Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Pdoc appt question

deleted_user
deleted_user
How do I get the most out of my 15 minutes with the pdoc?

I've never had a bad time of it before at the time of an appointment. Meaning I've been stable but now find that my moods are swinging. My question is what do you do to get the most out of your 15 minutes with the pdoc?

I've had the suggestion of printing off my journal but don't know what else I should do to maximize the time. Any ideas? I'm really here and there with my moods and can't seem to formulate any coherent thoughts as to how I feel so that I may put two sentences together to tell her how I am doing. I'm probably not making any sense here and that is exactly my problem. Suggestons welcomed.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Tell the pdoc exactly what you wrote in your post and tell him/her how it is impacting your life.
alicia29
alicia29
Do u see a therapist or just a pdoc for meds?...i ask because my pdoc has literally shushed me when trying to give details about specific situations, etc. I try to highlight specifics, like "since the last appt, i have been markedly more manic, or depressed..." gives enough info for proper med adjustment w/out going over the time...Hope that helps!
nobody666
nobody666
try completing one of these for them...

http://www.healthyplace.com//communities/Bipolar/mood_chart_blank.pdf
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes, I see a therapist and a pdoc to answer your question. :) Thanks for your reply.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm lucky in that my pdoc asks me questions. She has a computerized questionaire she asks me each time. Sometimes it's a pain because the time is up before I can get in things that aren't covered by her questionaire. You might be rapid cycling that may be why you're incoherent and can't describe your mood. Or, you may be having a mixed episode. Just be as open as possible and try the form suggested by nobody666.
peace, t
alicia29
alicia29
I have a therapist who happens to be in the office with my pdoc... to make the most of my med appts, i authorized the exchange of info between the two...with this ability, the therapist is aware of your appts w/ the pdoc and can advise them of any specific concerns...this will allow your doc to better analyze what med changes and/or new meds may be beneficial to u without just "handing u a script" when u show up...Sorry to be so lengthy...just hoping to help u with an issue that was once huge for me! xx
deleted_user
deleted_user
My therapist says she knows me a lot better than My pdoc. She says I minimize, when I talk to him. She some times gets on the phone to him while I am with her and tells him my medicine is not working and that he needs to see me asap. She forces me to see him when I don't feel like I should be bothering him.
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