![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cheryl on January 25, 2000, at 22:16:46
I really need some help because this is no longer affecting my personal life, but also affecting my professional life. I have noticed this is getting worse, but I didn't realize how bad until the past few weeks.
I started having serious mood swings about 2 years ago, but thought they had to do with my monthly cycle, which was irregular. The mood swings are getting worse and I am unable to control them. This is affecting my profession as I have to deal with people all day and evening.
Something I have always had a problem with is "split personality". I actually have 2 sides to myself; one that does the "right thing" and one that rebels against the good. I have been fighting a battle inside my head since I was a young child and it is getting worse and worse.
I need to have some counseling or something to help me cope with the "voices" in my head and help me deal with the battle raging in my mind.Does anyone know what type of counselor I should talk to or if I should even try to talk to one at all? Your help is appreciated.
Thank you.
Posted by Cam W. on January 26, 2000, at 0:10:24
In reply to Moodiness, split personality, posted by Cheryl on January 25, 2000, at 22:16:46
> I really need some help because this is no longer affecting my personal life, but also affecting my professional life. I have noticed this is getting worse, but I didn't realize how bad until the past few weeks.
>
> I started having serious mood swings about 2 years ago, but thought they had to do with my monthly cycle, which was irregular. The mood swings are getting worse and I am unable to control them. This is affecting my profession as I have to deal with people all day and evening.
>
> Something I have always had a problem with is "split personality". I actually have 2 sides to myself; one that does the "right thing" and one that rebels against the good. I have been fighting a battle inside my head since I was a young child and it is getting worse and worse.
> I need to have some counseling or something to help me cope with the "voices" in my head and help me deal with the battle raging in my mind.
>
> Does anyone know what type of counselor I should talk to or if I should even try to talk to one at all? Your help is appreciated.
>
> Thank you.Cheryl - I would see a doctor as well as a therapist, just in case the problem has a medical basis. Cam W.
Posted by jd on January 27, 2000, at 2:33:06
In reply to Re: Moodiness, split personality, posted by Cam W. on January 26, 2000, at 0:10:24
Cheryl,
This time I agree with Cam--It would be a good idea to see both a therapy-oriented psychiatrist or psychologist *and* a medical doctor (optimally, someone with a background in both endocrinology and mood disorders--get all your hormone levels checked, etc., etc.) With both, the trick is find GOOD doctors, so be choosy.
On the therapy front, you need to explore this "split personality" you describe with someone trained to evaluate its significance in your life. As you may know, there's a lot of debate among psychiatrists today about what it even means to have a so-called "split personality"--some doctors are frankly overeager to diagnose such things and others think the concept goes too far and tends to distort what's really going on with most patients. My guess (my bias?)is that you'd want to find a psychoanalytically-oriented therapist (either a PhD or an MD) who could help you make sense of these divided feelings you say you've had all your life. Meanwhile, try to find out from them up front what their basic approach is and how they would forsee your course of treatment. There's also the possible issue of medication, which is a whole other kettle of fish--Especially if your "negative" thoughts are of an intrusive, obsessive nature this might indeed be an option to take very seriously. In an initial consultation, you might thus inquire what doctors'/therapists' attitudes are to medication too. While no therapist can be perfect, only decide to work with someone with whom you'll think you'll basically have a good "fit."
My best to you,
jd
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.