Should I see a psychiatrist or a psychologist?
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I think you should see a psychiatrist. They are better trained to evaluate your symptoms than a family practicioner. They are also more well versed with the different types of medication that are out there. Also, the first med you may be prescribed may not work for you - it may take a couple of tries before your system is regulated properly. Good luck!
If your family doctor is willing to prescribe medications, then seeing a psychologist or other therapist would be appropriate.
However, if your psychiatric care becomes complex, it would be in your best interest to see a combination of a therapist and psychiatrist for treatment, as they are specialists.
A Psychiatrist is the better choice as you want meds.
Maybe your doctors' reasoning behind sending you to a psychologist is because he/she thinks you DON'T need meds. A lot of doctors like to use other methods before trying meds.
Psychologists don't have the samke kind of medical training to understand the chemistry and physiology of the drugs to recommend to an M.D. On the other hand, M.D.'s typically know little about psychoactve medications. A Psychologist can be good for ongoing treatment and therapy, but the absolute best person to go to for meds is a Psychiatrist.
I was very anti prescription drugs, but I got desperate. I started Strattera about two weeks ago and it is helping a bit. A psychiatrist can diagnose and prescribe meds. You would need to see a trained specialist in ADHD behavioral therapy for other treatments.
See the psychologist. In some states, they can prescribe meds, too.
Your doctor doesn't feel comfortable making a diagnosis outside his area of competence ( good for him).
Differential diagnosis will take some discussion that's longer than what your G.P. can give you. Nor does he have the tools for making a differential diagnosis.
probably a psychatrist. you may need meds.
think very carefully before getting on meds that will alter your brain chemistry and possibly leave you with permanent defects.
I agree if you are feeling really bad that you could benefit from seeing someone but you could also benefit from taking charge of your own destiny. Keep a journal and see if you can track down any connections between your bad days and anything you might have eaten or been exposed to (including negative people). See if you can figure out what went right on good days and then duplicate that.
Make sure you are in prime physical condition, eating healthy, sleeping enough, getting adequate exercise. In other words, make feeling better your most important job and take it seriously. Don't leave it completely in someone else's hands.
If you have done all these things and still feel rotten, then see what your doctor can do to help you. you could start seeing a therapist right away to see if some of your thought patterns are complicating the situation. Those you can change if you just get some guidance on how to do it.
Best wishes to you. I know you will feel better soon.
Well, I think you should see a psychologist. I've been suffering from anxiety/depression for about 11 years and i've just started seeing one. Yes the medication is working but it doesn't get rid of the reasons why you are like this in the first place. With me I have only just started to realise why i've got these problems. Your doctor and psychologist can talk about it and then your doctor can prescribe the medication. If you have adhd, then only a specialist can prescribe that medication(well here in Australia, anyway).
Go to the psychologist first. That person will give you a referral if you need to see a psych. doctor for medication. It is a process and you have to just go through it.
psychiatrist, definitely. they are much more qualified have more training and have medical knowledge about these issues.
All a psychiatrist will do is prescribe meds.
A psychologist will do the testing and the counselling.
I know what depression feels like too. It sucks.
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