Stress Center Peer Support

What's the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist? I saw my doctor last week and since I still have problems not driving and panic attacks from time to time, he changed my meds. I first took zoloft. It didn't help me even at 150 mg. Then Prozac and I was comfortable with the dose but still having problems. He switched me to Paxil. Could someone give me their opinion on Paxil? My doctor thought it would be better if I saw a psychiatrist because, well I will phrase it the way he did...He knows about the heart but if it is a serious heart problem, he would send you to a cardiologist. So he was saying I should see someone that knows more about this than he does. He told me he didn't think I was crazy and he believed the problems I have are real. I have stress problems, anxiety, depression, and mild OCD. I am on the program and will be on Session 7 next week. Any opinions are appreciated.

Inside Man

Hi Insideman,

Basically a psychiatrist can prescribe medications and work with a therapist to help you. A therapist is like a professional friend that is there to listen to you and offer treatment choices,

On Paxil, it is very much like Zoloft. In any case, you should always check on any medication or supplement at this site so you can see for yourself and be well informed. Here it is on Paxil:

<A HREF="http://www.livingnaturally.com/search_r ... 02F135785A" TARGET=_blank>http://www.livingnaturally.com/search_r ... 135785A</A>

I hope this has helped.

What's the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist?

A Psychiatrists typically write prescriptions and conduct medication monitoring.
As Gman said a therapist is the person who listens to you, and offer treatment choices.
It can take many tries to get the right meds.
Sunshine1960