ISO psychiatrist for complicated depression/bipolar teen -- desperate and worried!

[Anonymous]

My son has bipolar and has been hospitalized at Dominion. We have seen Dr. Weiner in the past. I would avoid him - cookie cutter ADHD doctor. We like James Herrera, he is a bit of an odd duck - but is excellent at treating more complicated mood issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you all for the helpful advice and perspective. Honestly, I think I learn more here -- and get more support -- on this anonymous discussion board than I do from the paid experts. Thanks again. I hope to pay it back one day when my daughter is stable and I can help others with my experience.

Thanks for the link, 20:05. I thought about the OCD angle, but it's confusing because all of the pieces don't fit. That's why I want a really smart, thoughtful psychiatrist who can put this all together. Hoping to receive some call-backs today so I can move forward.

I am struggling to find a psychiatrist as well. I am waiting call backs from 5 Dr's and it seems they don't even bother to call you back to say they are not taking any more patients.
I'm so frustrated. Keep us in the loop of who you finally decide to use.

[Anonymous]

I know this is an old thread, but since it's been revived anyway, I'm jumping in to say I'm surprised no one brought up Bipolar II as a potential diagnosis. For anyone reading this thread who thinks, "OP's DD sounds like my DC," it's something to at least ask about when seeking a diagnosis.

It's not as well understood as what we commonly think of as bipolar disorder. It can be missed or misdiagnosed.

The mood fluctuations are not as extreme as what we typically think of as bipolar disorder. People with bipolar II have more depressive episodes and their "manic" phases are actually called "hypomanic" phases. The OP's persistent statements that her daughter did not have manic episodes is what raised a red flag for me. Hypomania is a low-grade manic episode that, in my experience, is just more like having a high energy level or feeling really happy.

FWIW, stimulant medications (for ADHD, for example, which often co-presents with bipolar disorder) can have an adverse affect on people with bipolar disorder and trigger manic episodes.

These are all conversations that should be had with medical providers, of course.

This might be helpful:
http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/bipolar-disorder

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:15 year-old daughter has had anxiety and depression off and on for years and has been seeing a therapist. Depression seems to be worsening and she has been talking about not wanting to live anymore and feeling hopeless. Her depression seems cyclical in nature, so one day she is horribly depressed, and the next day she seems normal. But there is no mania (so not typical bipolar). But there are similarities to bipolar, so I am trying to find a psychiatrist who is good at teasing out what this is exactly. I'd prefer someone in northern Virginia. If anyone has any recommendations, could you please let me know...and also could you say what it is about the psychiatrist that you like and why you trust them? A family member had a horrible experience with a psychiatrist a few years ago, so I know that a bad one can do a lot of harm and I'm really nervous about choosing someone.

Therapist has made no recommendations.

I am really worried about my daughter and want to get her help as soon as possible, but want to make sure it's the right person. Thanks so much in advance. I have always appreciated the information and support for this special group of parents.

OP- Our family is going through a very similar experience with our 13 yo DS. His pyschiatrist recently diagnosed him with Disruptive Mood Dysregulated Disorder (DMDD). Like your daughter, he has moments of extreme depression, but then can be normal but we have never seen mania in him. This is why this relatively new diagnosis has been developed, because it isn't bipolar. All of his symptoms are on the same line as depression and not extreme happiness (that's something that he doesn't display).

He is on medication now, but I am actively trying to find a therapist for him in addition to his psychiatrist who we mostly use for medication visits because she is so far away from us.

I have a 14 year old with a presumptive diagnosis of bipolar. Our psychiatrist said that mania presents differently in kids and not as extreme happiness. That will probably manifest later. This is so hard.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry OP for all that you are going through. This is a tough situation.

I recently contacted Kennedy Kriejer about neuropsychological testing and was pleasantly surprised how responsive they were. The intake person called me right away and within a day or two someone else called to provide some scheduling dates. I know it's far but they do take most insurances and if your situation, it may be helpful to get a second opinion for a facility such as Kennedy Kriejer or Hopkins about treatment options, etc.

I completed the intake paperwork for Children's weeks ago and have not heard back from them. I called Georgetown and their child psychiatry clinic is not accepting new patients anytime soon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sorry OP for all that you are going through. This is a tough situation.

I recently contacted Kennedy Kriejer about neuropsychological testing and was pleasantly surprised how responsive they were. The intake person called me right away and within a day or two someone else called to provide some scheduling dates. I know it's far but they do take most insurances and if your situation, it may be helpful to get a second opinion for a facility such as Kennedy Kriejer or Hopkins about treatment options, etc.

I completed the intake paperwork for Children's weeks ago and have not heard back from them. I called Georgetown and their child psychiatry clinic is not accepting new patients anytime soon.

I have found with Childrens that you have to call frequently to check on status.

Also, Kennedy Kreiger has an outpatient center in Columbia.