Will an internist or GP treat bipolar disorer, prescribe medicine, and monitor a patient under some circumstances?

[brucieboywonder]

I have been taking lithium carbonate since I was 19-years-old.  I have been taking it for more than 30 years with great success.  I have had some  manic moments and mood-swings.  But, have not been hospitalized for about 22 years.  I am very stable.  I am NOT IN THERAPY.  I would love it if my internist---doctor of internal medicine would monitor my lithium therapy and prescribe the medicine.  Is that  commonly done by internists.  If mine won't do it,  should it be easy for me to find one that will.  Psychiatrists are expensive and I am not wanting therapy.   Thanks for your comments and advice.

[Venora Moonwind]

it is better to have a psychiatrist be your medication manager. you dont have to go to therapy jsut get your head med rx. I am curious as to why you are so dead set against therapy though if you dont mind me asking? besides the pc docs just dont get bi polar and they are alwasy tring to change your meds. stick with what is working. I personally hated lithium so I take zyprexa and celexa and they work great.
so let me knwo.
Love Venora

[brucieboywonder]

Hi Veronica,  Thanks for your viewpoint.  Everyone is my teacher.
LIthium has worked so well for me for many, many years.  I have a bit of fear that changing meds might disrupt my life---especially since I live alone.  There is no one to catch me if I fall into an episode.----------I am not against therapy.  I started in therapy when I was 15-years-old.  I was bipolar as a teenager and started on Lithium when I was 19.  At age 51,  I do not want more therapy, nor do I feel I need it.  I would not allow an internist to change my meds.  If he tried,  I would go elsewhere.  Hope life is good for you.
Thank you.  Bruce