Posted by Lynn on September 2, 1998, at 10:36:55
Help -
I've written before with my history for those of you like me who read this page a lot! My question and dilemma is, how do I find a good pschyiatrist? I've been through half a dozen in the last 20 years (from Ann Arbor to North Carolina). My current doc is very nice, but frankly is used to dealing with patients who have very severe disorders requiting hospitalization and just doesn't see my bi-polar disorder as very problematic. He's been good about trying different meds, but waits 6 months before trying a different drug. I am very drug shy as every drug I have tried has made me very sleepy. Hard to deal with this and work with 2 kids.
Also, did "rules" change in length of time to see patients. I was also used to spending 45-50 minutes with a phsyciatrist (not phsychologist) and he schedules all of his patients for 15 minute sessions. I can hardly explain in 15 minutes what has happened in the last 3 months (as often as he feels I need to be seen).
So getting back to my original question, how do I find a doc who will listen and help. Contrary to theory, you cannot "interview" a doctor over the phone, and who has the time or money to "try a doctor out". Hospital referral services are not knowlegable about particular doctor theories.
If any of you docs out there knows of one who is in NC and is willing to "try" the alternative conventional drug methods, please let me know. I had written earlier about studies or articles I had read regarding combining stimulants with other antidepressents. I've got to got on living my life with some energy!
Thanks so much - and by the way, I am seeing current doc on Thurs. to ask about the stimulant route, so I may need this advice soon!
poster:Lynn
thread:503
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19980901/msgs/503.html