SHOP-A-DOC MALL 
The GOOD!. . .
The BAD!. . .
The UGLY!. . .
The Good!Ask anybody who has had need of psychiatric care of one sort or the other what it is they find most disconcerting and it's likely they'll say it's the inability to find that one good doctor. Below are some clues and tips about what kind of qualities a good doctor ought to have.
Some signs of a good doctor are:
The BAD!Fortunately for us, this section and the UGLY one will be rather short. There aren't that many really bad doctors, but there are some troublesome characteristics that, depending on your personality, may be more or less tolerable. Here's a few:
The UGLY!There are precious few UGLY doctors, something for which we can all be thankful. But despite their rarity, the topic does warrant our attention because of the sheer amount of damage one of these bad actors can do. Here are some truly crucifiable offenses:
Using the therapeutic relationship to obtain sexual favors from a patient under their care.
Should this ever happen to you, report the offender to the police and their professional association immediately!. Having done that, make sure you contact whatever support network you've built so you have some aid in getting through the situation and in getting a new physician/therapist.
Misrepresentation and/or fraudulent representation of professional credentials.
This is a crime not easily spotted by the layperson. For example, as of may 1997, there were still no official credentialing precedures for 7 states in the US. At least in those states, anyone can hang out a shingle claiming to be a therapist. However, should you become aware of a potentially dangerous or fraudulant situation, immediately report it to the appropriate authorities for investigation. Make no effort to confront the deception yourself.
Coercing and/or cajoling a patient to participate in any illegal activity by means of blackmail or other duplicitous means.
Should any physician be culpable of such behavior, then the standard laws apply and you should report them to the police as soon as possible.
Violation of patient confidentiality.
Physicians are bound by ethical standards that prohibit them revealing a patient's medical records and details of their condition without legal warrant. Any unfounded act of this sort is an extremely serious violation of patient privacy and steps should be taken to forestall such incidents and/or to report them should they occur. One area of particular concern in the information age centers around patient/doctor use of electronic mail.
Admittedly, all of the four possibilities listed above are extremely rare and one should not be overly concerned about them for the most part. I mention them simply because they do occasionally occur, and because mentally ill persons are a particularly vulnerable population.
The Terrified!No matter how tough you think you are, your first visit with your psychiatrist(s) will be excruciatingly uncomfortable and anxiety-ridden. Following are some tips on how to prepare for that visit (assuming you had a choice that is), and things you can do to get you and your doc off to the best possible start.
First, be sure you've done the necessary homework (like reading all you can on this site and others) before deciding on a physician. Remember, this relationship is absolutely crucial to your well-being, so put the time in necessary to insure a good liklihood of success. If feasible, allow yourself plenty of time to make that first appointment. To feel your world begin to fall from beneath your feet is to be frightened, but to feel the same way knowing you've no safety net with a doctor you trust is to be terrified! This is NOT the time for a panicy walk through the yellow pages in search of a good psychiatrist. Make your best effort to find a physician relatively close to your home and/or work. Close proximity leaves you fewer excuses to miss scheduled appointments (yes, sometimes we just can't be bothered with our health it seems and so we can't be bothered to go for appointments either.). Likewise, if you *must* have evening appointments, then find out if that's even possible before making that first appointment. Never abuse the doctor's office staff--make them your allies for they are the primary link between you and your physician. Before your appointment, take time to go through any information about bipolar disorder you've collected. Organize it by writing down a list of questions to ask your new doctor. Alternately, you can highlite passages to ask about if that's a more comfortable option. A bit of preparation might prompt your memory and prevent your forgetting important questions in an anxious moment. Your doctor is likely to appreciate your effort to make the most of both his/her and your time. If you are able, write down a list of behaviors, fears, and symptoms you've experienced. Share these with your doctor in an honest and straightforward manner. Dishonesty is counterproductive; there's nothing to be gained by withholding vital, if sometimes painful, information. If you've kept a journal of some sort that records your feelings, thoughts, ideas, poetry etc. take it with you to your appointment. Your new pdoc may or may not want to take a look at it, but it's a good idea to have it with you anyhow just in case. And don't forget to mention you have it with you. If you don't keep a journal already, now is an excellent time to begin to or to, at the minimum, begin to chart your daily moods. Learn a bit more about journals and download a mood chart in the therapy section. If you are a confident person, then you may think you already know what your diagnosis is (this is not unusual among bipolars), but whether you do or you don't isn't relevant at this juncture. What matters is that you not charge into your first appointment demanding a prescription based on your self-diagnosis. Such behavior isn't likely to get you off to a great start with your new p-doc (psychiatrist-doctor). Don't alienate; tread lightly until you've established a relationship. Because you've prepared for the upcoming appointment as best as possible, you can now relax and think of this new person in your life as your equal and your partner. Careful preparation also gives you the added confidence of knowing you've done your part and therefore, should the appointment go poorly, it's less likely you'll blame yourself. Face it, sometimes we just don't click with another. In that case, you can either give it one more chance or cut your losses and find another doctor. Everything I've spoken of is intended to build confidence, alleviate fear and anxiety, and lastly, to encourage calm assertiveness on your part. A few final comments...once you've found a doctor you are compatible with, extend him/her the following courtesies:Give them a break, they aren't mindreaders people, but most genuinely care about their patients. Oh...one other thing to remember is that doctors are busy, and if you want their attention and respect, NEVER cry wolf! (yes, some bipolar clients play manipulative non-funny games. Here's some examples.
