For what it’s worth, I’m having a devil of a time finding a psychiatrist specializing in hormonal issues. Nearly everything I’ve learned about PMDD I’ve gotten from the internet, my GP and my gynecologist. A few days LisaLisa hipped me to The PMDD Phenomenon, written by a psychiatrist at Duke University. I checked it out and it’s getting rave reviews from medical professionals and patients, so I ordered it!
The first book to clearly explain this new disorder and offer treatment options
Afflicting an estimated 3 million women in the United States, PMDD is an extreme form of PMS in which the physical and psychological symptoms are often so severe that they strain social, familial, and work relationships to the breaking point. Despite the rapidly growing body of scientific research into its causes and cures, PMDD continues to be a bone of contention among medical professionals, and many women who suffer from it are still told that it’s all in their heads. The first consumer book written on this condition and authored by a nationally respected expert on the treatment of this condition, The PMDD Phenomenon:
- Helps readers determine whether they have PMDD
- Explains the full spectrum of prescription and nonprescription drug therapies
- Covers major alternative treatments
- Features inspiring and informative case studies of women who have battled PMDD
Frankly, my ongoing search for competent psychiatric care is just to humor certain friends who cannot wrap their little brains around the fact that psychiatrists are not the only ones competent enough to prescribe Zoloft and/or Wellbutrin. In fact, for the most part the go-to guys and gals for PMDD expertise are gynecologists, not psychiatrists, but . . . . Whatever. I have insurance and I make good money so it’s no biggie. To have a shrink diagnose me as whatever kind of crazy and approve whatever drug regimen is worth a few $35 copays, I guess.
I’m asking my doctors for recommendations. They told me they’d give me one . . . when they found one.
8 responses so far ↓
datesbubbas // April 18, 2007 at 12:53 am |
I don’t think you need a psychiatrist to figure this out. I think you’d be better off talking with an endocrinologist, but all I’ve heard them say is that they don’t know enough about how all of this stuff works, either. So… you’re just as well off between the GP and the Gyno. I’d stick to one or the other for keeping track of what they’re giving you and how it’s working, though.
hedonisticpleasureseeker // April 18, 2007 at 1:44 am |
Actually, not an endocrinologist because for the most part our hormones are perfectly normal! It’s the brain chemistry that freaks out when they shift. I’ve already had a full endocrine workup and there’s nothing off. Even my thyroid is normal.
I’ll probably stick with my GP because she’s easier to get an appointment with than the chief of OBGYN at the women’s center. Also, my GP has known me for 18 years and she pretty much trusts me to act in my own self-interest.
The last time I saw a psychologist he told me I was so normal that he couldn’t even code my insurance forms. We finally agreed to call it “stress.” But if seeing a shrink will shut certain people up, then that’s what I’ll do.
Health Pundits » Blog Archive » Anti-Impressing // April 18, 2007 at 2:16 am |
[...] the only people qualified to make these decisions. Many of the commonly prescribed drugs like Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa and Paxil have serious contra-indications and one needs to take into consideration [...]
VJ // April 18, 2007 at 3:20 am |
Yeah, you both came up with the options I was thinking of. But this of course worries me greatly; “The last time I saw a psychologist he told me I was so normal that he couldn’t even code my insurance forms.” I’ll just chalk that one up to a disappointing lack of inventiveness. Evidently you’re on the bleeding edge of treatments here, if only due to the fact that we just came around to recognizing the scope of problems after years of denials & misdiagnoses. In other words, SNAFU. Rinse, lather, Repeat. Hey, at least it won’t kill you outright! Cheers & Good Luck with all of it, ‘VJ’
datesbubbas // April 18, 2007 at 3:32 am |
It’s mostly true that it’s not the hormones, but endocrinologists do specialize in convincing your brain to produce the right chemistry to make things function correctly again. However, I agree that the GP is probably the route to go in your case. I can’t ever get into the OB/GYN, either. The good ones are always booked like that.
LisaLisa // April 18, 2007 at 7:56 pm |
HPS I’m so glad you will be reading the book! The last chapter will be great for Bunny to read (and anyone else who is close to you in your life). It is called, “What you should know if someone you love has PMDD . . .” It is three easy to read pages and she can read it right away before you read the rest. I took my book out from the library. Something I have trained myself to do since I have way too many books collecting dust on the shelf. LisaLisa
PMDD Threat Advisory Code Red: « Hedonistic Pleasureseeker // June 16, 2007 at 3:29 am |
[...] wanted, ate whatever I wanted, was lax about attending to my “to do” list, and finished The PMDD Phenomenon: Breakthrough Treatments for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. GOOD BOOK, PMDD-addled blogsisters! You are not [...]
Half Nekkid Thursday: PHHHHBBBLLLLT « The Hedonistic Pleasureseeker // June 11, 2009 at 4:04 am |
[...] only do so for so long before they begin to crap out. At least, that’s the theory. Since my premenstrual dysphoria (PMDD) can give me an acute adrenal crisis, I don’t care if “adrenal fatigue” is [...]