Psychiatrist

[Mayflower1]

Hi! I just got off of my psychiatrist appointment so I decided to come and talk on here awhile. I really need your opinions on this. My psychiatrist thinks that I should hold off on therapy and take an MRI instead. I have had thyroid problems also so he wants to rule out any other medical condition before he gives me an antidepressant. My Mom thinks I should still go to therapy because I am still working out issues with my father, depression, cutting, dissociation, etc. My psychiatrist just thinks though that the past might not have to deal big with it. Do you'll think I should continue with therapy or see what happens with the MRI? Once I get medicade I can take therapy also without worries, but my church is paying for me right now because I can't afford it at all and an MRI is close to like $1000 I heard. What is more important? Or should I continue with therapy? Just wondering. He put me on a mood stabelizer and a sleep aide for right now but I am not sure what is more correct. Lily00

 

[crazylittlep]

 

[trinitygrace]

Lily,

If I were you I'd definitely keep going to therapy. It seems to be helping you and I don't see how he could say your past is not affecting you. I believe, from being to therapists and from all the books I've read on depression, that experiences in our childhoods are one of the main triggers of depression. Not to mention it is inherited (if you have a parent that has it, you have a great chance of genetically getting it, but you also see how they act while growing up so there's environment, plus genetics against you). Yeah I agree with your therapist when he says you should get your thryroid checked out. Before I got on mine, I was going to get mine checked out but didn't. My therapist says a small amount of the population has depression that's directly related to thyroid proplems. I would get everything checked out and keep going to therapy. You need all the help you can get at this point with everything that's going on in your life. Things may seem spinning out of control now, but soon enough the waters will calm down. I will be praying for you Lily. Hang in there girl!

Love,
Trinity

 

[Mayflower1]

Yes, I agree with you both. I have gotten several different opinions from psychiatrists and therapists both(might I add all the psychiatrists and therapists disagreed with each other! Lol) I just know I am going to continue to go to therapy because it is what my heart says and I know I still have issues with my Father. Praying for you all! Lily00

 

[Ofashow04]

From the way the others made it sound they made it sound like depression is a disease. I dont quite understand what it is exactly. I dont even know how it makes you lose weight cause I think I have it but I never thought it could be hereditary.

 

[Mayflower1]

Actually, it isn't really the depression itself but the fact that you don't eat as much when you are depressed. For some it is the opposite because they eat more and they gain weight. I have trouble with my thyroid myself though so I don't gain weight at all!!!

Depression is hard to understand. I have it and all I know is it makes you up and down a lot and very confused, sad, alone... I am getting through it though. It is not so bad. Lily00

 

[Mrs. Luther073082]

Hi! I just got off of my psychiatrist appointment so I decided to come and talk on here awhile. I really need your opinions on this. My psychiatrist thinks that I should hold off on therapy and take an MRI instead. I have had thyroid problems also so he wants to rule out any other medical condition before he gives me an antidepressant. My Mom thinks I should still go to therapy because I am still working out issues with my father, depression, cutting, dissociation, etc. My psychiatrist just thinks though that the past might not have to deal big with it. Do you'll think I should continue with therapy or see what happens with the MRI? Once I get medicade I can take therapy also without worries, but my church is paying for me right now because I can't afford it at all and an MRI is close to like $1000 I heard. What is more important? Or should I continue with therapy? Just wondering. He put me on a mood stabelizer and a sleep aide for right now but I am not sure what is more correct. Lily00

I think that's awesome that your doctor DIDN'T want to immediately put you on an antidepressant. Trust me, that is a GOOD thing. I would have the MRI and continue with therapy.

 

[BohemianChris]

If you have a thyroid problem, then you should take appropriate medications for thyroid imbalances. You then do not have a serotonin imbalance.

With best wishes,
Chris

 

[Frangible]

You can diagnose most thyroid problems with a blood test. TSH, T3, T4, and thyroid antibody levels can be tested. Have you had these tested yet? It should only be $100-$200 or so and insurance should cover most of it. I'm not a doctor but it seems odd to do a MRI first for a thyroid problem. My mother just had her thyroid removed due to a genetic autoimmune disease (Hasimoto's) resulting in it growing and developing possibly cancerous nodes, and at no point did she get a MRI, just radioiode tests (I-131), biopsies, and blood tests.

But, thyroid problems can mirror many DSM-IV cases and affect the mind so it's good to get it tested.

The problem with depression and many DSM-IV issues in general is that they are subjective, not objective. The lines are blurred, for example, between depression and borderline personality disorder. (you mention mood stabilizers-- depending on severity of mood swings, in combination with depression, that is the essence of BPD) It may be that all the doctors were correct in their conclusions, and that they merely asked different questions or had different data to make a conclusion from.

I'd definately get at least a blood test for thyroid levels (why was he insisting on a MRI? I don't understand), and getting antidepressants prescibed shouldn't be too hard. They're not controlled substances, unless you get dexedrine or something as an adjunct. Antidepressants work best with therapy, not in abscence of it anyway, so keep up with that.

 

[Mayflower1]

Hey, thanks for you'lls advice. The problem with my thyroid is that the doctors aren't doing much about it. Last time the results were normal but they always give me the results six months down the road. Last time they did that, my TSH level was really high and then it went back down. I really don't know much about it but it seems to move up and down which I suspect has a lot to do with my mood. I am taking an MRI this week because he suspects a brain tumor so hopefully I will get some answers. Best Wishes, Lily00

 

[BohemianChris]

I would get a second opinion. No psychiatrist has the right to tell you he "suspects a brain tumor". That's a neurologist/neurological surgeon's job.

Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't recommend a second opinion, a MRI can only tell things. But, since you can't afford it, and someone else is paying for you, I would.

With best wishes,
Chris

 

[Mayflower1]

Yes, I have therapy today and I am going to ask her opinion as well. Really though, my psychiatrist is suppose to be a neurologist also so I really don't know what to do. If I can avoid taking an MRI I will!!!!

As for the money thing, I didn't want my church to pay for something that might not be anything, it isn't worth it even if there is a brain tumor there so I am going to use a bit of my financial aide until medicade comes in. Thanks a lot for the advice, it is good to hear what others think on the subject. Best Wishes. Lily00

 

[BohemianChris]

You mean a neuropsychiatrist?

With best wishes,
Chris

 

[Mayflower1]

Oh cool! So that is what it is! Lol. I really don't know much about psychiatry or doctors at all. I just want to get well. Best Wishes!!! Lily00

p.s. I love your Best Wishes!!!

 

[BohemianChris]

Heh, well I've been thrown into the mental health system since age 11. Countless problems. And, I'm still not better.

With best wishes,
Chris

 

[Mayflower1]

I am sorry that you had to go through that. By God's healing touch I will be whole again one day. Lily00

 

[BohemianChris]

Uh, don't count on it. Just count on that you find the right medicine for you, and that you live a decent life filled with love, and happiness.

With best wishes,
Chris

 

[Mayflower1]

Well, yes, I will look forward to a life filled with love and happiness. Best Wishes!!!! Lily00