Posted by JohnL on April 15, 2001, at 5:41:01
In reply to first visit with Pyschiatrist-what to expect, posted by bonnie_ann on April 14, 2001, at 23:39:02
> Hi all-
> I have been wanting to see one for a long time, but have been putting it off (that whole stigma thing)
> actually it's MORE intimidating getting my medication at a clinic where the nurses children go to the same school. Same with my pharmacist (thats why I opted for mail order - also cheaper through my insurance.)
> I just want a once over, and some medication choices and guidance. I don't have a diagnosis- is that important to have? Will the pysch diagnos me on the spot? I have wanted a diagnosis for a while now- but on the same hand I'm afraid it would effect my recovery-the whole "what if?" thing. I would take it hard I'm sure. It would also be nice to know if I've been making a mountain over a molehill.
> Thanks,
> BonnieBonnie,
Most pdocs will ask you a series of questions to arrive at a diagnosis. Then they will attempt to match a drug to your diagnosis. As evidenced by the many difficult cases here at this board, this commonly accepted practice has many flaws. Personally I find a diagnosis nearly useless, except in the beginning of treatment where it offers a starting point.I know one person who's lifelong anxiety was not cured by anything, until they tried something that has no clinical justification for anxiety...lithium. Miracle cure in one day for that person. Treatment resistent depressions often respond to antipsychotics. Yet there was no diagnosis of schizophrenia or psychosis. Etc etc. Examples go on and on and on. I think most people somehow feel the need for a diagnosis, but in all honesty I have found it fairly useless in many cases.
My favorite pdoc, now retired unfortunately, did not find a diagnosis very helpful either. He could care less. He would instead try patients on various drug categories to narrow down which ones might work the best for the particular person. No two people were ever the same. Each person has unique chemistry, circumstances, and personality. Those in my opinion are much more important than some diagnosis. Each patient is a unique case and cannot realistically be lumped into some guaranteed category.
Nine out of ten doctors though do practice the diagnosis routine. So you can probably expect that.
John
poster:JohnL
thread:59894
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010411/msgs/59921.html