I think I have a mood disorder, but my doctor says its depression?!

I think I have a mood disorder, but my doctor says its depression?

What should I do if all my symptoms match a mood disorder, but my doctor keeps trying to treat me for depression and with ant-depressants-I have tryed them all and just get worse. How can I convince my doctor to try me on something for mood?? Are mood disorder meds not available or hard to get??

Yes, as many have pointed out, Major Depression is a "mood disorder". However, it is what we call a "Unipolar mood disorder, one pole, down. In contrast to the ever popular, "Bi-polar mood disorder". Obviously, this one has "two poles, up and down". If you feel you are experiencing a bipolarity to your mood disorder, and your doctor is not paying attention, I would highly recommend you see a specialist in treating mood disorders, this is usually the Psychiatrists. They can perform a more thorough evaluation to examing the possibility of actually having a Bipolar mood disorder.

Also, just because you haven't responded to multiple antidepressants, doesn't necessarily mean you don't have Depression. you may have what is generally called, "treatment resistant Depression". In my clinical practice, times where I have diagnosed a unipolar depression and have been unsuccessful treating with multiple different antidepressants, I will often try treating with low dose Lithium. I have found that Lithium is a wonderful antidepresant, despite it being generally used as a "mood stabilizer" for Bipolar illness.

print out this string of answers and bring it to your GP and discuss with them. Many non-mental health clinicians are a bit wary of treating the more complicated depressions and certainly bipolar illness, mainly because they are not trained to and it falls out of their comfort range. Many are a bit afraid to treat patients with Lithium because, again, they are not as familiar with the medication. The same way that, I, a psychiatrist, would not be comfortable in treating my patient's high blood pressue.

Bottom line, it is not a good idea for you to be diagnosing yourself. If you feel your current Dr. is not fully and acurately addressing your current health problems, then, it is time to see a new Dr. And, see one who specializes in mood disorders. I would hope your current Dr. would have no problem referring you to a psychiatrist (If not, then you should leave this physician, regardless).

As to your question above, "Are mood disorder meds not available or hard to get?" the answer is "NO". The main issue is most likely as I have stated above. You are probably in an area your doctor is not comfortable with, nor trained or specialized in treating. Your mental health is too important to mess around with. By all means, go see a psychiatrist. Most likely, you will be much rewarded. Do not comprimise yourself by worrying about your Dr's response with you wanting to see someone different. Take care and good luck with this issue.