorder without sending you to see a psychiatrist.  I am also concerned that he did not start you on lithium as a mood stabilizer.  

I agree strongly that you should see a psychiatrist in you area to determine if you have Adult ADHD, Bi-Polar Disorder, both or a different combination of conditions.  

I currently have a diagnosis of ADHD, Depression and Anxiety Disorder.  Sometimes being hydrous and silly can look like mania, but it really isn't.  Also the mood swings associated with ADHD are usually related to an outside trigger - or hormone fluctuations.  

Since you didn't tell me what city you live in, I can't help you at this time with a search for a psychiatrist, but I would recommend that you check out a book called Change Your Brain, Change you Life by Dr. Daniel Amen.  

He is an MD that can also shed light on how the brain works and help you to see how similar conditions differ.  

Many Blessing to you.  Do not hesitate to get a second opinion.  You are worth every penny and when you are at you best, you children get the best mom.  

Christine

P.S.  Let me know if I can help you any further.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I really do not know where to begin in the look for a psychiatrist.  If you could help me I would greatly appreciate it.  I would need one in Shelby, Gastonia, or Charlotte NC.

Thank You so much for your Help.
Dona

Answer
Hello again,

I did some research on the Internet and I found 3 starting places.  I am not endorsing any of these MDs and I would suggest you ask questions about their thoughts on the diagnoses you've been given.  

The first 2 are in Charlotte and the last one is in Gastonia.

Southeast Psychological Services
The have both a psychiatric there and psychologists and counselors.
(704)  552-0116

Dr. Dornblazer,MD  
(704)542-2577

Dr. Michelle Kerbow, MD
(704) 671-7370

You may have luck starting there.  

Good Luck & Many blessings my dear.

Christine