Dr. Mon Cherukarayil Poulose, MD

My previous psychiatrist and counseling center closed, and so I had to find a new center that would accept my insurance. I filled out a substantial amount of paperwork, then spoke with Dr. P about why I was seeking help. After asking me some questions, he said it was likely that my previous doctor had likely misdiagnosed me as ADHD and that I was actually “a little bit bipolar.” He conducted no tests, but said that after he got my bloodwork from my doctor he would likely stop my ADHD medication and antidepressants to get me started on anti-psychotics. I was confused, because I had never heard voices or experienced paranoia. I had complained that I was sleeping a lot and was very fatigued, and he said that the sleepiness was evidence of mood disorder. I was concerned and had questions, but he had another appointment and dismissed me. I looked up bipolar disorder in several books, and it didn’t sound like me at all. I went to my counselor and told her what he said, and she was stunned.… She said a bipolar diagnosis didn’t fit at all, she mentioned that she had bipolar clients and our life experiences and problems were distinctively different. I have since gone to a different psychiatrist who has completed both ADHD testing and a full psychological evaluation. Surprise surprise... my diagnosis from my old psychiatrist was correct. I feel it was very irresponsible for him to tell me he thought I was “alittle bipolar” and tell me he was going to put me on antipsychotics without having done any testing. I also thought it was in bad form to tell me this and then not provide explanation as to why he believed it to be true. I left the office feeling very upset and confused that day. If you feel like you have been presented with a convenient or popular diagnosis without having been tested, then insist on being tested or get a second opinion. Do not waste your energy getting upset about something that is inaccurate. I’m very happy that I sought out a second opinion!