ChanceFL
05-30-2007, 05:24 PM
I just returned from my appointment with a new psychiatrist and I was wondering how everyone else feels with their doctor because my experience was horrible. She was so cold and rude to me and she wouldn't let me talk or ask questions because she kept interupting me like she was annoyed. She didn't really seem to care about what was going on either. Then she diagnosed me as having anxiety with some OCD and depression. I can't believe it because I feel much more OCD than anything else. Then, when it came time to talk about medication, she said that she will never prescribe benzos of any kind (her advice for getting through a panic attack was to stop thinking about it-if it were that simple we'd all be cured by now!), and she said absolutely no to Luvox. Then she actually asked me if I'd prefer Prozac or Lexapro (how would I know, she's the doctor?). I went with Lexapro because it's newer and she said it has less side effects.
Anyway, I left her office feeling worse than when I went in and minus $200. I felt horrified and cried the whole way home. I expected help and what I got was an unsympathetic person who treated me like a number. I see my psychologist tomorrow, and thankfully she is very nice, so I will talk to her about this. I decided to call my former psychiatrist and make an appointment with him even though he is 2 hours away, but I would rather make the drive than deal with this. Luckily, they squeezed me in for Friday.
Thanks for listening, everyone.
Anyway, I left her office feeling worse than when I went in and minus $200. I felt horrified and cried the whole way home. I expected help and what I got was an unsympathetic person who treated me like a number. I see my psychologist tomorrow, and thankfully she is very nice, so I will talk to her about this. I decided to call my former psychiatrist and make an appointment with him even though he is 2 hours away, but I would rather make the drive than deal with this. Luckily, they squeezed me in for Friday.
Thanks for listening, everyone.
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rosequartz
05-30-2007, 05:30 PM
it sounds like you need a different psychiatrist.....don't go back if you're not comfortable with her.
:angel:
:angel:
Robin2007
05-30-2007, 07:10 PM
Actually it's interesting you mention this because I have wanted to start a topic about the same thing. I went to a psychiatrist who was supposed to specialize in OCD, we drove an hour and a half every month to see him. He could never remember what disorder I had even though he took a lot of notes and had his notes with him every session and he never actually tried to understand me. He would just ask me why I don't stop. And when I said it isn't that simple he asked, "Have you ever tried... NOT having OCD??" I could not believe it. I wanted to just lash out at him. I probably over reacted but what kind of question is that?? He also decided to take me off the first medication I was perscribed (Luvox) and did not give me anything else. He told me to deal with it. After five months he still wouldn't listen to my exact symptoms and told me I should just keep the disorder to myself because if people found out I have OCD they wouldn't hire me or let me into college. Needless to say I havent been back to him. I also went to a psychologist but she didn't ask me any questions about anything, every time I walked in she asked if I would play a game with her. After 8 sessions of War and candyland I decided I didn't need to waste my time playing games with her. I haven't been to see anyone else because of those experiences. Sorry this was so long.
Psychobabble
05-30-2007, 07:43 PM
Wow! I am sorry that you all had these horrible experiences with psychiatrists and psychologists! It is amazing how out of touch psychiatrists seem to be with anxiety disorders...obviously, the ones you all are talking about don't seem to have ANY background into the psychology of these disorders. I cannot believe that they think that you can simply 'stop thinking about' or 'not have' OCD. That is ridiculous! Furthermore, it is absolutely absurd that they would even think that people with OCD cannot get into college, etc. People with OCD are some of the most intelligent, creative people out there! Any psychiatrist or psychologist who makes those kinds of arguments should seriously be thrown out of practice because what they are saying is just wrong.
I hope both of you find better professionals who will help you with overcoming OCD. It might take some looking, but they are out there. I would suggest finding psychologists who specialize in CBT as it is a proven method for treating OCD. As far as I know, War and Candyland have no effect on the treatment of OCD! :p
In the meantime, I am glad that this forum exists so that us OCDers have somewhere to turn when we are having hard times with it (and to vent about quack psychiatrists). :)
I hope both of you find better professionals who will help you with overcoming OCD. It might take some looking, but they are out there. I would suggest finding psychologists who specialize in CBT as it is a proven method for treating OCD. As far as I know, War and Candyland have no effect on the treatment of OCD! :p
In the meantime, I am glad that this forum exists so that us OCDers have somewhere to turn when we are having hard times with it (and to vent about quack psychiatrists). :)
syradmb
05-30-2007, 08:06 PM
I can't say my Psychiatrist is horrible I mean she's a nice person and she's willing to let me try any SSRI. She's a little hesistant on Benzo's though.
