I am afraid to hear my diagnosis from my psychologist. my therapist has called it major depressive disorder with lability. but my psychologist just prescribed lamictal. does that mean i am bipolar?

Psychiatrist maybe?: Psychologists in the U.S. are not able to prescribe medications at all. It seems like your PSYCHIATRIST diagnosed you with a MOOD DISORDER of some type. That is not the same as saying you have BIPOLAR DISORDER. Your psychiatrist can explain why they chose that diagnosis as opposed to BPD. Lamictal is a good medication to try for the condition. Good luck.

You probably mean: your Psychiatrist. They prescribe and occasionally do some therapy. Psychologists do therapy and testing, but don't prescribe, unless you live in New Mexico or Louisiana. Lamictal is often prescribed for bipolar disorder, but also for seizures, and other things. Discuss this with the person who prescribed it.

Bipolar?: Your mental health provider SHOULD tell you what their diagnosis is because it is part of helping you to make informed choices about your care. You have the right to know and to make choices. Bipolar disorder is inherited so there has to be some genetic history, though might not have been a formal dx before. Bipolar disorder is not a death sentence though-it can be treated well and you can live we

No: You may have answered your own question. Lability is just indicating that your mood changes quickly or easily. Lamictal is a mood stabilizer.

NO: Depression is depression by itself without mania. Bipolar disorder, on the other hand, is a combination of both mania and depression. Also, psychologists generally cannot prescribe meds, only psychiatrists or GP's can, as well as some nurses. Whatever your label is according to the DSM, it does not in any way define the totality of YOU as a person!

Get good care: If you believe you have bipolar disorder, you should consult with a Psychiatrist who is familiar with diagnosis and treatment of this condition, and one who will talk openly and at length about your illness and treatment options. Non medical therapists may offer information, but should not diagnose medical/psychiatric illnesses. Please get evaluated by a Psychiatrist and get the right treatment.

Treatment works -: You need not be afraid of the diagnosis. You need to understand the diagnosis or more specifically the nature of your problem and then the treatment approach that is being advised. It is usually physicians who prescribe medications not psychologists. Perhaps you meant psychiatrist- as they can prescribe medication and often also do therapy or work with your non physician therapist.

Hard to say.: It may help to ask questions of your providers, such as why each med is prescribed and what it’s going to help you with. I understand feeling afraid, and perhaps that’s something that you can work on in your therapy. As for the diagnosis of depression, it may be that lamictal was added for mood stability, but there isn’t enough information to go on. Good luck!

Medication effects: I understand your distress. Thank you for informing about Depression Cymbalta (duloxetine), (duloxetine) Allergies and EpiPen. Emotional lability alone is not the Criteria for diagnosis of Bipolar disorder. Cymbalta (duloxetine) can cause mood swings. EpiPen can cause excitability, See Physician for treatment of your allergies. See Psychiatrist for Diagnosis ; discuss benefits and side effects of Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Lamictal; Therapy.

No: Not necessarily. Lamictal is frequently prescribed for depression as well for patients with certain characteristics.