Posted by waterlily on April 8, 2003, at 17:13:49
In reply to General questions and guidance..., posted by JasonR on April 7, 2003, at 23:29:27
Unfortunately, psychiatry is not at the point where it can be merged into neurology. We don't yet know exactly what happens with the brain in clinical depression vs. run-of-the mill circumstantial depression, so it cannot be tested for. It makes it very frustrating for people like you and me who want things to be black and white. I want a lab test or EEG to tell me if my depression/anxiety is caused by myself or by my biology. Too bad it doesn't work that way.
I see a 'p-doc' - a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication for various mental illnesses. Mine referred me to a psychologist, who has a Ph.D., and does talk therapy with me. With my pdoc, I see him every 3 months for a medication check. I tell him how my mood is generally, what problems I'm having, and any side effects from medication I may have. I try to stick with surface issues only and just give him my assessment of how I feel the medication is working. With the psychologist, I get into the feelings I'm having and why I'm having them. I don't lay on a couch. We talk face-to-face and she gives me input every now and then. With her I learn more about myself and how my attitudes may contribute to depression.
I hope this at least answers a few of your questions and that the Effexor works for you. Good luck!
poster:waterlily
thread:217290
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030407/msgs/217500.html