I love my regular therapist, she's really nice, but she referred me to this psychiatrist to get meds. She totally blew off my concerns about medication (she told me I had antiquated notions of what depression was), she told me that most antidepressants have no side effects once you're used to them and she looked at me like I was an alien when I asked about withdrawal symptoms from Effexor. Also she prescribed Klonopin for me, which, according to the NIH website, is not for long-term use, but she didn't mention that. And I know if I ask her about it she will tell me that it is fine and not to be concerned about it.

Basically I just don't really like her, but apparently she's the only psychiatrist in town. The question is, should I ditch her in the middle of trying to figure out which med is best and go to a GP that my friend recommended (he helped her with her depression and med issues) or stick with her even though I don't particularly trust her opinion and don't feel like I can get an honest answer from her? Anyone have any insight that might help me make up my mind?

Hi,
I'm in the same situation as you. I love my therapist, but something is just not clicking with the psychiatrist. I can't really pinpoint it though. Maybe I think she is judging me. Have you discussed your feelings with your therapist? I did and found out that I'm not the only one feeling this way about this Dr. My therapist describes her as very business-like, I describe her as cold. For my own peace of mind I will be confronting her about my feelings on my next visit. Would this be something you would feel comfortable doing? The Dr. is the professional here and should not get angry with you. They are suppose to make you feel safe and able to open up when you are in their office. If the Dr. gets angry ask for a copy of your records and find another Dr.

I'm hoping my Dr. will lighten up a bit when I explain this to her b/c I sure don't want to start over again.

It's the god complex. But they need you for their liveyhood so best they learn some humility.

GP's are not as bad, although sometimes they can be. But a good one listens to his patient's concerns without judgement.

I don't have concrete advice for you; just want you to know you are not alone. There are more bad docs out there than good by far! I was seeing this one doc for depression, I wasn't responding to my meds, and every office visit, he'd say, "Don't be so hard on yourself," and that would be the end of the session. I went to another doc, she added 1 new med to my routine, and I was a new person.

Would it be against your insurance if you saw the psychiatrist *and* meanwhile consulted with the GP? The reason I ask, my ins. doesn't pay mental health benefits unless I see a psychiatrist. When I was seeing my internist for depression, I'd always have to throw something else out there like, "Oh, look, I stubbed my toe," for him to put down as the reason for my visit. I was ill. I needed medical care. He and I both knew it was ludicrous for the ins. not to let him continue helping me just because he wasn't a psychiatrist.

Anyway, it is difficult for you to not have confidence in your psych. I don't think you should put too much stock in about the Klonopin (sp?). My daughter has been on it long term with no ill effects, and doctors often use meds in "off label" ways.

I suggest to everyone get a copy of your records from your "psych" DRs. I found out mind put that I could possibly become addicted to my pain pills cause I tried sometthing 8+ years ago(6 times)and quit on my own. Nothing since. Because of this another DR I had to see because of work comp said I had opiod dependency. You should see what they write about you instead of being so blindly trusting with them.

You can't be open with someone that you don't trust or don't like.

That's not a bad idea, Irish Cream, and since I'm in medical records, let me tell everyone, you do have the right to have a copy of your medical record. The doctor does own the hard copy, but they do have to give you a copy if you request it. They cannot deny your request by saying you own them money on your account, etc. (even if that is true). There are new nationwide medical record laws that go into effect in a few weeks in April, called HIPPA, and if anyone gives you trouble, tell them you know your rights under HIPPA (pronounced just like it looks) and will report them.

Hi Rivergirl & Everyone,

You mean I can actually read what he writes down in our sessions? That'd be so cool...if only out of curiosity.

Funny, i came here to start a thread about shrinks and how they annoy us, at times http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif Guess I'll start here, instead.

My pdoc gets on my nerves sometimes.
It seems like he's always interrupting me.
I would like to just talk and him listen and then comment.


When i tell him things- like a side effect problem, he'll look at me like i'm crazy. I mean, really, do they not have continuing education for docs like they do with lawyers? It's very sad when i'm telling him stuff he's never heard of.

Don't get me wrong, I like my doctor, but just sort of feel like venting right now.

Saw him Monday and told him that the lithium was doing something to me. He looked in the DMS and told me that it was not among the side effects listed.

What? Am I lying? Sheesh, I have put up with so many side effects, this last year, just hoping that they'd go away...probably for too long! i'm not going to make up a side effect.

Also- when I tell him something that's slightly shocking- HE LOOKS ALL SHOCKED.

This makes me hesitate to tell him things .

I moving to another state, early fall, and will be looking for another shrink, so I won't be changing now.

