great psychiatrist for diagnosis

[Anonymous]

I had been diagnosed with anxiety disorder, which later turned into a diagnosis of ADD. Now a new psychiatrist is suggesting bipolar disorder. I really doubt the last possibility, but would obviously like to get the issue thoroughly examined.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a GREAT psychiatrist who can differentiate between the three? (Yes, I know sometimes they co-exist). Bonus if it's someone who specializes in post-partum issues, even better if they take BC/BS, and really great if it's someone who is generally okay with phone consultations.

[Anonymous]

Maybe this isn't helpful, but if you're post-partum, OP, I would say you are probably manifesting symptoms all three syndromes, along with schizophrenia, depression, explosive rage disorder, and a bunch of other things. Why not wait six months? Why not treat symptoms and wait for diagnosis?

[Anonymous]

Thanks... Im so wrapped up in this that at first I thought you were serious (that I had the others you mentioned)!

It's my understanding that treating symptoms for anxiety could lead to exacerbation of symptoms for bipolar,for instance. That said I've been treated for anxiety in the past and it really helped - a reason I have to doubt the bipolar (among others).

And I need help now, not at 6 months.

Any recs?

[Anonymous]

Potomac Psychiatry
5920 Hubbard Drive
Rockville, MD 20852
301-984-9791

[Anonymous]

Thanks, 12:43. Can you give me a sense of why you are rec'd them- is this place particularly skilled at diagnosing these things?

[Anonymous]

My DH sees Dr. Joseph Balzarett. He's just off the Beltway at Tysons. He treats my DH for anxiety, depression and ADHD. Our developmental pediatrician recommended him when we were looking for a care provider for adults. My DH's ADHD coach has also worked with him extensively. He only does medication management and diagnoses. He does not provide therapy - and he's in network for BCBS.

8206 Leesburg Pike Suite 207
Vienna, VA 22182
Phone: [phone]