First bipolar appointment Posted: 05-17-08 10:55am
My partner has bipolar, as does his dad
and grandmother who have been officially
diagnosed with 2 (i think), although he
has not been. I have finally managed to
pin him down and support him enough that
he has decided it is time to see a doctor
and get a referal (he was never in denial
he was just scared and unwilling to open
up to a stranger). We are both going the
day after tomorow, although i am just
sitting in the waiting room because he
wants to go in alone, which is fair
enough. I'm just worried whats going to
happen next? what will the doctor do and
say? how long will it take? what will he
recommend? i assume he will say it's
necessary to be referred to some kind of
specialist? how long does that take? will
the GP be really full on as my partner
gets distressed really easily. I'm sorry
about the questions but i'm just a bit
nervous and i want to be prepared so i can
do all i can to support my boyfriend. Any
input about the process would be so
helpful.
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antigone
Moderator
Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 918 Location: IL
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Posted: 05-19-08 12:08pm
Oh my! I meant to answer you sooner! I
know the appointment is today. Let us know
how it goes. A gp can give a referral to a
psychiatrist who will ultimately be the
doctor to offer any diagnosis. A history
is done by the psychiatrist. Then there
will probably be a discussion about
current symptoms, past espisode (if any),
and medical conditions. An evaluation may
be one or more visits. You are being
supportive and that is huge. Continue to
encourage your bf to get treatment. He
will feel better with treatment. The
psychiatrist may suggest therapy. That is
not a bad idea. Medication works but
generally is not enough.
Let us know how things went. If you have
further questions, please ask. Again, I
apologize for my late response.
