Posted by JohnL on September 5, 1999, at 9:52:37
In reply to Info on selecting psychiatrist, posted by Kate on September 4, 1999, at 9:52:29
Hi Kate. As you've already experienced there are unfortunately no easy answers. I think screening is the way to go, though it takes time and frustration. I once made a letter describing briefly my current status, history of treatment, and my goal. I sent this letter to every psychiatrist in the yellow pages. I figured only a doc passionate with their work would read it and respond. It seems to me the best in any profession are those in love with their work. I wanted someone like that. Anyone not responding was either too busy or professionally insincere for me to care about dealing with. Of the 30% responders I followed up with phone calls. Accessibility to talk to the doc directly by phone, waiting period for an appointment, cost, general gut feeling...all further screened the list. I got down to 3 names. One was in his 60's (obvioulsy seen it all), knew and worked with many of the popular names here on the web, and was able to come in early or stay late to meet with me if his schedule was already too booked up. Also checked and returned voicemail even when on vacation. Willing to offer a sliding scale to fit my budget. It would have been nice if he was in my HMO plan, but with this kind of quality and reasonable cost I didn't mind. There are lots of creative ways to do it, but I like screening to narrow choices to the best for you.
Other than the yellow pages, I also called hospitals and clinics asking for names. I was looking for a pattern of a name being recommended from different sources. I was also looking for names not listed in the yellow pages. I guess I'm saying that by putting in a major effort in hunting and screening pdocs, you will hopefully make a great discovery and never have to worry about it again.
Even with the best, pharmacology in depression is an art, sometimes not much better than throwing darts I think. But at least a doc in love with their work can guide the journey with the inherent experience, study, and passion that comes with loving one's work. They will give the patient a lot of control and leeway over making drug suggestions and choices. I care more about this than whether they are in my HMO or not.
I found psychotherapy to not be helpful until I was on medication. Granted I learned a lot in sessions, gained a great deal of understanding, insight, wisdom, comfort, encouragement. But my brain in disrepair just couldn't make progress without medical intervention. Only then did counseling play a major role. I found counseling most beneficial in that 4 week period after starting medication. It helped in maintaining focus, encouragement, and believing in the light at the end of the tunnel. I think it's extremely important to have someone support us and remind us that things will get better, even if we have to pay them to say it. The good thing about this website is we get that support for free.
Sorry no easy answers. I hear you on the frustration and complications. I'm just sharing my experience in hopes it might spark an idea or two for you. Best wishes for you. JohnL.
poster:JohnL
thread:10992
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990829/msgs/11043.html