Posted by JanetR on April 10, 2000, at 16:32:41
In reply to What should I expect from Psychiatrist, posted by NikkiT on April 10, 2000, at 13:31:30
> I have my first appointment with a Psychaistrist on Thursday, after *finally* managing to get a referal (you have to be referred to see any specialist doc in UK).
>
> Thing is, I have no idea what to expect. I'm terrified that I'll be having an "ok day", and he'll think I'm making it all up, and just tell me to pull myself together. It's all so hard to explain to people how I feel, and how bad the bad times feel.
>
> How should I try to explain??
>
> Any advice would be hugely welcomed.
>
> Thanks
>
> Nikki xxDear Nikki, although I am from the UK, I haven't lived there for 17 years. Here, I've been through 4 pdocs in 18 mos. My advice is to write down beforehand any deviation in your behaviour from the norm.no matter how insignificant. In my own case, I hadn't realised that scatterbrainedness, looking at the end of a book before you start reading it, a total inability to balance my bank account etc.were symptons of anything. I only told the doc. about my tiredness, insommia and -ve outlook and I was , very reasonably I might add, diagnosed as dysthymic. After 18 mos. of ineffective and expensive treatment, I discovered, through this board, that what I have is Hypo-ADD, and now, finally, I seem to be getting the right treatment. This board is a life-saver in more ways than one. From my own experience of U.K. docs. they always appear to be doing you a favour by actually seeing you. I don't know if this attitude still prevails but don't be intimidated. You are paying their salaries even if it is indirectly through taxes . The best thing is to inform yourself as much as possible, through this wonderful board and reading books. Good Luck Jan
poster:JanetR
thread:29523
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000401/msgs/29543.html