Bipolar Disorder

[dontwantto]

My doctor has referred me on to a psychiatrist I'm scared to go. My doctor isn't sure if I'm bipolar or if I just have a high chronic anxiety issue and depression and possible OCD. I don't know which would be worse. Bipolar or just anxious and depressed with an OCD I don't want to go to a shrink though. I don't know what it will be like. I am a very shy, somewhat anti-social person and I am not going to be comfortable telling a complete stranger about "my feelings" it was hard enough to address the anxiety with my first doctor. This was is okay, since its somewhat anonymous and I don't know anyone and you all don't know me. Now this. I don't know what all I will be able to tell the shrink. Are they allowed by law to tell what you have said? Or is there a doctor patient confidentiality rule? Can anyone help me? I need reassurance. I'm scared for me. I'm scared for my husband and family. I'm only 23. I'm too young for all this crap. Help. Please.

[tulch001]

1. There is a patient-doctor confidentiality. Unless you sign a waiver that gives the psychologist permission to share the information with another party, they are bound by law not to tell.
2. I know it's scary. But it works. I know I never would have gotten better on just medication. If you can find someone good - someone who will listen and give you advice, try and help you find ways of dealing with your anxiety - things will get better. Believe it.

Best of luck.

[chrisden39]

The first thing I want to tell you is yes there is a doctor / patient confidentiality with a psychiatrist. I no it is very hard especially when you are a shy or antisocial person to talk to a stranger but they are doctors & they are very well trained.Their job is to help people with the kind of problems you mentioned. I am also very shy & not a very social person so I can relate to how hard it is & it can be scary but remember that their job is to help you. It may take a couple times but you will get used to them & it will just get easier. Just try to be as honest as you can with them so they can help you. A mental illness is just that an illness & a psychiatrist is a specially trained doctor for those types of illnesses. I no you are very young but we have to play the hand we are dealt in life. You will be fine & a lot better off when you know exactly what it is you are dealing with.