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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
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....
Posted by ChrisK on February 23, 2000, at 13:01:59
In reply to First visit to Psychiatrist, posted by Thomas W on February 23, 2000, at 9:15:32
From my own experience you can expect a "general" evaluation on your first visit. The pdoc will be asking many questions about how you feel about certain life situations and the things you find enjoyable or stressful. He/she will be looking for a baseline and watching how you respond to certain questions. It isn't meant to be watching over you but to get a sense of what the major problems are.
A good pdoc will be as concerned with your response as much as to how you responded. They evaluate your condition as much by the way you act as much as the answer you give.
It is not a frightening experience. Be open with your pdoc so as to get the right help from the start. They will try to make you as safe and secure as possible.
Expect a lot of questions that relate to your daily activities and how you feel about where you perceive yourself in life.
All in all it isn't a bad experience or anything to worry about. Most good pdocs will put you at ease so that you can talk freely about what is bothering you.
Anyway, this is my own experience with pdocs.
Posted by Noa on February 23, 2000, at 15:01:45
In reply to Re: First visit to Psychiatrist, posted by ChrisK on February 23, 2000, at 13:01:59
There might also be some Qs about medical history, family medical history, etc. About symptoms, how you function in different situations, different times of day, etc.
You should also bring YOUR questions that you would like to ask.
Posted by Phil on February 23, 2000, at 16:03:39
In reply to Re: First visit to Psychiatrist, posted by ChrisK on February 23, 2000, at 13:01:59
One of the first questions will be,'How are you sleeping'. : )
Posted by peter on February 23, 2000, at 17:09:22
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....
This should not be scary at all. If your appointment is an ordeal its probably the doc's problem, not your's. Sure, talking to a pdoc can be awkward, upsetting, etc. but it should never be intimidating. One suggestion by way of preparation -- know what YOU want before you go. Do you want information?, diagnosis?, therapy?, to feel better? to deal better with a particular problem? The better you know and can articulate what you want the faster you're likely to get it. Best of luck.
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
Posted by Renee N on February 25, 2000, at 0:11:56
In reply to Re: First visit to Psychiatrist, posted by peter on February 23, 2000, at 17:09:22
> > 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....
>
>
> This should not be scary at all. If your appointment is an ordeal its probably the doc's problem, not your's. Sure, talking to a pdoc can be awkward, upsetting, etc. but it should never be intimidating. One suggestion by way of preparation -- know what YOU want before you go. Do you want information?, diagnosis?, therapy?, to feel better? to deal better with a particular problem? The better you know and can articulate what you want the faster you're likely to get it. Best of luck.Peter, I love this answer. It explains to me some mistakes I have been making with my pdoc. I don't think I've always verbalized what I want from him. I guess I expected him to tell me!
Posted by Thomas W on February 25, 2000, at 10:05:36
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....THANKS ALL. I'm not very good a new things and you
have helped me prepare. Your suggestions will be
put to use....have a good day
Posted by amy on February 26, 2000, at 21:15:19
In reply to First visit to Psychiatrist, posted by Thomas W on February 23, 2000, at 9:15:32
don't expect to find God. Be willing to question and to confront your therapist. Don't be a lump of flesh. You have a right to disagree, expect respect. Therapists don't know it all. If you go into it as a partnership - on more equal footing - you will be better off. Thomas. Think of the therapist as a human being. amy
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