I think one major difference that I came to realize and I should also mention I work for an insurance company for mental health and substance abuse so I work with Psychiatrists/psychologists/social workers ect...all day, is there is a major difference between them all.
I know most of you know the differences but the Psychiatrist's main job is the medication stand point. Some of them maybe be nicer than others if you want to think of it that way and others may even "talk" to you more. But they are there for medication management. That's what they get billed for.
If you want someone to talk to and help you understand your illness and so on you really need to see a Psychologist or LMSW or someone along those lines. I figured this out too because I felt like I would go to my Psychiatrist tell her what I had (literally-- ok I have ocd here's why) and she would just go ok how's the panic? ok here's your med options. I was frustrated because Im like how is that helping me? I have OCD i need reassurance and she's not telling me im not crazy she's telling me not to mix xanax and luvox!
So basically we all need to keep that in mind. I myself see her on friday and will be getting a Psychologists referral because I too feel I need more that just what's my med options.
Still regardless I dont think they should make you feel upset or be rude to you and if that's the case find another one that will atleast listen and make you feel like a patient not a number.
I think one major difference that I came to realize and I should also mention I work for an insurance company for mental health and substance abuse so I work with Psychiatrists/psychologists/social workers ect...all day, is there is a major difference between them all.
I know most of you know the differences but the Psychiatrist's main job is the medication stand point. Some of them maybe be nicer than others if you want to think of it that way and others may even "talk" to you more. But they are there for medication management. That's what they get billed for.
If you want someone to talk to and help you understand your illness and so on you really need to see a Psychologist or LMSW or someone along those lines. I figured this out too because I felt like I would go to my Psychiatrist tell her what I had (literally-- ok I have ocd here's why) and she would just go ok how's the panic? ok here's your med options. I was frustrated because Im like how is that helping me? I have OCD i need reassurance and she's not telling me im not crazy she's telling me not to mix xanax and luvox!
So basically we all need to keep that in mind. I myself see her on friday and will be getting a Psychologists referral because I too feel I need more that just what's my med options.
Still regardless I dont think they should make you feel upset or be rude to you and if that's the case find another one that will atleast listen and make you feel like a patient not a number.
lithenblithe
05-30-2007, 10:23 PM
I think it's so important to feel comfortable and understood by your psychologist and psychiatrist. I have been lucky to happen upon two such doctors, and it is an invaluable comfort. That doesn't mean I always completely agree with them, though. To some extent, I don't want my psychologist to always see things my way and agree with me - I wouldn't be challenged to see things differently or try new things if that were the case.
But, it is essential to be heard and it is absolutely unaccaptable to be told to "just quit it" or to keep this shameful thing to yourself lest colleges or bosses run the other way!
I am sure it is difficult to have to keep trying new doctors to find one who works, but I think the search is worth it. It's a little bit like dating, in that you have to find someone you "click" with and who you feel comfortable with. I don't know what I would do without my psychologist - she gives me great perspective, and I keep our conversations with me during my tough times to keep myself going.
But, it is essential to be heard and it is absolutely unaccaptable to be told to "just quit it" or to keep this shameful thing to yourself lest colleges or bosses run the other way!
I am sure it is difficult to have to keep trying new doctors to find one who works, but I think the search is worth it. It's a little bit like dating, in that you have to find someone you "click" with and who you feel comfortable with. I don't know what I would do without my psychologist - she gives me great perspective, and I keep our conversations with me during my tough times to keep myself going.
Christian73
05-30-2007, 10:25 PM
The other thing to know about psychiatrists and benzos is that due to abuse by certain people they are often under huge scrutiny about prescribing benzos. This is problematic b/c those of us who really need them often get put through the ringer to get them--while anyone with a drug addiction can buy Valium for a couple of dollars a pill.
That said, this psychiatrist sounds like a real tool. I would suggest you find another one soon.
That said, this psychiatrist sounds like a real tool. I would suggest you find another one soon.
