Posted by Dinah on March 9, 2011, at 11:41:39
In reply to NYT Article - Psychiatrist's rationalization$$, posted by jane d on March 9, 2011, at 0:08:58
I agree with you. I don't mind that psychiatrists no longer do talk therapy. I would think training of various professionals today wouldn't make psychiatrists any better candidates, depending on the doctor of course, than any other mental health professional. In fact, in my area, psychologists are in such short supply that many seem more willing to do psychological testing than therapy.
What I do mind is that he's admitting to churning patients in and out on a basis that make it highly improbable, in my opinion, that he is able to give proper medication management. He admits that he was all ready to treat one patient for anxiety before the patient admitted in the last five minutes to being suicidal. Many patients seeing a psychiatrist for the first time may not be so complete in their descriptions that a doctor should feel comfortable prescribing a pill and sending them on their way for a month or so.
I am sad to say that I don't *only* see this among psychiatrists. I have very few doctors that I would mind losing. Maybe two that I think are providing me excellent care along with at least an appearance of empathy. The best of the lot was my migraine doctor, who took a very very thorough history of all my medical concerns and did a thorough physical exam. At least my current psychiatrist, although uninterested in what is going on in my life, is very concerned with side effects, other medical conditions, and receiving results of my lab work. Given the numerous side effects of psych meds, I can't see anything less than this as being adequate care.
I think this article is an indictment of many of the medical profession, not just psychiatrists.
And for the record, I'd consider that article grounds to fire any psychiatrist of mine who made comments like that. I wonder how many of his numerous patients will do that.
And I of course recognize (with thankfulness) that this doctor does not represent all psychiatrists or all doctors. Patients need to be careful about firing doctors who aren't what they should be and finding ones that are. I probably should be better at that myself. As it is, I probably only make a push to leave those doctors who seem to push something harmful rather than those who seem less than competent or less than helpful.
poster:Dinah
thread:980286
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110220/msgs/980293.html