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Jemma82 Can anyone help me understand issue with diagnosis? So confused
  • replies: 7

Hi, Jemma here, I'm new to the forum. Quick intro- been struggling with mood swings for years and seeing a psychologist for 18 months who suggested Bipolar type 2 and asked me to egt a referral to a psychiatrist for diagnosis. As my appointment is no... View more

Hi, Jemma here, I'm new to the forum. Quick intro- been struggling with mood swings for years and seeing a psychologist for 18 months who suggested Bipolar type 2 and asked me to egt a referral to a psychiatrist for diagnosis. As my appointment is not for over a month, my GP also referred me to a professor as a well known clinic for an opinion. I had this 1.45 hr session this morning where he told me that bipolar type 2 is very difficult to diagnose, you cannot take a bloodtest and hypomania is much less obvious than mania, however he was confident that I have bipolar type 2, said he was 70% sure and has recommended I begin on a mood stabliliser and start seeing a regular psychiatrist. however, im confused about only being 70% sure. What does tis mean exactly, do I have it or not? I asked him this and he said people often say their diagnosed with it but really you can never be 100% certain. I kmow it is not important to have the label, but to me it kind of was as it would be a relief to me knowing/understanding what is actually wrong with me. So is it true you never really get an aboslute diagnosis? Or is 70% a diagnosis? Im confised as he said it was a lot to take on, big day for me to hear this news etc. but the he's only 70% sure!? Any advice would be much appreciated.

meatloaf Tired of meds and pyschiatrists
  • replies: 4

I've been on a merry go round of AD over the past 12 months...none of them work and the physical side effects are horrendous...I don't want to take any more I feel like a lab rat being tested. I also feel I'm going nowhere with my pysch..we talk abou... View more

I've been on a merry go round of AD over the past 12 months...none of them work and the physical side effects are horrendous...I don't want to take any more I feel like a lab rat being tested. I also feel I'm going nowhere with my pysch..we talk about the same crap every time and she thinks I'm pyscholocially sabotaging my recovery. I'm over it all I want to stop all meds and give my body a break ...I'm depressed on anti depressants so can't see I'll be worse off off them.

Foghornclj87 Realisation regarding taking medication for GAD
  • replies: 3

My name is CJ and I was diagnosed with severe GAD in November 2009. I recently had a massive panic episode while travelling overseas. We're talking uncontrollable crying, hyperventilating, shaking etc. So bad was this episode that I had to fly home e... View more

My name is CJ and I was diagnosed with severe GAD in November 2009. I recently had a massive panic episode while travelling overseas. We're talking uncontrollable crying, hyperventilating, shaking etc. So bad was this episode that I had to fly home early. I've analysed my reaction & concluded that it was the culture shock of a third world country that smashed my carefully developed boundaries of control. I've taken anti-depressants & anti-anxiety medication off and on since my diagnosis (usually only during times of extreme depression or anxiety). However I've always believed that through my personal development & a healthy lifestyle I would eventually "heal myself" of the need for medication. Before this most recent episode I haven't had an anxious episode or need for medication in more than 2 years. This most recent episode makes me question my assumption about my need for medication. Now I'm coming to realise that I may need to take medication for the rest of my life, even when I perfectly happy and functional. Has anyone else had these thoughts or experiences? I love to hear from others.

Sammyd Funny feeling from medication
  • replies: 6

I am only on day 5 of my medication and today I had a massive panic attack (I am on for anxiety and panic) and now I have had these funny tingling sensation through my head and in different places of the body. Am scared that it is a bad side effect o... View more

I am only on day 5 of my medication and today I had a massive panic attack (I am on for anxiety and panic) and now I have had these funny tingling sensation through my head and in different places of the body. Am scared that it is a bad side effect or part of what happens anyone else had this

punk rock warlord alcohol v tranquilizer
  • replies: 9

Might appear a strange question, but given the choice what do people consider to be the better option to curb anxiety. I used to self medicate with alcohol, now I very rarely drink at all, but do take a tranquillizer when I suffer badly from my anxie... View more

Might appear a strange question, but given the choice what do people consider to be the better option to curb anxiety. I used to self medicate with alcohol, now I very rarely drink at all, but do take a tranquillizer when I suffer badly from my anxiety. I know neither option is a good one but surely taking a benzo is better than drinking to numb the pain?

Scott1970 New here... Going in circles with doctor...
  • replies: 6

Im male, 45, live in Brisbane. Had terrible year in 2015, with personality change, unhappy, stressed when I have nothing to actually stress about, cant tolerate many people etc etc.. Went to a doctor, they did blood tests for a bunch of things, all c... View more

Im male, 45, live in Brisbane. Had terrible year in 2015, with personality change, unhappy, stressed when I have nothing to actually stress about, cant tolerate many people etc etc.. Went to a doctor, they did blood tests for a bunch of things, all clear, sent me to MRI scan, just some white marks on brain, which aren't MS apparently. So, i get referred to another doctor, who I explained whats going on, and how I felt, he just says " well, you dont seem depressed or have anxiety", and left it at that. Still feel terrible and not sure where to go next. What do you need to tell a doctor?

Matt1 Support groups Melbourne?
  • replies: 2

Hello I'm Matt 25 year old male, recently I've been having a bit of trouble coping with depression and just wondering if anyone knows of any support groups located in Melbourne preferably in the western suburbs. I have found a couple but they all see... View more

Hello I'm Matt 25 year old male, recently I've been having a bit of trouble coping with depression and just wondering if anyone knows of any support groups located in Melbourne preferably in the western suburbs. I have found a couple but they all seem to be at night which just doesn't work for me. Thanks for your time.

Knoteven depression medication impotence in men
  • replies: 3

Hi I am 26 years old and have impotence from depression tablets I'm taking this is something I have battled my hole life trying to find the right pills so I can still enjoy a healthy sex life. At the moment it is getting Realy bad I'm scared I will l... View more

Hi I am 26 years old and have impotence from depression tablets I'm taking this is something I have battled my hole life trying to find the right pills so I can still enjoy a healthy sex life. At the moment it is getting Realy bad I'm scared I will lose my relationship with my girlfriend no sex puts alot of strain on it and I am always feeling less of a man because of it is there anybody on medication or knows of medication I can take to get my life back on track :(?Thank you ​

Relay_for_life How effective are medications
  • replies: 3

I have been prescribed SSRI for anxiety and depression and have been taking them for about 4 months now . Every now and then I have been slightly increasing my dose under supervision of my GP . Symptoms have improved and I am able to function , but I... View more

I have been prescribed SSRI for anxiety and depression and have been taking them for about 4 months now . Every now and then I have been slightly increasing my dose under supervision of my GP . Symptoms have improved and I am able to function , but I still don't feel like I am my normal self . Still struggling with thoughts and sadness at times . I am also seeing a phycologist . My question does that mean that the medication is not working or may be dose needs to be increased ? How should I feel while I am on medication ? . My thinking is that I am on medication anyway so why I am still feeling like that at times ?