Posted by Eddie Sylvano on September 23, 2002, at 14:19:13
In reply to MD or physhologist?, posted by Mal on September 18, 2002, at 13:47:23
> I would like to hear your ideas on whether, when seeking help for depression/anxiety, one should begin with a psychologist and "talk therapy" or go directly to MD who will prescribe medications. What are the pros & cons here?
----------------------------I think that, much like previous posts have alluded to, if you are largely functional in your life (you get your work done, sleep ok, etc) you could probably do well with a psychologist. If you were experiencing physical effects (sleeplessness, tremors, GI problems), had emotions that were uncontrollable, or experienced sensory disturbances, the problem is more likely to be biological, and a psychiatrist (MD) would be more useful.
I think that a good number of people who take antidepressants don't really need them (and don't follow through with them, anyway). A lot of quotidian issues that people have are probably neurotic in basis, and the patient just needs to discover themselves and their feelings through talk therapy.
poster:Eddie Sylvano
thread:1085
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20020829/msgs/1122.html