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Question
14 Jul 2005
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Bipolar2 and questioning...
Hi CS,
just wanted to ask your opinion. I was diagnosed yesterday as having Bipolar2 (I asked about the meds yesterday on this forum), yet when reading up on Bipolar2 I can not see myself in the symptoms at all. I have never had nor suffered from Manic episodes and the literature says that this plays an important part. I have had problems with severe depression that was worsened by anti-d's though. (This is what my shrink bases his diagnosis on he says)
The entire fact of having a mental illness is scaring me, so it might very well be that I am simply in denial, but when looking at this through objective eyes (if thats possible) then it all just does not make sence.
What I am asking in the end is if it is a good idea to start on mood medication etc. when I am not convinced that the diagnosis is correct and if there is any way to get a second opinion? Do you know if WITS has a psychiatric department?
Thank you for your comment yesterday
-A
just wanted to ask your opinion. I was diagnosed yesterday as having Bipolar2 (I asked about the meds yesterday on this forum), yet when reading up on Bipolar2 I can not see myself in the symptoms at all. I have never had nor suffered from Manic episodes and the literature says that this plays an important part. I have had problems with severe depression that was worsened by anti-d's though. (This is what my shrink bases his diagnosis on he says)
The entire fact of having a mental illness is scaring me, so it might very well be that I am simply in denial, but when looking at this through objective eyes (if thats possible) then it all just does not make sence.
What I am asking in the end is if it is a good idea to start on mood medication etc. when I am not convinced that the diagnosis is correct and if there is any way to get a second opinion? Do you know if WITS has a psychiatric department?
Thank you for your comment yesterday
-A
CyberShrink
Frankly, I have yet to be convinced of the value, ever, of diagnosing anyone with any form of Bipolar Illness ( which by the very meaning of "Bipolar" means someone who reaches BOTH poles of mood, high and low ) unless they have had both manic and depressive episodes. I have never seen any convincing justification for the absurd concept of a bipolar illness with one pole. It's like an international journey that never leaves the same country !
I cannot imagine what sort of diagnostic formula or system your shrink is using, ( unless it's some cynically garbled version supplied conveniently by some drug company ) that diagnoses any form of Bipolar Disorder based simply on how someone responds to an antidepressant drug.
Of course any of us might be in denial, but I don't see what would make one think you were. The idea of having ANY significant illness is scary to intelligent people. A second opinion would be a good idea, to help you to feel more confident about the diagnosis and treatment, and your psychiatrist ought to understand this and not feel offended. Yes, Wits does have a psychiatry Dept.
I cannot imagine what sort of diagnostic formula or system your shrink is using, ( unless it's some cynically garbled version supplied conveniently by some drug company ) that diagnoses any form of Bipolar Disorder based simply on how someone responds to an antidepressant drug.
Of course any of us might be in denial, but I don't see what would make one think you were. The idea of having ANY significant illness is scary to intelligent people. A second opinion would be a good idea, to help you to feel more confident about the diagnosis and treatment, and your psychiatrist ought to understand this and not feel offended. Yes, Wits does have a psychiatry Dept.
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