Posted by viridis on February 25, 2003, at 11:56:39
In reply to Re: Take psych meds from a DOCTOR only » Gracie2, posted by ace on February 24, 2003, at 23:37:21
There's so much variation among doctors -- both GPs and psychiatrists -- that it's hard to predict who will provide the best treatment. I do think, though, that the chances are greater that a psychiatrist will try schedule II drugs, combinations, unorthodox treatments, etc. (at least based on my limited experience).
If you're lucky enough to respond to "standard" treatments like SSRI monotherapy etc., it probably doesn't matter much which kind of doctor you see, and then it's just a matter of finding someone sensible and compassionate, and probably some trial and error. But if you require something a little more risky (or perceived as such) -- say, long-term benzo or stimulant therapy, a somewhat complex combo, and so on -- then the chances are that a psychiatrist will be more willing to try it. After all, they are specialists, whereas GPs by definition have more general training and have to deal with a huge range of conditions, so few have time to learn the ins and outs of psychiatric meds in particular.
That doesn't mean that all psychiatrists are good (I've seen some who were terrible), but I'd put my money/time on them, even if you have to see several before you find one you connect with.
poster:viridis
thread:201988
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030224/msgs/203708.html