Bipolar Disorder & Finding the Right Psychiatrist

Finding the right psychiatrist is a difficult task. For me it took almost 10 years and three different doctors. It seems like finding a doctor would be a simple thing, however it’s very personal and you are putting yourself in a vulnerable position when you speak with a psychiatrist. By the time you get to a psychiatrist you have either spoken with your primary care doctor or a therapist who have referred you to go see the psychiatrist. So, you have already told someone your secret of not feeling well mentally and the fact that you feel like you need some help. Most people go to see a psychiatrist reluctantly. When you go the first time you have to tell them everything you’re feeling. However, I have found through my studies, that at this first appointment not enough time is allowed and never is enough information given to the doctor to make a proper diagnosis. Most people will at first state they are feeling sad and be given an antidepressant or anxiety medication. They may be misdiagnosed and then rushed out the door. However, I believe the real work needs to come from the patient themselves and not the psychiatrist — and I will explain why.   It has been my experience that a psychiatrist won’t know how to diagnose if the patient doesn’t know what that what they are feeling is a symptom, so it is many times overlooked. Often it takes the patient themselves doing the research and learning what their symptoms are to get the proper diagnosis. The doctors arenâ...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Bipolar General Personal Stories Psychiatry Psychotherapy Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrist Therapeutic Relationship Source Type: news