What To Expect At First Psych Assessment?

[Rusty1872]

Hi guys.

I've got my first assessment with the psychiatrist after being referred by my GP after being in a non-fatal car crash. I told my GP all about the nightmares and horrible sleep pattern and other symptoms and he's put me onto this guy.

Starting to work myself up about it, the anxiety about it is really taking over me and has done for the last few days.

Just wondering if anyone could give me any sort of insight into duration or a kind of clue into what he'll ask? They've asked to bring a friend that is familiar with my problems since the accident but I don't tend to open up about it although my gf has seen a difference in my behaviour since it.

Looking forward to any responses!

 

[roaminggnome]

Stop working yourself up about it. It's been twelve years since my first psychiatric assessment. But I remember filling out a lot of paper work with questions about everything. Filling out the paper work took just as long as the visit because she went over it with me. She was really nice and put me at ease. I just changed doctors in the same practice and the new one didn't have me fill out any paper work and just asked questions like: Why was I there? How am I eating and sleeping? Just the basics. Try not to let the anxiety get to you. And I know that is easier said then done. It is only a doctor's office visit after all. But I too had anxiety over it years ago. I think that is normal.

 

[anthony]

What to expect? Lots of questionnaires... and questions.

 

[LisawithPTSD]

This is a very tough thing to suffer through on your own. Its also hard to share it with others--to let them see you as broken. Be as open as you can with your psychiatrist. He's there to help you and get you on a path to being healed. Getting diagnosed and information on how to move forward is scary but freeing.

 

[Rusty1872]

Just wanted to update this.

Went and seen him today with my gf. He went over a lot of things about my childhood and upbringing but there's nothing worth noting. Gave him a description of dreams I've been having, all of the anxiety I feel when driving and moreso as a passenger etc.

He hasn't given me meds, but it seems like he wants me to go to my GP and get something for sleeping, SSRI's he's wrote down. Gonna make an appt tomorrow morning and see if I can get anything to help me sleep a little.

 

[ronin47]

Sounds like it went well. When you say he "wrote down" SSRIs, do you mean he suggested some SSRI medications that your GP might prescribe to you? That's also a good sign, that he's involving your other doctors in this process. Personally I think it's great when a therapist tries to network with as many different resources and other professionals as possible and include them in the process of providing care.