Who should i go see if I think I'm suffering from depression? What kind of doctor? a General Doctor?

Question

I dont' know what is going on...but for the past few months i cannot shake this feeling i have. I have sudden highs, and then extream lows....for no reason...I don't know whats going on...many people told me they think its depression...okay...well... who do i go see?

Answer 1

Yes, a General Practitioner should be just fine. You sound bipolar, but it could just be depression. However, a doctor can get you started on general anti-depressants and see how that works. If you don't seem to get help with that, ask for a referral to a psychiatrist, not a psychologist. A psychologist can't write you a prescription, a psychiatrist can!

Answer 2

Start with your family doctor and a full medical exam; several physical problems can mimic depression, like a low thyroid.

If all the medical tests come back clear and depression is the diagnosis, then you can discuss with your doctor whether they want to handle your care themselves or if a referral to a psychiatrist may be helpful. Working with a psychologist may also be recommended, to help you deal with stresses in your life and even the stress of not feeling well. Often, a mix of medication and counselling can do more than either one on its own.

You say you also have sudden highs along with the lows; that may be a sign of bipolar disorder, or manic depression. That should be treated by a psychiatrist, along with counselling with a therapist to help you cope.

Do the two tests below; make note of your answers (either write them down or print out a screenshot after you finish the tests, but before you score them) and bring a copy of your answers as well as results to your doctor.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..

But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.

Helping you eliminate depression?

Answer 4

It sounds more like bipolar disorder. I suggest you see a psychiatrist. Your insurance may require a referral from your primary care doctor. If that is the case, just ask for the referral and try not to let the primary care doctor treat you. Bipolar disorder is a little more complex than depression.

Answer 5

Your regular doctor should be able to diagnose it. They may decide to refer you to a specialist afterwards. Any MD including psychiatrist can prescribe medication but you may want/need counseling in addition to or instead of the meds. Have that discussion.

Answer 6

I think I can help you with this. I have a disorder called bi-polar and it sounds alot like what you have discribed. You need to go and see your regular family doctor and he/she will then if necessary send you to someone who specializes in what your going through, but don't worry there is good meds out there.

Answer 7

Make an appointment with your general practitioner -- they can run tests to make sure everything is fine internally and refer you to a psychologist/psychiatrist as well.

Answer 8

ok well u probably have a chemical embalance, first u can talk to ur family doctor and get his opinion on what doctor u should see (therapy,mental doctors, etc.)

Answer 9

u can go to a regular doctor and he will refer u to a psychiatrist if necessary

Answer 10

go see your regular doctor and they will refer you if need be to a specialist! good luck