How do I ask my psychiatrist for medication?
Hey all. I'm new to this whole therapy thing. I recently started therapy about half a year ago, and started seeing a psychiatrist after my therapist recommended I start medication. I suffer from several anxiety, insomnia, slight OCD, and ADD. I have been on SEVERAL anti-anxiety/anti-depressant medications throughout my life(I am 20) without much success. The only medication that helped with my insomnia was Xanax. My medical doctor prescribed it to me years ago but he said that was it because he didn't want me getting addicted to it. I was fine with that because at the time my anxiety wasn't THAT bad and my insomnia, while bad, wasn't really a big issue because I didn't have a job and didn't really have any priorities that required me to wake up early. Now, I have a full time job(added stress, piles on anxiety), attend college full time(early classes), and I get, at best, 3 or 4 hours of sleep a night. I'm currently doing the whole "trial and error" process with my psychiatrist, meaning she is trying to find a medication that works for me. I have told her that Xanax has worked for me in the past but she refuses to give me Xanax as it's a temporary fix. I understand that, but I'm not asking for a long-term prescription.. I just need SOMETHING that's going to help me get some rest so I can function during the day. I'm not a drug addict or anything, and never have been. I don't even drink alcohol(ever). I understand Xanax is a serious medication but I feel like my insomnia is a serious issue, and I don't want to go through several months of trying different medications HOPING to find something that helps. I know ambien is a popular sleeping medication but it scares me because I've heard people can sleepwalk while on it. My question is, how can I go about asking for this medication? I'm nervous about it, because I don't want to seem like a drug addict by asking for Xanax again, but it's the only thing that has worked for me.
My psychiatrist doesn't talk to me. He only asks if my medication is working. Should I ask for another doctor?
Yes, you should find another doctor.Though most psychiatrists do not offer any sort of therapies involving conversation or, generally, anything beyond just handing you prescriptions for psychotropic drugs, there should be more communication even just for adequate drug management. It sounds like this person may be putting you in danger.Your asking this question implies you think maybe something is wrong or would be more preferable if handled in a different way. There are many different approaches to psychiatry, and many psychiatrists to choose from. Not all of them are available, accessible, or affordable, but many people have more than just one option and exploring yours seems advisable whether or not you make a switch.If the talking you are referring to goes beyond just drug management in a stricter interpretation of the concept, perhaps adding another resource to the mix would be beneficial. This could mean a professional, like a psychotherapist or life coach type person, or a non-professional, like peer counselors or support communities. If you have things to express or questions to answer and your current team is not meeting your needs, it is time for things to change.Doctors are just your consultants. They are professionals who are paid to give you their opinion, within a limited range of topics. If you don’t like their opinion, don’t find it helpful, or want more than they are offering, many other doctors are out there who you may find more compatible or worthwhile. You don’t owe your psychiatrist anything, and it might be helpful to explain to him what you aren’t getting out of your sessions with him to see if things can be different or if you should just move on.
In general, are psychiatric medications good or bad?
OK, this whole debate regarding medications for mental illness has been bugging me lately! Because honestly, I don't know which side to believe or even what to think of the issue! From my experience, a LOT of people are against psychiatric medication (not just Scientologists!), and a lot of those people dislike psychiatry with a PASSION. I'm amazed at how much animosity there is towards psychiatry and pharmaceutical companies. I'm even reading a book right now that basically CONDEMNS psychiatry and describes how corrupt the practice is. On the other hand, I also have come across people in support of psych meds. So which side is right? Should we do away with psychiatry and prescribing psych meds altogether, or should we allow doctors to SOMETIMES prescribe Prozac, Valium, Ritalin, etc.? What do you guys think? Based on ALL of the evidence, which side of the debate is MORE accurate? Thank you very much in advance!
Does the psychiatric medication industry ultimately do more harm to consumers than good?
