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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by olysi79 on September 12, 2007, at 10:39:34
A psychiatrist, a neurologist, or a psychopharmacologist? Can anyone give me a low down on their thoughts on this?
Posted by Racer on September 12, 2007, at 12:09:07
In reply to Which type of doc is better?, posted by olysi79 on September 12, 2007, at 10:39:34
> A psychiatrist, a neurologist, or a psychopharmacologist? Can anyone give me a low down on their thoughts on this?
It depends on your needs. A neurologist would likely have much less experience with psychotropic medications, since that's not the specialty. A psychiatrist might have more generalized skills, including therapy. And a psychopharmacologist would have the most experience and expertise in prescribing psychotropics.
Personally, I see a psychopharmacologist who specializes in "interesting" cases. I also have therapy with a psychologist. For me, that makes the most sense -- I don't need a psychiatrist to offer any sort of therapy, but I do need someone who's got a lot of experience with medications for people like me who have difficult reactions to some medications.
There's one answer. I look forward to seeing others.
Posted by Phillipa on September 12, 2007, at 12:26:07
In reply to Re: Which type of doc is better?, posted by Racer on September 12, 2007, at 12:09:07
One that listens, pays attention, researches on an individual basis as all patients are different. Spends time with you and is open to phone calls, works closely with your therapist. And they together arrive at a conclusion of diagnosis and you're aware each knows what's going on. And each if one not available can cover emotionally for the other. That's my ideal situation. Now if I could find it. Phillipa
Posted by finelinebob on September 12, 2007, at 12:43:26
In reply to Re: Which type of doc is better?, posted by Phillipa on September 12, 2007, at 12:26:07
Like Racer, I see a psychopharmacologist and a psychologist.
You'd think my pdoc was a neurologist tho ... my first few sessions with him -- or even now, if a problem arises -- he'll ask some questions about how it presents itself and say something like "that sort of anxiety arises from this part of the brain and requires X medication according to studies". Whatever sort of "map" there is regarding mental disorders and the brain he knows it, and he knows what meds generally are active in that area. It ain't perfect, but he's better than anyone else I've seen for meds.
Posted by sam123 on September 12, 2007, at 13:15:40
In reply to Re: Which type of doc is better?, posted by Racer on September 12, 2007, at 12:09:07
I see a psychopharmacologist, though psychopharmacologist is not a true specialization
or board certification. More what a doc would call himself/herself if they choose. generally work on harder cases, specalize on resistant cases, or specilize on one condition.Mine is expensive, takes no insurance, and is really very effective.
Posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on September 12, 2007, at 13:19:23
In reply to Which type of doc is better?, posted by olysi79 on September 12, 2007, at 10:39:34
> A psychiatrist, a neurologist, or a psychopharmacologist? Can anyone give me a low down on their thoughts on this?
>
>When it comes to psychiatry, you must shop wisely.
It's funny how some of us might make a trip all across town to get to our favourite dry cleaner place, or our fav restaurant, but accept the first or second psychiatrist or doctor when looking for someone to guide us with our livelihood and mental health treatment.Like Andrew Solomon wrote in "The Noonday Demon" "If you think you are smarter than your pdoc, you likely are!". Any one of the above MAY be good, but really, just look for a GOOD doctor. One who doesn't have a 'God' complex, and thinks their word is the final answer on everything. Some of us even have absolutely AMAZING GP's who are far better then their Pdocs. Unfortunately, it's all a bit of a luck-of-the-draw. Don't let THEM get the best of you.
Best wishes...
Jay
Posted by Squiggles on September 12, 2007, at 15:53:21
In reply to Re: Which type of doc...All 3 could SUCK.... » olysi79, posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on September 12, 2007, at 13:19:23
A Hell's Angels medication consultant :-)
just kidding - a GP with special interest
in psychotropics or a psychopharmacologist/psychiatarist.Squiggles
Posted by rskontos on September 12, 2007, at 19:22:14
In reply to Re: Which type of doc...All 3 could SUCK.... » Jay_Bravest_Face, posted by Squiggles on September 12, 2007, at 15:53:21
Where is the best place to find them? How do you get recommendations?
Posted by Phillipa on September 12, 2007, at 20:45:26
In reply to Re: Which type of doc...All 3 could SUCK...., posted by rskontos on September 12, 2007, at 19:22:14
Good question anyone know tried so many and disappointed. Phillipa
Posted by stargazer2 on September 12, 2007, at 22:43:13
In reply to Re: Which type of doc...All 3 could SUCK...., posted by rskontos on September 12, 2007, at 19:22:14
Ask another doctor.
I went to see a plastic surgeon for another problem, told him I was having a hard time with a really bad depression and asked him who he knew that was very skilled with psych meds and with difficult cases. He gave me the name of a doc that I haven't seen yet, but he would be the next person I would go to if I reached a roadblock with my current pdoc.Presently, I am out of the woods and haven't needed to call him but I have his name just in case I need a second opinion.
Another time I was given a name of a pdoc by someone here on PB who is seeing a pdoc and upon his request was able to make a pdoc recomendation for me in the area I live. I saw this pdoc 3 times as a consultant in research psychiatry.
Almost forgot, I did have a second opinion already and it was by a pdoc (rec by my pdoc) who is supposedly an "expert" in psychoparmacology, but I wasn't really impressed with his opinion.
