Posted by medlib on February 23, 2000, at 17:19:25
In reply to First visit to Psychiatrist, posted by Thomas W on February 23, 2000, at 9:15:32
> Hello all,
>
> First thanks to all of you who have been patient with
> me and helped me. I really appreciate it.
>
> Could some tell me what to expect regarding a first trip
> to a psychiatrist. My counselor suggests that I should
> go and I've made an appointment but I don't have a clue as
> to what to expect. What kind of experience am I looking
> at? thanks again all....Thomas-
When I visit any new doc I take a complete list of meds and supplements I'm currently taking, along with how much and when for each. I also list all allergies and what symptoms each caused.
I list all hospitalizations, date and admitting Dx. Finally, I list all relevant Rxs I've taken in the past, when and for how long and why I stopped them (such as other antidepressants).These lists are much easier to compile at home than to remember in his/her office and they save a lot of appointment time that can be better spent
on more immediate concerns. Docs are always happy to get them.If you think a stimulant might be something you want to try, you might ask whether he prescribes them where appropriate. Ask him, from what you've told him, how he would diagnose you and what has been his experience with patients with this diagnosis. Also, what prognosis might you expect? How does he handle between appointment problems? Note how detailed and responsive his answers are.
Trust your gut reaction; if he listens well, seems concerned and knowledgeable, you have the beginnings of a therapeutic trust.
Hope some of this helps. Best of luck!
medlib
poster:medlib
thread:23318
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000220/msgs/23399.html