Aren't psychiatrist suppose to be nice????

lovegoddess1977 · 04-27-2005, 03:52 AM

Okay,

About three weeks ago, I went to go see a psychiatrist because I figured that I needed some counseling. Well, this Dr. was crazy!!

First of all she tells me that psychiatrist don't counsel anymore due to insurance costs. She said that if I wanted counseling then I needed to see a therapist. She said psychiatrist are too "expensive". Anyways then she proceeded to ask me a bunch of questions. She was EXCEPTIONALLY rude!! She was snooty and she acted like she was bored out of her mind!!

After 20 minutes, she says...."I believe that you are bipolar and I want to start you on a drug called lithium!"

First of all. I AM NOT BIPOLAR!!! That's not me being in denial, that's the truth! My brother is bipolar plus I know a couple other bipolar people. I am a nurse...I know ALL the signs and symptoms of being bipolar and that's not me. I went in to speak with her regarding my MILD depression and anxiety.

I told her that I was not going to take the lithium because I don't believe that I am bipolar. How can she diagnose me as that when she only talked to me for 20 mins??

Well, we agreed that I would take Lexapro and then I would come back in and see her in a month. The Lexapro has really made a difference. I feel better than before but I still have the aniety.

Isn't this ridiculous?? What do you guys think? I go back to her next week!!

Tharaa · 04-27-2005, 11:17 AM

Don't go back!!! That was extremely rude,and you do not need to be spoken to like that.Most of pyschiatrists are very big headed.But that doesn't give her the right to treat you like that! I am sorry ((hugs)).

TickledPink · 04-27-2005, 12:18 PM

DON'T go back! I have had a couple whacko's in my experience! Please just keep trying to find someone you like!

PaulaMc · 04-27-2005, 06:19 PM

Like the other's have said -- Do NOT go back!! I'm seeing a therapist now and have seen a psychiatrist. They are supposed to HELP you. Not make you feel like you did.

I can't believe 20 minutes and she wants to put you on lithium! YIKES!!!!!

lisadukk · 04-27-2005, 10:47 PM

i would find another doc....

fortunately i have recently found a new dr, he came highly recommended from the surgeon who did my gallbladder in feb. the surgeon's 2 daughters go to my new dr.

the last dr that i was going to was not real thrilling....when i would go in and she would ask how i was doing my answer was basically 'well, i feel like s***, but at least i don't have the side effects from the lithium on top of everything....so she would just increase the lamictal that she had put me on. she would have 'counseled' me if i wanted to pay the extra for it..but 90 bucks just for her to increase the other and send me on my way was more than enough. i also never felt comfortable with her.

new dr is great though....when my mom and i went in to see him the first time i had a long list of all the drs i had been to and what drugs i had been on. he knew the last dr whom i had been seeing and thought highly of her, he also said that he was double her fee. (she also didn't recognize the rash that was caused by the lamictal which is a sign of the start of a bad reaction to the drug-when i showed it to the new dr he pulled out a book that shows side effects and it was a classic example...)

i know this has been long, but.......if you are not comfortable with your dr find another one if it is possible...i am fighting with insurance to see if they will at least help to pay for my new one..he also keeps the appts short and sweet, i have been dx with adhd and bipolar II and my memory has been absolutely horrible, if i need to talk longer, i am welcome too, but it is nice that the dr is also aware of the cost. he is also working with my gyn and the endro that i have an appt with the end of next month....what a concept, drs working together.....whoa.......

i hope this made sense, i know i rambled.....

congrats on the meds working!!!!!! gotta find the positive

PhoenixRaven · 04-27-2005, 11:59 PM

I agree with everyone as well ... PLEASE don't go back ... find a new Dr in that regard ... you certainly don't need to be treated like that. And it's scary to think that after 20 mins of talking she wanted to put you on Lithium!

That's my biggest fear and the biggest reason why I haven't found someone yet. I had been to about 3 or 4 different mental health professionals and they all dx me with something different then the last! Very frustrating!

I hope you find someone better suited for you! And I am glad to hear that at least the Lexapro is working for you!

(((Hugs))) Good Luck!

Blessed Be
~Corrie~

AmericanWoman · 04-28-2005, 06:15 PM

Look, she may have been able to lucky draw, give you some meds that really help you.
However, she is a FOOL to act so harsh to a client! Most peeps are NOT in the condition to take abuse when they come to a physc., they need somebody with some warm empathy. Good luck on your search and I pray that you find a good new doctor.

K9Queen · 04-29-2005, 05:20 AM

I see both a psychiatrist and psychologist. I like both now, but my first psychiatrist was horrible! I felt worse after seeing him each time and he would just keep upping the meds (ended back in a "stress center" because of it IMO). I asked the group if I could switch to a diff doc and they obliged. I like the new guy so much better. He takes the time to talk to me

And he is going to work with my OB (well as soon as the blasted OB will see me

) I say look around again. You are not stuck with him. Don't go back to the one you don't like. Find a new one