Posted by jd on January 27, 2000, at 2:33:06
In reply to Re: Moodiness, split personality, posted by Cam W. on January 26, 2000, at 0:10:24
Cheryl,
This time I agree with Cam--It would be a good idea to see both a therapy-oriented psychiatrist or psychologist *and* a medical doctor (optimally, someone with a background in both endocrinology and mood disorders--get all your hormone levels checked, etc., etc.) With both, the trick is find GOOD doctors, so be choosy.
On the therapy front, you need to explore this "split personality" you describe with someone trained to evaluate its significance in your life. As you may know, there's a lot of debate among psychiatrists today about what it even means to have a so-called "split personality"--some doctors are frankly overeager to diagnose such things and others think the concept goes too far and tends to distort what's really going on with most patients. My guess (my bias?)is that you'd want to find a psychoanalytically-oriented therapist (either a PhD or an MD) who could help you make sense of these divided feelings you say you've had all your life. Meanwhile, try to find out from them up front what their basic approach is and how they would forsee your course of treatment. There's also the possible issue of medication, which is a whole other kettle of fish--Especially if your "negative" thoughts are of an intrusive, obsessive nature this might indeed be an option to take very seriously. In an initial consultation, you might thus inquire what doctors'/therapists' attitudes are to medication too. While no therapist can be perfect, only decide to work with someone with whom you'll think you'll basically have a good "fit."
My best to you,
jd
poster:jd
thread:19697
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000112/msgs/19777.html