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What is a pdoc?

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Posted 5/4/2007 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
I assume is a Psychotherapists ? What is the diffrence between Psychotherapists and Psychiatrists ? I looking into getting a refferal from PRS. Is that a center that any of you have dealt with in the past? If I was to visit a  Psychotherapist, does my family doctor have to know? Who of the two would take charge and adjust any madication I'm on or may need to be on?  
Posted 5/4/2007 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
Here in the US, a psychiatrist holds an MD degree first. They go through the same med school routine as any other doctor. Then, they have the additional PhD in psychology. Because the psychiatrist is a medical doctor as well, that person can also prescribe medication.

A Psychologist is not an MD and cannot prescribe meds, but usually has a PhD in psychology. This is the person you would go to for traditional "talk therapy." Most psychiatrists just push meds and leave the 45-minute to hour-long talk sessions to a psychologist.

A counsellor does not have a PhD, but some education degree in psychology, and holds no medical degree. They can engage in talk therapy, but cannot prescribe meds.

Many people see a family doctor if only mild medication, like an anti-depressant, is required. If meds need frequent changing or adjusting, it's better to have a psychiatrist handle it.

Depending on your location, you may have different rights under different state laws based on the age you are recognized as an adult. So, if you are not a minor child, there is no real reason for your family doctor to know if you are seeing a therapist. However, it would probably best if it were on his records. Why would you want to hide it?
Posted 5/4/2007 8:53 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you for the explanation! Now it makes more sense.

The reason I would want to hide this is that here (Toronto-Canada), any additional, individual insurance company, asks for the o.k. for your family doctor to disclose to them your medical files, in order to review your application.

From previous experience, I was rejected due to the fact that I was on antidepressants. I am immediately considered to be a "high risk” person for suicide. My doctor re-assured them in her letter that I have never been suicidal and I was the one that initiated and successfully got off the meds, but that was not good enough.

I made an appointment with a referral service to psychotherapists suitable to my needs and location. I guess now I have to go to my family doctor and try to relate to her how I feel too, and hopefully she will give me the right medication, as without it I do not see how I will make it off my b... and to the other appointment!!!

I am currently on 150mg of Bupropion. I remember she mentioned once that this is a very low dosage and that I could double it if needed in the future. I hope the combo of all the above will help, as I am not looking forward at all any longer to be "hiding " from the world...

Thanks for listening, TOgirl

 

Posted 5/4/2007 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
Good Lord! Let's just make it that much more difficult for those of us with depression to get proper treatment. Rejected for being on anti-depressants?!! Now THAT's crazy! LOL

I'm glad to hear you're still going to pursue your treatment, even in the face such BS. Good for you! I'm assuming the definitions I gave you in my first response are probably the same for the Canadian medical community. Took me while to sort that one out for myself, and my own psychologist put it about the exact words I wrote to you. Glad I was able to help. :-)
Posted 5/4/2007 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Togirl,
I am so happy you took my advice and joined this great group,people here are so helpful and supportive.
Keep me intouch on how things are going,you are a strong minded woman I know you will do fine

Good Luck .JB
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