Rivergirl, I can really just ask for a copy of my records? Just like that? Shoot, I have problems getting my prescription for my contacts from my eye doctor http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif

I wonder, though, if it'd freak me out?
Nah.

I would love to hear what bothers anyone about their pdoc!


Love,
Delphi

Delphi: I can double check (I don't work again until Friday morning, and then finish work at noon), but I believe you can have and keep a copy of your medical record, not just in the sense of telling your doctor to send a copy to another doctor. I think this has always been the case. I'm not sure how clear the issue has been, though, to both patients and doctors.

I was sick a few years ago and many times, I'd need my records faxed to a new doc I was seeing in referral, etc. I'd give plenty of notice I needed my record faxed over or whatever...I'd get to the new doc and no records had been sent. If only I'd known to tell them to hand me a copy and I could have hand-carried it myself.

In any event, any time anyone goes to the doctor or to a hospital beginning in mid-April, you should be handed a fact sheet on the new medical records privacy and information laws ("HIPPA," which I believe means Health Insurance Portability and Privacy Act, which began being drafted in 1996 and is just now finally being enacted). Any one of your doctors only has to give it to you once, the information sheet, but they do have to give it to you. Doctors' offices and hospitals are scrambling to be in compliance with these new measures because, as I said, they take effect soon and there are serious consequences for health care providers who do not follow the new laws.

[This message has been edited by rivergirl301 (edited 03-26-2003).]

Delphi ~

I have been seeing this therapist for a month 1/2. I was reluctant to tell her anything true about me because when I was a child therapists would always blab to my parents and make me out to be something I know I'm not. I knew this was because I wasn't 18 now that I am I know they can't say anything. When I talk to her I started to feel more "at home" But once I actually started to tell her my problems she talks like my parents. I don't think she really truly listens to what I say. It's like she doesn't care about her job because she will sit there and act like she is listening ask some questions to better her understanding, but I feel like I am talking and talking but not really recieving any help. It seems worthless. What do you think? Anyone....

- Arturosgal

PBech ~

I read your response and it makes sense to just fess up to your doctor, I just don't know how to tell her. She seems like a nice genuine person, but I just am afriad to tell her what I really think, how would you suggest going about this?

Arturosgal

PBech ~

I read your response and it makes sense to just fess up to your doctor, I just don't know how to tell her. She seems like a nice genuine person, but I just am afriad to tell her what I really think, how would you suggest going about this?

Arturosgal

My experience:

Many years ago I went to see a shrink (M.D.) about stress, anxiety, stomach problems, and said "Is there anything that I can take that will relieve all this tension until I can figure out what's causing it?" and "I don't want anything that's addicting."

She said, "Well, there's this new drug on the market called Xanax." And she prescribed it for me for about 18 months. 1 mg every 4 hours (5 pills a day), that's the equivalent of 50 mg of valium a day. If you've never taken anything like these meds, it feels about like taking 4 shots of whiskey every four hours (I was wiped out all day).

Xanax is one the most powerfully addictive meds available by prescription (all of the benzodiazipines are addictive).

I ended up in a rehab hospital for a month to get over the addiction. The withdrawals were not just painful, they were life threatening.

So, do I trust shrinks? NO. I should not have in the first place. Be your own best doctor, educate yourself about your condition and the potential treatments BEFORE taking the advice of a doctor of any kind. If you don't trust or like this shrink, don't go. Your GP probably knows as much, or more, than the shrink does about anti-depressant meds. If your GP simply reads the Physician's Desk Reference material about a medication, he'll know more than the shrink, cause the shrink probably just goes with whatever the pharmaceutical company rep says.

BTW: Klonipin is also addictive.

[This message has been edited by ardor (edited 03-27-2003).]

Thanks everyone for your input. I have talked to my therapist about this and she said she has heard the same things from the other patients she refers to this dr! Lovely. Unfortunately, as I believe I mentioned, she is the only psychiatrist in town who sees new patients. I am going to talk to her at our next meeting about my concerns, etc. and if she isn't cooperative, she's going BUH-BYE. My therapist said she can always refer me to another pysch in another town if I want, or I can just go to my girlfriend's GP. Oh, I forgot to mention the craziest thing about my psychiatrist - she shares her office with a PEDIATRICIAN!! Can you imagine sitting there all sick and depressed and upset and kids are shrieking in the chair next to you? It totally sucks.

Thanks for all the advice.

Dear Arturosgirl,


I can relate. I went to authority figures( teachers) for help, as a child, and all they did was call my mother, who , obviously, denied everything, and I became the
" dramatic girl".

I also got into massive trouble at home.

Thanks for nothing, authority figures- why did you ask if I was having trouble at home?
Back to your shrink- I know that most doctors go with whatever is the simplest conclusion, at first.

