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Posted 8/15/2007 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all, well my im doc has referred me to a pshyciatrist(sp?) now to get the right meds etc. Im sorta concerned as Iv never been to a psyhc doc and was wondering what to expect?  Could any of you give me some insight at 1st I was irritated at my doc but then when he explained that these docs are trained in meds etc. I agreed to go . Please let me know tx Jonny (female)
Posted 8/16/2007 5:45 AM (GMT 0)

I don't think you need to be anxious about it.  Your doctor is probably correct in telling you that the psychiatrist is better trained to know what medication you need, if you are needing an antidepressant or something like that.  I'm not sure what your diagnosis is, and maybe your family doctor isn't either and that's why he is sending you to see the psychiatrist.  They are just normal people.  There is nothing to be afraid of.  Probably most of us on this forum have been to one.  I wouldn't worry about it at all.

Carla

Posted 8/16/2007 8:53 AM (GMT 0)
I wouldnt worry too much Jonny. A psychiatrist is simply a doctor who specialises in mental disorders/illnesses. He is no different to a normal doctor except for his experience.

Posted 8/16/2007 11:35 AM (GMT 0)
Jonny
I too was very nervous my first time with a psychiatrist. But I felt so much better afterwards.
They are just going to get some background from you at first. Try to get a feel for what is going on with you They will not judge you,and you will at first just mostly answer questions.
If you continue to see them then I think you will find how easy it will be to talk to them. They are trained to ask certain questions in order to make you feel comfortable about talking to them.

Keep in mind that they have heard alot,so I am sure that nothing surprises them at all.


Shy
Posted 8/16/2007 4:16 PM (GMT 0)

I would not worry about the new Doctor. The Doctor will talk to you about your mental health history and then will explain the different options of treatment and talk about the AD drugs. Some anxiety is always normal when you go to a new Doctor or in my case to my regular Doctor.

Be sure you ask about side effects and what to expect if the drug does not work.  Also how long before the medication will kick in.

You don't even have to put on a gown with no back.............:)

Posted 8/16/2007 11:46 PM (GMT 0)

Yes, I am in total agreement with everyone here.  My family doctor tried to control my depression himself for years.  I have nothing but glowing words for my PCP but my depression was never controlled fully and I dont think it was treated aggressively enough either.  When I ended up in the hospital 2 years a ago with a heart related illness my depression med (zoloft) had totally stopped working.  So my doc brought in a psychiatrist who got my medical and mental health background and immediately changed my medication.  He has been wonderful and I have not ever felt any better.

Posted 8/17/2007 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all thanks all you guys for telling me this you all have put my fears down alot more now, and I agree with you els my reg. doc I love him dearly and been with him 8 yrs I just recently mentioned due to always being sick with thyroid/lupus that I needed something as prednisone makes you depressed anyways and Iv had to up it alot lately due to a bad flair,  SO Now I have a better outlook on a phsychiatrist to control that portion of me.  thanks so much I feel much more at ease now.   I will let you know all how it goes once i get an appt.  tx Jonny (female))
Posted 8/17/2007 6:13 AM (GMT 0)

Jonny,

I'm glad to hear we have relieved your fears a little.  You mentioned taking Prednisone and also having a thyroid problem.  I have had to take a lot of Prednisone the last 5-6 years due to asthma and I know all about the wicked side effects.  Do you know that Prednisone also causes problems with your thyroid levels?  Your doctor has probably already made you aware of that.  My thyroid levels are all over the map because of long term use of Prednisone.  But, I'm sure you are like me, when you need it, you have not choice but to take it.  If your thyroid levels are off, that can also cause depression.

Good luck to you!

Carla

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