Many medical issues can mimic bipolar disorder and even Major Depression. This is why before anyone runs to the psychiatrist, they need to have a full on medical exam because quite often... the psychiatrist WILL NEVER EVER ORDER this to rule out any medical before diagnosing a psychiatric and then placing someone on a plethora of medications that often times worsen a underlying possible medical.
My pdocs, and I've had quite a many over the many years, rarely if ever spoke or coordinated even once with my primary care - nor has my primary care ever coordinated or spoke with any of my pdocs. It's always "and what does the primary say?" or "what does the psychiatrist say?"
Even if you didn't have a medical underlying issue to start... many of the medications can cause medical issues to develop which then worsen the psychiatric issues.
So... not everything is truly mental illness and the treatment for mental illness can often times produce the medical. So, having both doctors TALK to each other, if it at possible that anyone can get to actually happen, would be the most ideal situation.
Oh... and insist on your pdoc ordering routine blood and urine tests before he/she diagnoses you. Really and truly, many mood and depressive symptoms can be treated with blood pressure or blood sugar treatment IF that, or anything else, is possibly not normal.
I often feel sorry for you Americans. Our Right-wing government here in Australia tries hard to make us more like you. The Global Financial Mess and the Mad Hatter's Tea Party Fiasco over the "No Taxes-No Debt Ceiling Rise" in America, - as well as the European riots over the "reduce services and put the screws on the poor even more" austerity measures in Greece and England, hopefully will give them pause to think.
After some initial years of shopping around for a suitable Psychiatrist, I have just given a 12 Years Anniversary card to my current one (shortly after firing him for the umpteenth time then allowing him back). Also, I have been seeing the same Psychologist (who also has a medical degree) for 11 years. I have been seeing the same GP, (General Practioner) - family doctor for 24 years. He is now well into his studies as a registrar to become a Psychiatrist. I see all three of these excellent doctors regularly - at least one or an other weekly. My Psychiatrist makes House Calls! He's semi-retired and like me, always running late, so it's easier for both of us.
My family doctor is just a block away. My Psychologist is not so conveniently located. I need to get a taxi to go to see her. I could get a bus if I could get myself organised. I get the bus home.
All 4 of us act as a team. I consider myself my Primary Carer. My 3 Doctors are in contact with each other and in agreement as to who prescribes what. I have regular full blood tests every 6 months, and all four of us see the results and discuss them.
All 3 doctors bill me on Medicare. If I go into a Public hospital I am fully covered under Medicare, unless I need an operation or procedure which is then covered by my private Health Insurance Company, which I have arranged for myself and pay for out of my income, which is made up of part retirement pension and part disability pension. It's not a lot, but so far I get by (touch wood). When I can no longer avoid fighting tooth and nail against going into a private hospital, that is when I've called the ambos once too often and the Emergency Doc decides I'm too manic to let loose, then I'm given an ultimatum - the Public concrete prison-like digs, or the cosseted familarity and relative freedom of the Private Hospital where I can bring in my own personal cheery posters and night light and eat myself silly - I am fully covered by my private health insurance. Why would I avoid going there? Cos I know all the meds and all that food will put on loads of fat that will take me forever to shift. Not being able to watch my favourite TV shows isn't an excuse. I can rent a TV. My Psychiatrist is forever suggesting, or sometimes begging or even sometimes threatening me about going in. At least I know I always have that option. And every now and then, I do give the matter serious consideration. But meanwhile, without friends close and little family support, I'm very grateful that I do have my strong medical Team to support me. Frances
I feel that I owe an apology to the American people for the wording of the first paragraph of this previous comment. When I referred to "you Americans", of course I was comparing our social Mecicare and Private Medical Private Health Care systems. It occurred to me later that my wording sounded rude and condescending.
I admire the majority of American people tremendously, and while I have had to search for and fight for the right diagnoses, medications and treatment, I know that there are still many people in Australia who miss out on proper mental health care. I have also had to fight against discrimination and bias - and for acceptance - in the workplace, within my own family, and within myself. I am not pretending that Australia is a Paradise for those who have special needs. It most certainly is not.
It is just that I hear of so many of you on this site struggling. In spite of my special Team of doctors, believe me, so am I. Frances
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Five years ago, our manufactured home we owned and 26 others were given notice to vacate in 6 weeks by a land developer. We had to find a new home, deal with a very difficult lender, pack personal things, animals, my husbands work schedule and a very difficult boss who was trying to stop our purchase, and a struggle to sign the papers that kept changing. My Bipolar changed to Hypo and at that time no meds! Oh, was I granky, irritable, gritchy and sarcastic. I was out of control and quite verbal to everyone. I was told to shut and settle down. You can imagine my response, despite my husbands words. They threated to stop procedures! I was out of conntrol verbally! I could not control it any more! We got though it but in 8 months! Thanks for listening to me and the hell of our moving!.
Barbs