Post-It
05-31-2007, 11:04 AM
Actually it's interesting you mention this because I have wanted to start a topic about the same thing. I went to a psychiatrist who was supposed to specialize in OCD, we drove an hour and a half every month to see him. He could never remember what disorder I had even though he took a lot of notes and had his notes with him every session and he never actually tried to understand me. He would just ask me why I don't stop. And when I said it isn't that simple he asked, "Have you ever tried... NOT having OCD??" I could not believe it. I wanted to just lash out at him. I probably over reacted but what kind of question is that?? He also decided to take me off the first medication I was perscribed (Luvox) and did not give me anything else. He told me to deal with it. After five months he still wouldn't listen to my exact symptoms and told me I should just keep the disorder to myself because if people found out I have OCD they wouldn't hire me or let me into college. Needless to say I havent been back to him. I also went to a psychologist but she didn't ask me any questions about anything, every time I walked in she asked if I would play a game with her. After 8 sessions of War and candyland I decided I didn't need to waste my time playing games with her. I haven't been to see anyone else because of those experiences. Sorry this was so long.
I had to reply to this because I can totally relate! That is how my last two therapists were. The first one said he treated OCD but when I went in, he basically said I was just too stressed out and that I needed to recite the Alcoholic's Prayer (God grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change...). Stopped seeing that quack after one session.
The second therapist was supposed to specialize in anxiety disorders and use CBT but in the 3 months I saw her, I never learned any CBT. When I finally approached her with the OCD stuff, she said because I didn't have any compulsions, I obviously did not have OCD. Like yours, she also asked me why I couldn't just stop obsessing. Why couldn't I just make a decision based on my feelings and go with it. I mean, I would say "don't you think I KNOW I'm being unreasonable? don't you think I WISH I could just stop obsessing?" Full of cr*p in my opinion. Finally she said, you just need to go on antidepressants because I can't help you. Oh also, that I should not want to have OCD because then it will make getting insurance hard because OCD is a brain disorder and can only be treated with medication. :mad:
I had to reply to this because I can totally relate! That is how my last two therapists were. The first one said he treated OCD but when I went in, he basically said I was just too stressed out and that I needed to recite the Alcoholic's Prayer (God grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change...). Stopped seeing that quack after one session.
The second therapist was supposed to specialize in anxiety disorders and use CBT but in the 3 months I saw her, I never learned any CBT. When I finally approached her with the OCD stuff, she said because I didn't have any compulsions, I obviously did not have OCD. Like yours, she also asked me why I couldn't just stop obsessing. Why couldn't I just make a decision based on my feelings and go with it. I mean, I would say "don't you think I KNOW I'm being unreasonable? don't you think I WISH I could just stop obsessing?" Full of cr*p in my opinion. Finally she said, you just need to go on antidepressants because I can't help you. Oh also, that I should not want to have OCD because then it will make getting insurance hard because OCD is a brain disorder and can only be treated with medication. :mad:
surviveOCD
06-18-2007, 03:39 PM
I have OCD but I'm also a therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders. To find a therapist or psychiatrist in your area go to the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation website, they have lots of other resources as well:
http://www.ocfoundation.org
Remember, OCD is like an addiction. We give in to the compulsions because they reduce the stess we fell momentarily, but in the long run that only hurts us more. Learn as much as you can about exposure and response prevention, that is the only way to overcome OCD, and practice it every day. That's what's gotten me through the rough times. There IS a way to beat this!
http://www.ocfoundation.org
Remember, OCD is like an addiction. We give in to the compulsions because they reduce the stess we fell momentarily, but in the long run that only hurts us more. Learn as much as you can about exposure and response prevention, that is the only way to overcome OCD, and practice it every day. That's what's gotten me through the rough times. There IS a way to beat this!
surviveOCD
06-18-2007, 03:39 PM
For those in or near Boston, there is the Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital. Excellent standard of care. Hope this helps!
jan54
06-18-2007, 04:06 PM
Dear ChanceFL:
I am so sorry to hear about today's experience. Even if your former doctor is 2 hrs. away, I think that it would be well worth it. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Let me know how you are doing, ok?
--Jan
I am so sorry to hear about today's experience. Even if your former doctor is 2 hrs. away, I think that it would be well worth it. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Let me know how you are doing, ok?
