Need advice about mental health politics

I need some advice from people who have dealt with psychiatrists and medical professionals and understand the politics and culture surrounding it. Here is my situation. I have been experiencing a lot of mental health issues. I have struggled with eating disorders, depression, self harm, anxiety, and when put on fluoxetine (prozac) I had a hypomanic reaction. This led me to being evaluated by my university's psychiatrist specifically for bipolar disorder. I am 19. I know from my personal experience that I have intense mood swings and obviously many disordered behaviors, and I once mentioned to my therapist that I suspect I may have bipolar disorder or another similar type of disorder.

The psychiatrist basically told me that I was only experiencing a drug reaction and that I have a lifelong history of suffering with depression and am just an "intensely emotional person." He said that because I am only 19 and have not had such an extreme manic state while not on prescriptions, I am not bipolar. He told me my intense mood swings are just a part of my personality. However, because of the disordered behaviors that I deal with and the fact that these behaviors have drastically increased in the past year or two, which is the typical age that mental health issues begin to reveal themselves, I am having a hard time writing off my problems as just 'being emotional.' Despite being in therapy and actively trying to stabilize my mood, they are still significantly affecting my life. I was quite honestly surprised by his attitude- he said that I didn't need to be medicated but that I "would probably benefit from continuing therapy." Considering that I often feel out of control and in danger from myself, I found this to be an oddly lighthearted way of looking at the situation.

He said that bipolar disorder manifests itself between the ages of 17-35 so it is too early to tell whether I am bipolar. The thing I'm struggling with is that I know many people my age and younger are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, so my question for the community is this: how beneficial (in your personal opinions) would it be for me to seek out a different psychiatrist and get a second opinion? Is there some kind of general reluctance to diagnose the disorder? Would other psychiatrists also consider my behaviors not too extreme? I have little experience with the mental health system so I don't know how to navigate it. Any opinions or advice would be appreciated.

If you can, you should get second opinion. In my experience the highly educated&skilled doctors seem to rely on first impression they've got within first 5 minutes. Don't know is because they're too busy, or because they overestimate themselves for how highly educated they are.

And as I understood it, there are quite few people here who got their first manias from being on meds for depression and got diagnosis for BP. So just pushing it aside like it was only caused by the meds seems bit odd.

Don't know what general opinion of BP is in schools or among school healthcare staff. In artistic studies it's probably more common, so staff is generally more forward coming of such issues. It seems to vary alot even with professionals.. Even after my diagnosis, my therapist ignored the subject by general opinion of "don't worry about it until you need medication", with just occasionally polite questions about my BP with the "how are you"s. :p

I definitely agree with Lanka. A second opinion would be better, I think.

I first saw my school therapist during my major depressive period. He asked me a lot of questions and encouraged me to talk. We kept discussing things for one hour and then suddenly, I said something about feeling so good when I'm not down and then, a bit more about my temper issues. That was it and he seemed to pick up on something, and decided that I needed an appointment at school's mental health clinic. Before letting me off, he mentioned something about bipolar, although not clearly.

Like you mentioned

"intensely emotional person."

and that you often feel out of control, well, that's exactly what I go through during my horrible mood swings. I was diagnosed two months ago and I'll start on medications very soon. I'm struggling through my studies at college right now. And, I'd love to be back to my normal state of mind. I don't think I can handle things without medicines. I definitely don't want to wait for this bipolar thing to show its true face. No, thank you very much. (Dear lord, is it not enough, already? lol)

There's no harm in getting a second opinion. I wish you all the best. Please keep us updated.

100% agreed on second opinion. If nothing else it will make you feel better -- more assured that you are handled correctly.

I also agree that asking for a second opinion is totally reasonable in order to try to figure out what is going on for you.

Cracked

Definitely get a second opinion. I got 3 different diagnoses before I got BPII. It took a year and a half of therapy, psychiatrists, and a hospitalization before I got the diagnosis that people finally started to agree on.

I don't think doctors in general are reluctant to diagnose BP, not any more than depression. I have heard that people are reluctant to diagnose personality disorders, but not mood disorders. That particular doctor could have an aversion I suppose, or it could be something to do with the severity of cases he's dealt with. I've noticed therapists/doctors who, in general, deal with mild cases tend to make slightly extreme diagnoses, while therapists/doctors who, in general, deal with moderate to severe cases are less likely to give a diagnoses. Just my observation, but it does seem like doctors can't help but compare cases, even if they're supposed to do it on a spectrum or whatever. At least, the ones I've visited.

Good luck and keep us posed.

Get a second opinion. Have you looked into borderline personality as well?

Please do get a second opinion. I find through personal experience that many pdocs are not good diagnosticians as they are at chemically treating a clinically diagnosed problem. But still there are many good at diagnosis, including those that are not pdocs. I dated a Psy. D.(psychologist not psychiatrist) who was *very* perceptive and accurate in here diagnosis of people even though she was not a MD. So there are others out there that can properly and accurately evaluate you.

Actually, it seems that the doctor you met with was just hesitant in giving you a preliminary diagnosis of BP. But instead of directly and openly dealing with you about this, his approached actually undermined your efforts for you to find the truth about your condition. I am very familiar with this well-intentioned but unfortunate approach by some pdocs. Since this problem has been significantly impacting your life, he should of set up a follow up appointment where he can re-evaluate you. He could of also referred you to someone else.

JMVHO

tucson

Seeking a second opinion may give you peace of mind if nothing else
However, there are many disorders which may exhibit similar symptoms to BiPolar disorder or which are highly co-morbid. If you believe you pose a danger to yourself or those around you please seek help and continue with any recommended treatment.

Count me in for "second opinion." At your age doctors can be reluctant to diagnose something serious like BP. However, if it is BP you are better off treating it as soon as possible. A full manic episode can create a lot of problems in your life.

Please keep a close watch on your symptoms and if you start to really suspect you are headed for a bad place, seek help, even if you have been told many times that you don't have BP. I second the notion above that psychiatrists aren't always great diagnosticians.