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How did you find out about your chemical inbalances?

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Posted 10/29/2010 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
I saw several people here mention they went somewhere and found out that they have too much of one chemical and too little of another. How did you find out about this? Where did you go to get tested? What kind of doctor? What was the testing like? I think it might help me, but I want to know more about it, including, if possible, the cost range.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
Posted 10/29/2010 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
Generally you get a diagnosis from a psychiatrist. If your depression is not situational, than it is a chemical imbalance. It could take therapy even to distinguish this. Over time, I mean. But usually a good psychiatrist can tell you what is going on.

I would suggest that you talk to your doctor about seeing a psychologist or therapist. Or even talk to the doctor themselves about the way that you feel. That is the best place to get started. From there they generally recommend a psychologist or a psychiatrist.

Good luck to you. I hope that you figure out what is going on.

Best wishes, and keep posting.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 10/29/2010 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Karen. A lot of it's trial & error. Trying SSRI's or SNRI's or what not. Also, depression can start out situational but if not treated over time it can cause permanent changes in your brain chemistry. That's why it's always better to try to get treatment early (even if that treatment is counseling).
Posted 10/30/2010 5:28 AM (GMT 0)
for me, definate trial and error. been on just about everything. i know what has and hasn't worked. a lot of meds have helped, but poop in the end. as with the above replies i have had intensive psychiatric care over the stretch. just recently been dx with bp-1. so even i have changed, well the chemicals in my head have, my bloods as well, thus the dx has been a long time coming. cheers, jamie.
Posted 10/30/2010 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
If you mean is there a blood test for brain chemicals, there isn't...
Your reg Bloods from the GP show a lot, for instance thyroid and Vit D levels. Things that they can treat. Also some people take Lithium, which requires a certain blood level to be effective, depends on how your body uses it.
GPs will prescribe anti-anxiety, anti-depressant meds, but then if they think you need further evaluation will refer you to a psychiatrist.
Then the trial and error begin, but have hope. Sometimes you hit a winner first time out.
Be patient.

Good luck,

Post Edited (Trying to Understand) : 10/30/2010 11:30:35 AM (GMT-6)

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