I hope you speak to him/her about your concerns, but I ,too, would have trouble doing it http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif I guess I think of mine as an authority figure.

Good luck,
Delphi

Hi Rivergirl,

I can't thank you enough for the information http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif
You're the best http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

XOXOX
Delphi

Dear Erniegal,

Haha...that's unbelievable! Gosh, that would drive me further into insanity!lol

Check-out my guy's set-up:
waiting room is cool...office is fine. You come in one door and leave thru another, so that you won't run into another patient.The weird thing is that he has no secretary( make things difficult- he'll answer vmail at 10pm and I'm in bed by then.), but in the tiny hallway thru which we exit, there's a book keeper in a closet-like room with no windows- i mean, it's as big as a closet. Close enough to hear us, maybe, but I don't care.

I really wish he'd get a secretary.


Ok- enough moaning from me.

XOXO
Delph

Delphi ~

Thank so much for writting back. It's nice to know others are in the same spot, or have been. I didn't know you could ask for your records. I think I'll do that. (I've read from others) I do think thats true that the doc will make a judgment on first impressions. Which you would think a shrink would know not to do that. I was a an unfair position though because the doctor I see is the same one my parents see once a month for marriage counseling, so when my step-mom reffered me to the same one they go to, she already had a veiw point on me, which I don't like. Yeah aside from that, that is funny about your doct. with the closet thing. My office, you walk in the waiting room is full of posters like, "Something got you down?" with no pictures it's just simply words. It's like yeah ya think why else would I be in here? lol !

Thanks for your input,
Nicole http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/blob_fire.gif

Arturosgal18,

Regarding your question about how to address the pdoc...just remember they ARE human, they probably have seen and heard everything from their patients, and you will truly know how professional h/she is when they react to what you are telling them.

You could approach the subject like:

*I've been checking out this message board for depression and discovered I feel the same way as others about...

I guess it all depends on your type of personality. I'm a straight to the point type of person so I'll probably address my pdoc with "I need to tell you how I feel about..."

I'm nervous about telling her but I have to get it off my chest. I hope I don't chicken out when I see her next week.

Good Luck--hope I helped some http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Dear Arturosgal,

You have to go to the same shrink who is seeing your parents for marraige counseling????

Oh, that's just wrong.

If i were you, I'd feel like the therapist knew way too much about me already, and from someone elses viewpoint!

Wonder if you can switch....?


Love,
Delphi

Dear Arturosgal,

You have to go to the same shrink who is seeing your parents for marraige counseling????

Oh, that's just wrong.

If i were you, I'd feel like the therapist knew way too much about me already, and from someone elses viewpoint!

Wonder if you can switch....?


Love,
Delphi

Hey everyone ! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif Seems everyone is doin alright since last time I was in anyhow. I am really appreciating all of the advice and feedback from everyone. It SERIOUSLY MAKES A DAY GO ALOT BETTER ! So I'm sending my love this time to all of you, thank you for the bra support, you guys are the greatest http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif Take care.

Delphi ~ I am afraid it's true, I don't know if I want to swtich, I think if I was that worried about it I would have switched right away, but since I've been going there I dunno. Maybe I'm just not in the right state of mine right now, so how could I really know ya know what I'm sayin. Ah well. How are things with you ?
sorry this is so short today but I feel really tired as it is getting late for this one.

Lots of love ova hea !
Nicole http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/blob_fire.gif

Hey everyone ! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif Seems everyone is doin alright since last time I was in anyhow. I am really appreciating all of the advice and feedback from everyone. It SERIOUSLY MAKES A DAY GO ALOT BETTER ! So I'm sending my love this time to all of you, thank you for the bra support, you guys are the greatest http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif Take care.

BPech ~ Thanks for your input http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif Thats is true they are human, so I can expect mistakes sometimes, they should be professional though ya know, there trained for this stuff. I dunno I think the only way to kinda get through this is to find a support system that helps you figure your way out of the trap. I will try what you said though, I'll for sure keep you posted. And of course Good luck to you http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Delphi ~ I am afraid it's true, I don't know if I want to swtich, I think if I was that worried about it I would have switched right away, but since I've been going there I dunno. Maybe I'm just not in the right state of mine right now, so how could I really know ya know what I'm sayin. Ah well. How are things with you ?
sorry this is so short today but I feel really tired as it is getting late for this one.

Lots of love ova hea !
Nicole http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/blob_fire.gif

Y'all;
My philosophy on meds: If the side effects are bad, try something else - there are a boatload of meds out there.
My philosophy on shrinks: If you're comfortable, fine. If you can't relate to this person, walk. A small ounce of empathy will do more for you than all the knowledge of a Phd anyday.
Keep smiling!


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Daydream