Posted by katekite on May 28, 2002, at 6:59:24
In reply to Re: need the right meds, posted by danibell25 on May 27, 2002, at 21:19:16
Make sure you go into the appt with the view that you are shopping. There are lots of psychiatrists and as long as you can choose one, choose one you like. You are the consumer and its up to you to get the best doc there is. Make sure to tell them that you've had a few bad experiences with meds.
It's great you are getting insurance. Since you will have insurance, ask this psychiatrist if they will do a psychiatric workup on you. (or wait to see if they suggest it, suggesting testing is a mark of a good doctor, one who doesn't take everything at face value and doesn't rely solely on their own intuition).
A minimal one would include: a blood panel and thyroid check at the lab, possibly a urine cortisol, and an MMPI or other overview assessment of your personality and major issues (its good for bpd to see if that's really a major problem or if its just bpd traits). Usually also at least an hour interview with the psychiatrist.
Then also ask the psychiatrist for a referral to a therapist who specializes in bpd, this can be invaluable and your insurance most likely will pay for a substantial number of visits. Therapy will help bpd if its done by an experienced therapist.
Since you've been off of drugs, there's no reason to start them again until everyone is completely positive you've got the right diagnosis (once you start a new drug your symptoms may change/get better/worsen and so might not show up correctly on the testing). Unless you are in a crisis and can't wait, in which case do start right away.
Not everyone who needs stitches ends up having bpd. I don't mean necessarily you should question your diagnoses, just that now, with insurance, its an ideal time to get some good evidence to support them.
Hope you feel better... its great you can resume treatment, this time with someone who won't be so quick to use you as a guinea pig.
kate
poster:katekite
thread:107626
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020525/msgs/107809.html