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shutterbug · 09-29-2006, 07:02 PM

welcome! this will be short b/c i'm pressed for time, but...

the pdoc most likely will prescribe meds based on what you've said above. Most meds take 4-6 weeks before any benefits start to kick in. But the worst part of all is the med game is just that....on average it takes about 2 years to figure out the right dosage and type of meds for an individual, but that doesn't mean that you won't get some beneficial results in the mean time....it's just hard to find the BEST mix....so many of us end up feeling like ginni pigs before a set of meds is finally satisfactory.

Unless you asked for an in-depth diagnosis....then you probably won't take any tests, but if you do they will probably be brief. Most of the time, a visit with a pdoc is very similar to talking with you therapist....except the good pdocs ask very specific lines of questions depending on what they think might be going on.

Usually, no blood tests are done....unless you are put on mood stabalizers like Lithium or Depakote that require monthly monitoring...and then it will still come after you've been on the meds a while.

I actually went through a psycholigist for a 4-hour diagnositic screening, but I had to ask specifically for it.

Just don't be afraid and be sure and be honest and open....the docs can't read our minds....so everything depends on you telling them how you're feeling and how bad and for how long.

Hugs,
JEnna

09-29-2006, 07:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
shutterbug A picture's worth a 1000 words Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: With any luck, I'm lost in a view finder Posts: 2,947 Blog Entries: 5	welcome! this will be short b/c i'm pressed for time, but... the pdoc most likely will prescribe meds based on what you've said above. Most meds take 4-6 weeks before any benefits start to kick in. But the worst part of all is the med game is just that....on average it takes about 2 years to figure out the right dosage and type of meds for an individual, but that doesn't mean that you won't get some beneficial results in the mean time....it's just hard to find the BEST mix....so many of us end up feeling like ginni pigs before a set of meds is finally satisfactory. Unless you asked for an in-depth diagnosis....then you probably won't take any tests, but if you do they will probably be brief. Most of the time, a visit with a pdoc is very similar to talking with you therapist....except the good pdocs ask very specific lines of questions depending on what they think might be going on. Usually, no blood tests are done....unless you are put on mood stabalizers like Lithium or Depakote that require monthly monitoring...and then it will still come after you've been on the meds a while. I actually went through a psycholigist for a 4-hour diagnositic screening, but I had to ask specifically for it. Just don't be afraid and be sure and be honest and open....the docs can't read our minds....so everything depends on you telling them how you're feeling and how bad and for how long. Hugs, JEnna __________________ I'M FINE!! Fanatically Insecure Neuratic & Emotional Bipolar/Depression support: 1-800-950-NAMI(6264).