Posted by Zeke on December 13, 1999, at 5:48:22
In reply to pdocs in cola, SC, posted by MGlenn on December 10, 1999, at 16:44:22
What is your suspected diagnosis, depression, ADD, or something else?
I agree that you should act as a smart consumer in any medical situation. However, as the 'war on drugs' rages on, use finesse on how you query physicians -- it's easy to get labelled as demonstrating 'drug seeking behavior' as in seeking drugs of abuse. If you were seeking a psychiatrist who treats ADD for example, you might ask whether he treats (many) pateints for ADD, and if he includes therapy with medications. If so, if he uses stimulants in that treatment. (Don't be TOO direct as in the 'abuse paranoia' mentioned.) But do ask about the stimulants as some use only antidepressants, especially in adults.
Asking if a doctor is willing to 'work with you' is tricky. Partly for the above mentioned issue but also because most any psychiatrist is going to consider himself to have these qualities, true or not.
Be suspect of what receptionists/secretaries tell you, if they try to answer your questions.
If the doctor demands an office visit to answer these basic questions, keep looking. They may ratonalize this as appropriate but you have every right to know these basics beforehand.
If you're seeking treatment for ADD, contact the local CHADD chapter for suggestions. (Find that info at chadd.org) Similar group exist for depression and can be contacted. As antidepressants are not controlled substances, psychiatrists versed and willing to treat it should be easier to find. Yet some still prefer psychotherapy and try to use that primarily in dysthymia or 'minor depression.'
If you are reasonably near a university hospital, you may do well to inquire there. Psychiatrist in academia are generally much more progressive in medical psychiatry.
If you are seeking help for depression, you GP may also be willing and able to treat you as you desire. (For ADD also but much less likely.)
poster:Zeke
thread:16649
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991212/msgs/16801.html