--Jan
purplegirl1
06-20-2007, 12:24 AM
This is so strange because I just went to a new psychiatrist last night (who was wonderful) because the last one I was going to was horrible....
I agree, it is like shopping for a new car or something, try a few before you find the right one.
Yes, you should feel comfortable with your psychiatrist and you are paying for it, so it is worth finding one that you like...
Good Luck!
I agree, it is like shopping for a new car or something, try a few before you find the right one.
Yes, you should feel comfortable with your psychiatrist and you are paying for it, so it is worth finding one that you like...
Good Luck!
ChanceFL
06-20-2007, 01:08 AM
Thanks for the replies, everyone. I went back to my first psychiatrist even though he is two hours away and I'm so glad I did! I am going to call the manager of the group that the other psychiatrist is in and complain about her. My psychologist actually told me that she had had so many complaints about her from other patients so I'm glad to know it's not just me!
purplegirl1
06-20-2007, 02:37 PM
I am glad things worked out for you!!! I was thinking of doing the same for the previous psychiatrist....maybe I will b/c he was sooo rude and not ethical...
dannic1
06-21-2007, 11:13 PM
Hi all -
I was reading all of your posts and thinking back to my first experience with an actual OCD specialist here locally where I'm at. My first psychologist didn't believe that I had OCD, but rather "anxiety manisfesting itself into physical symptoms". All she did was get me into expensive individual therapy, group therapy and have me do biofeedback...so, I decided to seek out a "professional" in OCD. Surely he'd know how to treat me and could diagnose me properly. I went to this "specialist" and told him about how I had recently developed this preoccupation with swallowing symptom that I had, had back in high school. He didn't have a clue as to what was going on with me or how to treat it, even though I have since then learned that this is a very common OCD trait among sufferers. He definitely thought that I had OCD in other respects, but wanted me to work on other issues that truly weren't bothering me at the time that much. OCD doesn't have to be your typical text book cases or symptoms listed in a book to be OCD, I have learned, although I have now finally found my symptom actually listed in an OCD book I recently purchased. It was listed under miscellaneous - "a fear of blinking, breathing or swallowing too much or too little!" Halleleujah - now I had actually seen it in writing! : ) I even emailed the OCD dr. mentioned in the book and he confirmed that he had treated several patients with my set of symptoms. He suggested to me that ERP was the only effective therapy for OCD and endorsed by the OCD Foundation. Anyhow, by point being, that psychiatrists, psychologists, OCD specialists, etc. don't always live up to meet our expectations and I think it's up to each individual person to keep seeking help, until they find that special person who is properly trained in how to treat OCD. My OCD specialist would actually take on the symptoms of his patients - wow, how confident does that make one feel?
danni
I was reading all of your posts and thinking back to my first experience with an actual OCD specialist here locally where I'm at. My first psychologist didn't believe that I had OCD, but rather "anxiety manisfesting itself into physical symptoms". All she did was get me into expensive individual therapy, group therapy and have me do biofeedback...so, I decided to seek out a "professional" in OCD. Surely he'd know how to treat me and could diagnose me properly. I went to this "specialist" and told him about how I had recently developed this preoccupation with swallowing symptom that I had, had back in high school. He didn't have a clue as to what was going on with me or how to treat it, even though I have since then learned that this is a very common OCD trait among sufferers. He definitely thought that I had OCD in other respects, but wanted me to work on other issues that truly weren't bothering me at the time that much. OCD doesn't have to be your typical text book cases or symptoms listed in a book to be OCD, I have learned, although I have now finally found my symptom actually listed in an OCD book I recently purchased. It was listed under miscellaneous - "a fear of blinking, breathing or swallowing too much or too little!" Halleleujah - now I had actually seen it in writing! : ) I even emailed the OCD dr. mentioned in the book and he confirmed that he had treated several patients with my set of symptoms. He suggested to me that ERP was the only effective therapy for OCD and endorsed by the OCD Foundation. Anyhow, by point being, that psychiatrists, psychologists, OCD specialists, etc. don't always live up to meet our expectations and I think it's up to each individual person to keep seeking help, until they find that special person who is properly trained in how to treat OCD. My OCD specialist would actually take on the symptoms of his patients - wow, how confident does that make one feel?
danni