Stargazer
Posted by sam123 on September 13, 2007, at 0:24:18
In reply to Re: Which type of doc...All 3 could SUCK...., posted by rskontos on September 12, 2007, at 19:22:14
> Where is the best place to find them? How do you get recommendations?
I get my best referrals from my psychiatrist, I found him by getting a referral from my GP.
Normally one could ask friends who they see, but
often this is a sensitive issue. Easier to ask who is your OB/GYN than your psychiatrist. But friends can be a way to locate a good doctor.Work your list of HMO docs and see if any will
speak by phone to perspective patients, so you have a chance to feel them out. Call docs office and see if any specialize in your disorder.
Call a local psychiatric hospital/ER and ask to speak to a nurse. Ask the nurse what psychiatrist/psychologist who recommend to family.
Posted by CareBear04 on September 13, 2007, at 10:57:29
In reply to Which type of doc is better?, posted by olysi79 on September 12, 2007, at 10:39:34
I've seen all kinds of docs, and I would have to say that I have the most faith in psychiatrists who do therapy and are willing to take the time to talk to you and really get a feel for your problems. My worst experiences were with psychopharmacologists who did nothing but prescribe meds. One was primarily a researcher with an MD/PhD whom I saw for about 20 minutes once a month. He never really got to know me, and the time was too short for him to get a feel for med changes I needed. I felt kind of blown off, which made me feel more desperate. I even saw a therapist of his recommendation, but it wasn't the same as talking to him personally.
Now, I have nothing against and would even recommend getting a consult from a psychopharmacologist if you have a complicated situation with meds. I've just found that I've been able to develop a trusting relationship and feel more supported with psychiatrists who both prescribe and do therapy.
Good luck!
CB
Posted by Phillipa on September 13, 2007, at 21:46:21
In reply to Re: Which type of doc is better? » olysi79, posted by CareBear04 on September 13, 2007, at 10:57:29
Years ago I had those type of pdocs but seems like they have gone by the wayside. Not they see you for l0minutes for meds and have you see a therapist and mine never even consulted. Phillipa
Posted by CareBear04 on September 13, 2007, at 22:11:11
In reply to Re: Which type of doc is better? » CareBear04, posted by Phillipa on September 13, 2007, at 21:46:21
Yes, it's really too bad! Nowadays, some insurance companies won't even pay for therapy with a psychiatrist. And a lot of psychiatrists who specialize in therapy seem more and more to refer complicated med cases to psychopharmacologists. I guess straight up psychopharm is where the money is-- you see three patients an hour and charge each one $150. I've heard of psychopharmacologists with over 600 patients! But it's easier to make more effective med changes when you see your doctor more often than every few months or even every month and when the pdoc really knows what's going on in your life. It's really unfortunate the way psychiatry is going.
CB
Posted by Phillipa on September 13, 2007, at 22:30:11
In reply to Re: Which type of doc is better? » Phillipa, posted by CareBear04 on September 13, 2007, at 22:11:11
Oh do I ever know what you mean and here if you call you get a voice message and never get to talk to the pdoc if you're lucky the nurse when she has time like two days later. Phillipa
Posted by rskontos on September 14, 2007, at 15:34:21
In reply to Re: Which type of doc is better? » CareBear04, posted by Phillipa on September 13, 2007, at 22:30:11
It is really sad the way our medical profession is now managed by the all mighty dollar.
Posted by rina on September 15, 2007, at 14:57:48
In reply to Re: Which type of doc is better?, posted by Racer on September 12, 2007, at 12:09:07
I personally think it's a matter of choice. If you have one or the other, based on their experience and bedside manner will determine how much treatment you'll be given in my opinion. I think the key is also, to know that whomever you choose, if you eventually feel uncomfortable with them, you have the right to discontinue treatment with and find another physician. I personally have a psychopharmacologist that's also a psychiatrist. Just works better for me. I can get in touch with him via cellphone and office and his has an on-call physician and nurse.
Posted by sam123 on September 15, 2007, at 17:23:42
In reply to Re: Which type of doc is better? » Phillipa, posted by CareBear04 on September 13, 2007, at 22:11:11
you see three patients an hour and charge each one $150. I've heard of psychopharmacologists
Works for me, you pay for what you get. It is money well spent if the care is good. For me it is at least. If i want a hour session I can have one; I just have to pay for it.
$150 every few months and the return is full remission. Deal. No arguing over unusual combos
or benzos.
Posted by deniseuk190466 on September 17, 2007, at 16:04:59
In reply to Which type of doc is better?, posted by olysi79 on September 12, 2007, at 10:39:34
The first Psychiatrist I saw when all this first started was probably the best in that he seemed passionate about what he did, was willing to talk to me about any new treatments and was up to speed on them, seemed to believe what I told him and just had a general enthusiasm and optimism which was infectious. He was the best as far as approach goes but like my mother said, he was private and was getting a lot of money out of it so he was being paid for his time and willingness to go along with some of what I wanted.
Ideally I would like to see a psychopharmacologist who worked closely with a therapist who I was also seeing (like Phillipa said). Unfortunately, we don't seem to have psychopharmacologists here in the UK and definately not on the NHS. The therapists we have here in the UK don't seem to work closely at all with the psychiatrists and neither seems to know what the other is doing. It's crap!
Denise
This is the end of the thread.
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