First Therapy: Frustrated And Bipolar?

[Emmie420]

Hey Guys.
I had my first private therapy session yesterday. I don't have great luck with therapists, most of the time. He was a nice guy but he kept drifting to sleep during our session which was awkward, I mean it was a hot day but still I paid 400 pounds for someone to listen to me. It was what I expected. I thought I would go in and they could tell me what was wrong and how I could fix it, but I feel like I didn't get any answers and I'm more confused. He said I could have bipolar disorder which came as a bit of a shock, I always thought I had a complex case of PTSD. He prescribed me with antipsychotics and antidepressants but I'm in two minds. I don't want to take indication if I'm not bipolar. I think I should get a second opinion. I'm conflicted. Is there anyone here who has bipolar disorder and PTSD?

 

[Deleted member 29920]

I'd be looking for a new therapist.

 

[Just-yep]

I was misdiagnosed with bipolar type two when I was actually having really strong complex PTSD. My therapist apologized and I didn't hold it against him. In your case those I would be looking for someone new. I refused to take meds that were prescribed to me and the doctor dropped me for being difficult. If something makes you uncomfortable like that walk away and get a second opinion

 

[ladee]

So hard to find a good Therapist ! Don't take the meds if you don't feel they are necessary, what a jerk !! I had a T that used to snooze, one day I was so upset and really needed him to hear me... so I just stood up and screamed... 'How can you just sleep!!!'... He was so embarrassed , but I was angry, never went back. Found someone else who could at least stay awake.. It amazes me how many times I read on here about people who have T's that sleep during our sessions...
And here we are floundering for answers and direction... and the money wasted !!
Hope you have better fortune in finding a T that listens, and his first go to is not meds !!

 

[EveHarrington]

Highly unprofessional IMHO.

I'd completely disregard the bipolar diagnosis as you weren't even evaluated properly. The guy kept falling asleep!

I'd also go to another doctor to get another diagnosis. Many people with PTSD are misdiagnosed.

prescribing two meds at once? It doesn't even sound like you wanted meds?

But------those types of meds are used for PTSD. Just not sure about handing out antipsychotics------do you have symptoms that warrant their use?

 

[digger]

he kept drifting to sleep during our session

:eek: WTAF!! Hot day or not that is completely unacceptable, unprofessional, uneverything...

I paid 400 pounds

WTAF#2!! Please tell me that wasn't for just that one session? Or that that's a typo? That's an extortionate amount of money to be paying.

Seriously, just on these two things I would not be returning to this guy and I would be seriously considering reporting him to whichever professional bodies he is a member of.

I'm sorry you had this experience, but yes, I think a second opinion would be wise.

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

First session and he's already diagnosing and prescribing after having been taking naps throughout your session. I have no idea whether you have bi-polar or the medication would be helpful for you, but I do know if it were me I would running far away from him (with the help of some support person because I wouldn't be able to it myself because I would just keep making up excuses or wouldn't want to hurt his feelings or think that I am always wrong so he must be right), but anyway I wouldn't trust his judgment! Seriously, if you can find another therapist who can take the time to listen to you.

 

[Whyteferret]

Hey Guys.
I had my first private therapy session yesterday. I don't have great luck with therapists, m...

Definitely get a second opinion. PTSD has cross over symptoms with bipolar disorder. especially since he wasn't fully focused on you at the time.

 

[joeylittle]

I think I should get a second opinion.

Definitely just see someone else. Really: they aren't supposed to fall asleep. Or even doze. They should be alert and attentive. Don't fill the prescription, don't go back to this one.

I'm assuming you're seeing someone outside the NHS system - is there a good way in the UK to get referrals?

 

[Emmie420]

So hard to find a good Therapist ! Don't take the meds if you don't feel they are necessary, what a jerk...

That really sucks. Wow. I didn't realise how much they fall asleep! Its great that you stuck up for yourself

 

[Emmie420]

First session and he's already diagnosing and prescribing after having been taking naps th...

I don't trust it him at all. I decided not to do the prescription unless I know I'm actually bipolar, until then I will work on finding another therapist.

 

[Emmie420]

:eek: WTAF!! Hot day or not that is completely unacceptable, unprofessional, uneverything...

WTAF#2!! P...

I paid 400 pounds! Lol. I went to Harley street and I thought I would at least have some answers but I'm even more confused now. I kind of feel like an idiot. I'm seeing my GP today for a second opinion.