Hi all, I have been suffering from bipolar disorder since April 2014 when I was 17. I had regular appointments at my GP and they diagnosed me with depression and put me on fleuxetine 20mg. These didn't help at all so in September 2014 I was put on mirtazapine 30mg I find these help with depressive episodes but no nothing at all for controlling my mood and mania episodes. My doctor has been promising me a referal to a pshychiatrist since April 2014 but every time I confront him on this or the other GP's at the surgery they tell me that they do not want to put a label on me because of medical insurance and the army etc, even though the army is not an interest of mine. I keep getting told "you will feel better when the sun comes out" I feel like I'm being fobbed off and nothing is being done to help my bipolar other than an anti-depressant. Can anybody help?
Cheers
Have you actually been diagnosed with bipolar by a psychiatrist? A gp really isn't qualified to make such a diagnosis. It's true that these days a bipolar diagnosis is harder to get, because the symptoms are common with other conditions, they would rather treat the symptoms than place a label on them. Either way,therapy is a realistic alternative to meds,even for bipolar if thats your diagnosis. Meds aren't always the answer and for long term therapy will help you more
Hi thanks for your reply.
I have not been diagnosed with bipolar disorder as I cannot get a referal to the pshychiatrist
, I have been experiencing severe symptoms of it for almost a year now I have been admitted to hospital twice as I have been at extreme lows and have tried to take my life. I would like a referal to get the help I need but I am unable to get referred
I can't understand why a GP wouldn't refer you,the usual route is to simply ask for a referal to psychology, who then would refer you or give instructions to your gp to refer you to a psychiatrist, gps themselves are very limited in respect to mental health. I would ask to be referred, if they refuse then complain to the practice manager, they cannot refuse you a referal if one is in your best interests
Also the reason they may be hesitant, if they think you are self diagnosing, that will never go down well,try not to lead them down the bipolar route even if its what you think, they need to decide that themselves. A bipolar diagnosis is very complex and takes time, a lot of the symptoms are covered with anxiety and depression, only a qualified psychiatrist will be able to take all things into account for a proper diagnosis
They always say "there's no doubt in my mind you have got bipolar" but I wouldn't like to refer you as you will get labelled and we don't like labelling Young people.
I will give it a try cheers!
Well all I would say is your GP is sailing very close to gross negligence! For one they have no remit to diagnose bipolar, another - if they really think so,they should refer you to a psychiatrist for proper treatment,its not acceptable to use such a feeble excuse, I'd be looking for a new gp!
Unfortunately it took me many years to get anywhere with the doctors, I think the first thing you need to try is to convince your parents just how bad you feel. They doctors may listen more if you have your parents fighting your corner especially if your still living with them. Nobody know mental illness better than a family member, this in turn may help you get the support you badly need. I wish you well and I hope you get the help you need.