I have been taking Cymbalta for several years now. It seemed to help for a while, but has lost its effectiveness in the last year or so. I've been diagnosed with depression by a Nurse Practioner, but have not gone to a Dr. for my mental health. I'm not sure if its depression or bipolar disorder!?!?!?!? Its hard to admit that you need to "offically" go to a Dr. for your "mental health". I've wrestled with this for years. What have all of you done to get the ball rolling as far as an "official diagnosis". Who should I go to???
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Q: Depression or Bipolar or Something Else???
Answers (3)
9/26/08 7:14pm
Hi Rena:
Unless your Nurse Practitioner is a Specialist in Psychiatry, then I would recommend that you see either a Psychologist or Psychiatrist. You can find Psychologists at Psychology Today. You can find a Psychiatrist through your state Medical Association. The difference is that Psychologists diagnose and treat mental health problems, but can only prescribe medications in two states. You will spend about 50 minutes with a Psychologist.
Psychiatrists typically don't do psychotherapy, but they can prescribe medications. Don't expect to spend much time in a Psychiatrist's office, however, the average length of time you would spend there is about 15 minutes.
Best of Luck,
Dr. Diana Walcutt
*Dr. Walcutt is a Psychologist. Dr. Walcutt's answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.
10/17/08 1:05am
a licensed psychologist would be a start,or your regular doctor.
11/22/09 11:29pm
My Psychiatrist diagnosed despression and put me on meds for it within the first 15 minute appointment. And then I started seeing a psychotherapist for treatment at the dr's direction. After a few long discussions with my psychotherapist she changed the diagnosis to bipolar and the dr changed my meds and I ended up feeling much better. I am extremely grateful that I took the opportunity to see both the md and the ph.d. because it took more than a quick appointment to find the real cause of my issues. Except for occassionally fine-tuning meds as my body and situations demand, I feel much better. I also tell friends to see both types of doctors as the input from each is different but equally important.
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Thank you very much for your reply!!! I really appreciate the information. I really do need to go to a Psy.Therapist. The depression med's (Cymbalta) just aren't working well for me at all. I struggle every day. I really think that this medication would be working better for me, if the diagnosis were accurate, don't you think?
Did you really have to convince your therapist or did your therapist investigate with questions? Is this the first person you've gone to just to talk about your issues? I've never gone to a therapist or Psy. before. I'm really nervous about that!