Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 1/21/2010

Question
I was 14 when I was diagnosed w/ Anxiety and Depression. 30 different medications in 17 years. I went to my regular GP on 1/20/10 and he made some what of a joke about it. Put me on 200 mgs of Zoloft w/ up to 1/2 mg of Klonipin every 8 hours as needed. My Zoloft dose will be be going up 150 mgs in the next week.

I think I'm mis diagnosed. I've taken the Goldberg quizzes on Depression, Anxiety, Bi-Polar, and Add.. My score total's were:

Bi-Polar Quiz-5
Anxiety Quiz-3
Depression Quiz-5
ADD Quiz- 98
The short 8 question ADHD Quiz-24

My Dr. swears I'm just depressed and having A LOT of Anxiety. How after 17 years of the possible wrong diagnosis can I get SOMEONE, ANYONE to listen to me? Thank you for your time!  

Answer
Please excuse my bluntness. If I had a chronic headache I would go to a neurologist or neurosurgeon for diagnosis and treatment NOT to a GP.

With chronic psychiatric symptoms one should go to a psychiatrist not a GP or other mental health professional for the correct diagnosis and treatment. You-might bring your completed scales along with you when going to see a psychiatrist.

I list of good psychiatrists may be found at:
http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.psychiatrists.html

Best regards . . .

Ivan
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%