What did he mean by "intervention"?

[need2behealthy]

Hi everyone!

I have a history of GAD, OCD, Panic Disorder, Tourette's, occasional bouts of Depression and some Insomnia. Recently, I was also diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder by a specialist (although not a Psychiatrist or Psychologist - at least not yet).

One of my biggest issues lately is that any time a major stressor comes along, I end up having wave after wave of panic attacks. It's that feeling you get when your brain/body is constantly pumping out stress "alarm" hormones like adrenalin and cortisol and you get that sickening "rush" that comes up through you along with a burning in the pit of your stomach. I should add that most of my stressors are situational and are relieved once the issue that caused the stress has been resolved.

Once a major stressor occurs, it seems like everything after that (even the little things) suddenly become huge worries which leads to over-analyzing every minute detail and the never-ending "what ifs". It's like one or two major stressors set the stage for you to become super-sensitive to everything that comes along afterwards. Even worse (at least for me) are appointments or deadlines because it creates pressure and gives me lots of time to worry about every little thing leading up to the appointment date (or deadline). I've tried Ativan, Atarax, Atenolol and a variety of other meds and they either don't even begin to touch it or they only work for a short time.

Anyway, so now my Doctor said that he wants me to see a Psychiatrist and it sounded like he was fairly serious about it. I also overheard him tell the nurse (who was writing up my referral) that I was to be seen by a Psychiatrist for my severe anxiety and panic attacks. Then he said "...and to be evaluated for Bi-Polar Disorder" and finally, something about "intervention".

Hearing him say the word "intervention" scared me a little bit and so I asked what he meant by that and I don't remember exactly what he said now but I don't think it was anything bad. Of course now, it's become something new for me to worry about. When I hear the word "intervention" and "Psychiatrist" used in the same conversation, it conjures up images of someone being committed against their will for a 72 hour evaluation (or longer) and given various drugs. Apparently, all it takes is for a person to be "deemed to have a mental illness" and that's kind of scary.

So having said all that, does anyone have an idea as to what my Doctor might have meant when he used the term "intervention"?. Should I be concerned?.

Thanks for your help with this. It's really been bugging me a lot!.

[tvm123]

You must see a psychiatrist very soon since you have a history of GAD, OCD, Panic Disorder, .You need medicines .The P doctor will tell you what your problem is Do not let a general physician says that you need medicines for bipolar without proper diagnosis  .It may just take a month or two you to will recover .Medicines can do magic .Don't worry .Since you are able to ask this question here then you can recover well once you get proper treatment .Trust these can be resolved .The term "intervention" means just  you need closed observation and extra care  provided to improve a situation (especially medical procedures or applications that are intended to relieve illness or injury).

PLEASE DONT WORRY. SEE A PSYCHIATRIST WITHIN NO TIME

[remar]

I think your Dr is trying to help you. He has recommended a Psychiatrist and I'm pretty sure they will do an evaluation on you. Maybe that's what he meant by "intervention". Many family Drs are very good but sometimes things are out of their league. The reason he is sending you to a Psychiatrist. Try not to worry.