Question by Wo: Psychiatrists: are they suppose to counsel or just diagnose and prescribe?
Hi. I have been dealing with what was diagnosed as Major Depression, plus a couple of anxiety disorders (diagnosed by a psychiatrist).

I chose to seek treatment with said psychiatrist because I knew that I needed a prescription and that most psychologists can’t prescrible to patients.

I think I was under the impression that psychiatrists were like psychologists that could write prescriptions (in a nutshell). After my initial visit to the psychiatrist when I was diagnosed and prescribed something, I was scheduled for a follow up 2 weeks later. When I went to this follow up, the psychiatrist was way behind sched. (45min+). When she called me in to her office, she just asked how the medication was working and if I was sleeping alright. When I said I was sleeping ok but my depression was about the same, she said Ineeded to give it more time (I knew that). She then asked if I wanted her to prescribe anything for anxiety or sleep (sleeping fine). Please read addt’l details
I was a little suprised since I already told her I was sleeping fine, but I went ahead and took her script for anxiety in case I ever rly need it. That was pretty much the end of our session, a 30minute drive, a 45minute wait and just a 15minute session -$ 100.

Does this sound right? I’m not trying to be sarcastic or accusatory, I’ve never been to a psychiatrist before so I don’t know what is and isn’t good bedside manner of a psychiatrist.

Also, she almost acted like she didn’t remember who I was. Asked who I was. Spent 5 minutes looking at my paperwork again & she was also like “It looks like you are hypothyroid (she saw on my bloodwork results), r u taking anything for that?” although we had discussed this thyroid problem & what medication I was taking for it 2wks earlier.

She prescribed klonopin for my anxiety although 2wks b4, I told her of my hx of alc. abuse. Maybe she forgot that too? I don’t intend to take it. JIC.

Is this normal? I live in a very big cit

Best answer:

Answer by welltodo
There are good and bad psychiatrists. Often they just prescribe and increase doses. The best way is do research yourself and keep up to date on drugs. It will be hard to get them to try, and try so many. By the way, if you are desperate enough, go to Thailand. Practically all drugs are over the counter there. Not to mention cheap.

Answer by davestud72
Psychiatrists can counsel, but remember, they are MD’s, which means they don’t usually have the professional training of a psychologist or a therapist. That usually depends on which one you go to, if they feel they can accurately dual treat (drugs and therapy) the person. However, most psychiatrists get way overworked. Your situation is not uncommon.

If you want to pursue more appropriate one on one treatment with someone, it may be better to ask your psychiatrist who they recommend as far as treatment goes. They should be reasonable and refer you to someone; don’t be afraid to voice concerns to them, they are there to listen. In the Community Mental Health Center I work at, the psychiatrists work with the therapists to better treat the patient. Obviously, if your dr. is behind by 45 mintues, you might want to seek someone else for the therapy.

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