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Bipolar Disorder/Psychologists thinks possible Bipolar Disorder?
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Question
I recently saw a psychologist due to poor impulse control that resulted in termination of my job. The incident actually took place in civil court. I have had a history of anxiety and depression, but never been thought of having bipolar. Briefly my symptoms include OCD,IBS,claustrophobia etc. I do have elevated mood and excitability once in a while.
I am seeing the psychaitrist soon, and fear being prescribed bipolar or psychotic medicine. I was thinking something like the SSRI family. But I do have mood swings and may have something more then generic anxiety and depression. Is the psychologist in the right track?
There is clearly a need to have a professional assess whether you need medication or not, based on the limited information that you have provided. It is important for you to go into your appointment with the psychiatrist without thinking that you "must have" any particular condition so that you are letting yourself be accurately diagnosed. Be as candid as you can when answering the questions that the psychiatrist asks, since holding back any relevant information will prevent the doctor from doing their job to the best of their abilities and also will hurt you in the long run. It appears that there is something going on, and whatever it is, it's already cost you one thing that is important to you (unless you're independently wealthy and only worked because you needed to do something with your time). Rather than objecting to any specific type of medication (psychotic, bipolar) before walking through the psychiatrist's office door, whatever medications that they may (and they may not, so be prepared for that as well) prescribe you, remember that it's part of the process you need to go through in order to help you have the chance to live as close to normal as anyone, and eventually it may be possible to replace the various parts of your life that you've lost.
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Answers by Expert:
Jennifer
Expertise
I am available to answer questions of a general nature about bipolar disorder, provide online resources that address bipolar disorder in a more in-depth manner and sources to serve as a starting point for those looking for substantial information on the illness from a healthcare professional approach. I am not a doctor or a psychiatrist, my background is based in personal experience and extensive reading in my own process of understanding my diagnosis. I can also take questions that deal with the social issues surrounding bipolar disorder such as relationships; coping for family, friends, and the patient; marriage, choosing to start a family and related. Answers to questions of a legal nature will provide general information but anyone with a serious legal problem should consult an attorney licensed to practice in their jurisdiction.
Experience
I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type II in 2000; as a SSI beneficiary, have experience and knowledge of the limitations and processes involved with the program; I understand the moods, the feelings, the worries, the doubts, and a lot more that there's not enough room to express - from the personal experiences of being bipolar. I have first-hand experience with the challenges of returning to college following hospitalizations and various combinations of medications that were tried before my doctor and I finally arrived at the most effective medication program for my treatment. My family and I have learned so much about each other in the process of dealing with the highs and lows that followed my diagnosis. I've had relationships with someone who also is bipolar and someone that is not - romantic relationships are no easier on either side! I feel that many of the ideas and beliefs that people have regarding bipolar disorder and those who have the condition promote the continuation of social stigmas associated with mental illness in general, and after learning from others with bipolar disorder, hope to guide others who may be trying to navigate the government health care system,& share information on other possible means of obtaining assistance with the cost of medications and/or mental health services and limited financial assistance programs for meeting basic living expenses for qualified individuals, dealing with problems from or with family & loved ones, co-occurring substance abuse problems, medications and side-effects (and when it feels like nothing will work, or why it's not helping the situation to ask whether or not a patient has taken their 'meds' when they seem hostile or moody to those around them).
Education/Credentials
I have a B.A. in Liberal Arts and will earn my J.D. upon completion of the Spring 2011 term after which I will be preparing to take the multi-state bar exam.
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