Do I have Bipolar or ADHD or BPD?

[Black_n_White]

Hi there I'm new here. First of all, thanks a lot if you're reading this. I just need some advice cause I feel like no one around me really understands me.

I have been really confused and lost with my mental health. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety 3 years ago and taking antidepressants. My depression got better but my mood is always changing. I would be really interested in certain things and get really into it. And all of a sudden, I got bored. My favourite food/colour etc also changes frequently. I think these have been going on since I was a kid but recently it gets more intense. I would become very close to someone and suddenly I could get angry to them for no reasons. I do impulsive things like spending a lot, gambling, drinking etc. Never had a stable relationship until the current one who really cares me and fixes my stupid mistakes for over a year. Before the longest one was 3 months, always broke up because of small things.

I am 25, male, homosexual. My mind is always full of thoughts and sometimes I feel really tired and just want to sleep. I thought I might be bipolar and saw a psychiatrist 2 months ago. Despite having to make a booking for months in advance, he finished the session after 15 minutes. He said I am bipolar, increased the does of my antidepressant and prescribed me a mood stablizer. It made me feel so slow and my mind became very heavy and uncomfortable. I could not think properly and I got more confused in my thoughts. So I stopped taking them. I saw him again 2 weeks ago and he prescribed me with another one, ended my session in less than 5 minutes. I do not want to spend another $400 on a session as I don't have medicare.

I did researches online about my symptoms and I can be having borderline personality disorder or ADHD. But I don't know. Can a GP or a psychologist diagnose these disorders? Where else can I get help as I can't afford a psychiatrist? And any advice what to tell the doctor when I meet them? I usually feel so anxious and talk a lot without thinking what I am talking about. Only after leaving the doctor, I will remember what I should have said.

Thanks again if you're still reading. I really need some advice cause I have been confused for so long.

[MarkJT]

Black n White, I find it very difficult to believe that you can walk into a psychs office and leave 15 minutes later with a diagnoses of a mental health condition. I just don’t think that this can happen in the sense of the psych surely has to spend more time with you. Then to back this up with a five minute session, nope cannot buy that at all.

I think you definitely need a second opinion and I would first go to your GP. Have you got one that you have been seeing for a while? If not, I would be very surprised if you walked in to the GP’s office and only got 15 mins before you were sent packing.

It is fantastic that you have been able to maintain your current relationship and we need to keep that going so the advice is, as soon as you can, get into the GP, get a proper diagnoses and a mental health plan and then we can work out how to travel your journey.

Cheers

Mark

[james1]

Hey B&W,

Thank you for posting 🙂 A lot of people read these forums and we've heard lots of people say they read a post and really connected with what was said, so good on your for having the courage to post!

Mark's made a great point about needing more than 15 minutes to diagnose. I am also male and 25 and I've been undergoing therapy for borderline personality disorder. From my own experience with doctors, they've all said that to get a "proper" diagnosis, especially of a personality disorder, you need to have done pretty extensive talking about their history etc.

So it does sound like a second opinion, and perhaps with someone who's willing to spend more time with you, might be a good way to go for you to get some peace of mind.

In terms of seeing a doctor and talking about what you're struggling with, you've given a really good starting post here. Could you print this off and show them to begin with?

James

[Kazzl]

Hi Black and White, welcome. I have Bipolar Disorder Type 2 and recognise much of what you describe. But I think it's always wise to check a diagnosis, and medication if it's not working for you.

Psychiatrists are often mainly interested in medication, not so much talking therapy (psychologist for that). So they can seem dismissive once they feel they've got the diagnosis right.

Speak to your GP - and yes they can diagnose these condition and prescribe. If a diagnosis is complex, or a patient is having trouble with different medications they may refer on to a psychiatrist, but in the first instance they can help. I only see my GP, no psychiatrist.

For you own info, have a good read of the Black Dog Institute website. They have a speciality in bipolar, and there's a diagnostic test on there to help you and your doctor with diagnosis.

I have a thread under the Longterm Journey board here called This Bipolar Life, where a few of we bipolar folks gather to support each other and have a bit of fun. You are very welcome to join us.

Regards

Kaz

[Black_n_White]

Thanks for the replies. I think it's a good idea to print this out and have a proper talk with a GP. I was surprised myself how rushed my psychiatrist was and more surprised that he charged me the same amount on a second visit which was for just a few minutes.

I'm glad that people here actually read my post and replied me. Really appreciate it. I will take a look at the Bipolar posts Kaz suggested.

Again thanks for the replies.

[Steam]

Have you looked into or considered aspergers and asd?

I have some bipolar traits, plenty of ADHD ones, and I suffer from depression and anxiety.

Addionally I never really fitted in to groups, and I get overloaded from too much sensory in put which cause the feeling that my brain is shutting down parts of itself. I get very tired, and need quiet time to recover.

Just another possibility you may not have looked at. I found a world full of ASD people who are very like me.