Psychiatry, Psychology - are most of you on meds seeing Psychiatrists?

fightback76 · Post by **fightback76** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 4:48 pm

I have generalized anxiety disorder and have had a major depressive episode more than once and am going through a med transition (zoloft to effexor) The only person overseeing me is my family doc. I don't feel confident that she is really looking at the whole psychiatric picture.

Are any of you out there actively seeing a psychiatrist? I feel that I have been having some serious mood swings that could jeopardize my relationships, job, even my life at times. I have a family history of mental illness and have accepted this. However, I am also aware that I can manage the symptoms with a positive outlook, diet, exercise, and help from my Dr.
However, I don't feel that an appt where the meds are adjusted and I am sent away for a month is really enough care. I am seeing a psychologist, but my health plan only covers 4 sessions, and I can't afford to continue.

I am just not sure my GP is trained to be making all these decisions about my meds when they did not have the additional 4 years of training in this area that psychiatrists get.

Does a psychiatrist help?

H

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 5:01 pm

Yes I think a phych helps more than a family doctor. They know more about medication and the brain. Even my family doctor said phych's know much more than he does about these things and he knows a decent amount. Try and get a good phych. You dont like one than get another. I cant believe your health plan only covers 4 sessions!!!! Thats not enough. Im sorry about that. Our health care system is so messed up. I see a therapist too and he wants me to see the phych that is in the same office. Apparently she is amazing and there is a 2 month wait but i am still waiting. I want a good doctor who knows about medication!! I do think you should DEF see one over your family doc.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 5:07 pm

You could call your psychologist and see if they may know of a good psychiatrist you could go to. I don't think they would mind giving you a referral.
I use to see a family doctor for this as well but now I'm with a psychiatrist. I believe for myself they do have more knowledge in this area.
Good-luck

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 7:00 pm

I currently only have my medical doctor, but I have had them in the past. The right one gives you the right diagnosis and is able to prescribe the right medicine, but if the money is going to make you stressed, hold up.

Lucinda's Program with workbooks may be all you need. You have Lucinda, Group Session and The Doctor. It does not get any better than that.
save your money and take one day at a time.

Good luck with the effexor. My wife and I both take it and I saw a huge change after a few short weeks. My wife is feeling better as well.

Peter

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 8:32 pm

I highly recommend a psychiatrist when it comes to meds. I had been seeing a family doctor who had me on Paxil then Prozac and I had started self-injuring and spending money out of control. It turns out, I am bipolar and someone with bipolar taking antidpresssants = disaster. I don't want to scare you, but it is important to be correctly diagnosed and medicated with a "fine touch" if you need the medication route (I did, the severe swings were interfering with and disrupting my life and I was self-destructive. I am now on the appropriate medications and have been totally functional, plus improving myself with the program. If you feel like you're not getting what you need from your physician, see a psychiatrist for sure, they know a lot about the meds. Good luck and keep us posted.

baby_g · Post by **baby_g** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 1:48 am

Definitely Psychiatrist at least in the beginning, way more knowledgeable about your psych drugs, (psychologist are not MDs), and remember, your psychiatrist doesn't want to see you for the rest of your life.....they want to help you, make you understand whats wrong, fix you, and then maybe every 3 to 6 months or so. ALSO, if money is the issue, keep in mind, not to knock it, but Lucinda's program is $600, I've yet to spend that on a psychiatrist which is covered by my insurance. Sorry, just my opinion. My psych doc saw me weekly until we were where we needed to be with meds (twice), then went 6 wks, unless I needed him, then 3 months, and now 6 months. He wants me cured, and is all for CBT and TEA methods, then tapering drugs. I LOVE HIM!!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 1:52 am

Thanks for all the input.

Just to clarify, a Psychiatrist would be covered by OHIP (Ontario's health insurance plan), but the psychologist (who uses cognitive-behavioural therapy) is not and only 4 sessions are covered through private insurance. I do find the psychologist very helpful and may try to pay for one session a month to help.

I am considering going to my doctor's office today to request a referral. They told me it would be A YEAR last time I asked and I was too depressed to actually say ok. ACTUALLY, one year ago, almost to the day, I had separated from my husband, went to a walk in clinic at my family doctor - who prescribed antidepresants, told me the wait would be 1 year to see a psychiatrist, and said I was too depressed right now to benefit from a psychologist, so I should wait a few months before seeking help from the psychologist. Then she sent me out the door and said follow up with your regular Doc in a month.

If it wasn't for some friends who were incredibly strong and there for me, who knows what could have happened?

Anyone out there who needs help, make sure to lean on those around you, no matter how much you don't want to "burden" them. You need all the resources you can get.

Thanks again!!! It is soooooooooooooooooooo nice to hear from people who can actually relate.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 1:56 am

He wants me cured, and is all for CBT and TEA methods, then tapering drugs. I LOVE HIM!!![/QUOTE]

What is TEA??? I know CBT. I do have Lucinda's program and it has been huge in helping with the aspects of my problems that I can control.

I think I need the psychiatrist to have a medical opinion of the chemistry behind my illness.