EvolutionHealth.care

Home
Main Forum
Depression
Understanding Major Depressive Disorder
Going to the Dr.

Advanced Search Form

Going to the Dr.

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 5195

Well I have returned. They didn't lock me up. They just asked me a million questions and then decided my medicine isn't working for me. Well that took a PHD to figure out! Anyway, they are going to change my medicine and see what happens. The diagnosis was Situational Depression and Anxiety and that I’ve had it for years. That doesn’t make sense to me. Situational? That would be occasional wouldn’t it? I'm not sure I really understand it all. They asked a ton of questions, changed my medicine and sent me on my way. I'm not sure I feel any better.

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 3043

oh yes "they" will want all all all the details of what is going on in your head, your heart and your life... it is just the psychiatrists tend to want to stablise the physical symptomes first and with medications. the others are the talk specialists, and will want to explore your thinking and changes in thinking with you.

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 5195

Maybe we'll actually begin to feel better. You think? I'm still nervous just the same. Are you saying the psychiatrist doesn't really want to hear about my problems? I'm so confused. Lady

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 3043

hi Lady, a psychiatrist is the medical/pharmacologial expert. They "focus" on the chemical imbalance and try to stablise your moods from this point of view... so do not be discouraged if this dr wants to know everything and is thinking "pills". a psychologist, social-worker, therapist, and councellor, will look at how you think and challenge you from there. They help you discover what is the root of the envirnomental aspect of the illness and help you discover your own coping strategies, and your own evolutions. So these are the people that want you to be comfortable in their office, sit back, and talk about your daily problems, your feelings and reactions... your hopes and goals... I went to see three psychiatrists for three different doctors for a diagnoses and suggested medical follow-up. The report went to my psychologist and my MD. and that was the end to them. The Psy hospital told me that if I had problems, and was losing it I could get an appt within the week but they did not do the following of patients... So I have my md - who I am seen today at 4 and the psycologist who I am seeing at 6. busy day for both of us??

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 36

I've worked with both, and although there is some crossover, the psychiatrist is able to diagnose and treat both the psychological and the physiological aspects of mental disorders. A psychiatrist can help rule out, through various tests, any physical ailment (like a thyroid condition) that may cause depression-like symptoms as well, which is something a social worker or counselor can't do. I like to think of a psychiatrist as another member of a team of people, which includes my general physician, therapist, and of course myself.

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 5195

What is the difference between a Psy. and a counselor besides the fact that they can perscribe meds?

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 36

First, be prepared for lots of paperwork before you see the doctor (unless you received it in advance). Second, take advantage of the opportunity. Let it all out. Tell him/her everything that's on your mind and all about what you have been experiencing. Lastly, keep in mind that working with a psychiatrist is usually an ongoing process, not a one-time shot. Good luck!

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 5195

I'm going to the psychiatrist for the first time today. I've never been to one before and I'm very nervous and anxious. Any tips from anyone? It took me forever just to go to see a counselor and now after 1.5 years I'm headed to the shrink. This just doesn't feel right.

Reading this thread:

today's top discussions:

This Month’s Leaders:

Most Supportive

Most Active

Most Loved

Going to the Dr.