As someone who survived mental hospitals and paranoid schizophrenia, I vote along with what Rivka said. Medications do more harm than good. Go to Mad In America - Science, Psychiatry & Community or The Icarus Project for the longer story and for successful non-medication alternative treatments.Robert Whitaker, whom Rivka speaks of was an unbiased journalist for the Boston Globe who studied and reported on this topic.On the short term they can be helpful for stabilization in order to begin talk therapy and other non-drug interventions.BUT, longterm these medications are deadly, with lifespans shortened by 10-20 years.One reason why people taking these medications feel better has to do with what Dr. Peter Breggin calls "spellbinding," one of the topics discussed in his YouTube series, The Simple Truths About Psychiatry. Here he speaks of how taking the medications impairs one's judgment so that they think they are better when they are not. This is much the same as an alcoholic who has more confidence with less inhibitions when drunk.The medical model for "mental illness" was invented by Eli Lily, a pharma company, when they introduced a new medication. Ever since it's been the mainstay of psychiatry and medicine. Theses companies and others reap huge profits from falsified studies and some few lawsuits against them don't touch their profits. This medical model might be correct, but it has not as yet been scientifically proven. Meanwhile there are no medications that have been developed that are safe on the long term.As a caveat--note that it is very difficult to come off of these medications once you've taken them long term. It's dangerous and one should taper down with help from a professional. See the resources in the sites I've quoted. Some will tell you that these adverse withdrawal reactions are actually due to the "disease symptoms" returning. This is a lie. Beware!
Psychiatrist what to expect?
The psychiatrist will ask about your symptoms. Your psychiatrist will not ask about the emotional challenges that you discuss with your psychologist. The psychologist helps you deal with the details. The psychiatrist is just choosing the medication that will be best. This actually frustrates many people because the psychiatrist doesn't want to know about the details. The details don't matter for choosing the right medication. Think of it this way: If you have a headache, your doctor wants to know whether it gets bad when you are stressed or bad when you exercise so that your doctor can recommend the right medication. The psychologist will talk to you about why you are stressed.
What are good questions to ask a potential psychiatrist?
Beliefs About Treatment:What is your treatment philosophy? When do you think medications are the best idea for someone?Are psychiatric drugs safe? What does “safe” mean to you?How do you feel about informed consent? What does “informed consent” mean to you?Do you think “mental disorders” are presently well understood by science? What about psychiatric drugs?What do you think are reliable sources for medical information for psychiatric issues and drugs?Do you read meta-analyses of unpublished trial data?Do you think there is a conflict of interest when pharmaceutical companies are testing the safety and efficacy of their own products?Side Effects:What do you rely on for statistics regarding the relative incidence of particular side effects?Are you competent in recognizing and handling all the potential side effects of the drugs you might prescribe me? Are you able to give me specific referrals for side effects you are not qualified to deal with?Do you report adverse events to the FDA (or appropriate regional regulatory body) and pharmaceutical companies?Do you have experience in risk-reducing tapering protocols for all classes of medications you prescribe? Are there physicians you refer patients to if you feel unable to adequately provide tapering support?Do you know about the possible symptoms and range of severity for psychotropic withdrawal syndromes? Do you understand that all types of psychiatric medications can cause withdrawal syndrome?Do you understand that withdrawal syndrome can happen even if a slow taper is used, and that there is no limit in duration to the withdrawal and post-discontinuation symptoms of psychiatric drugs for some patients?How much do you know about long term side effects, including epigenetic side effects?Treatment Setting:How much experience do you have in psychiatric care?What is your scheduling availability? How far in advance do I have to schedule appointments, or cancel previously scheduled ones?What is your emergency contact availability?What adjunct treatments do you think are appropriate for handling the conditions I am being evaluated for?Do you receive any form of compensation or rewards from institutions, corporations, or government agencies?Are there any other potential conflicts of interest you might have?Have you ever taken any of these drugs yourself? On a regular basis?
Could an MD (not psychiatrist) prescribe anti anxiety medication?
Yes, your regular doctor can prescribe anxiety medication. Be aware though that there are a few doctors out there who will not prescribe xanax. I had to take xanax for anxiety and sleeplessness for over a year after my mom died and my husband got chronically ill. You will not look stupid to your doctor. Believe me, they have heard it all. See your doctor and just tell him/her what you are having problems with. I hope this helped you out just a little anyway.
Will my psychiatrist be able to prescribe medicine over the phone?
Depending on how well your psychiatrist knows you, he/she may be able to call in prescription(s) to your pharmacy. Although, depending on what medications you are taking, some cannot be called in. You must bring the hard copy into the pharmacy on your own. It would be a good idea if you could make an appointment to see him/her when you are on vacation. I hope things work out for you.