What to expect in first appointment with psychiatrist?

[Lee2001]

Hello everyone:) Hope your Sunday is a good one. I have a question as to how was your first psychiatric apts for you? I have been in psychotherapy for a year and the Therapist feels that we can't do much more progress with out aid from medication. Do I have to literally share with the pdoc everything? That is intimidating since I don't know the person.Do they tend to talk to your therapist first? How long is the first apt? Any other insights on how to prepare for this? It will probably take two months to get in. My therapist swears this is a top notch pdoc, but I'm nervous. I am really nervous even to try meds and have put it off for years... even though I think I need to try something different since I feel like I am not doing well.

 

[UnicornSightings]

Haven't been to one in a long time but it's very basic. Short history and you'll talk about your symptoms and answer questions. They give considerable less time to people than therapists. Your first appt will be the longest but won't be that long. Honestly, and this sounds awful but I'm saying it to reassure you, pdocs don't really care about people much. They seem sooooo many... They just want details to figure out the best med and send you on your way. You will also have to answer questions about medication history. Past drug use as well.

 

[loui50]

They will talk about your physical and psychological symptoms. But not the cause so much. Like for me, my psych just wanted a brief knowledge of my trauma to confirm diangosis and physical symptoms. By brief I mean I told him i saw a kid attacked by a shark. He asked no questions about feelings or anything like that. And he has never brought up my trauma again. He asks about my symptoms every appointment and how i feel the meds are working.

 

[Beans]

Is your therapist a trauma informed therapist or specialist? If so, ignore this.

I ask because my previous therapist was wonderful, but she was not trauma informed. We did good work together, but got very stuck at a certain point at which time she recommended meds b/c she didn't think we could make further progress without them. Long story short, I got on meds, they felt bad, I got off them- by that time I'd stopped seeing that therapist because I moved. All that to say- the second I began doing trauma specific work (even on my own at first, just with books from trauma specialists) my progress skyrocketed again. There was only so much work we could do outside of trauma specific work so of course we got stuck! So- trust your therapist of course. But if they're not trauma informed and know how to work specifically with trauma, possibly consult one who specializes before choosing to take meds. Generalized therapists don't always know how to work with trauma though they do mean well and are very competent in other areas. Trauma can just be... sticky lol.

I apologize if this is out of line by the way or has nothing to do with your situation. I've just been through a bit and hope to help others avoid stuff if it's unnecessary. And there is nothing wrong with meds. Just there may be much more progress to be made without them if you're not yet working with a trauma specialist.

 

[anonymous]

I discuss more if I feel comfortable and if they are actually asking to understand. I've been to some bad ones and my parts will clam up if I don't trust them. I highly recommend taking someone with you the first appointment to screen them and make sure you feel safe. I went alone once and it triggered me really bad and brought up past trauma. And seriously don't assume just because they're male or female it is safe each person is different. Also, don't assume just because they're on telepsyche and far away that they're safe either....just from my experiences anyway.

 

[EveHarrington]

How to prepare?

Relax!

Seriously...

It can feel overwhelming...

Most docs want to know your med and symptom history along with the current symptoms you need relief with.

If you have a long or complicated history, then you might want to make a bullet list of topics to hit on.

 

[Lee2001]

Thanks everyone! I like hearing from you all so I have an idea what to expect! It sounds like it should be easier since they don't need to know "everything"! To answer questions on current T he does seem very competent, we have been doing exposure therapy or CBT. But honestly I can not really tell if he is specialized in trauma. He seems totally comfortable with it, but I don't know. Something I will just probably straight out and ask him. Also I know my Therapist knows me well enough to not be too concerned about my self harm, but the pdoc doesn't know me at all; and the one thing I really want help with is this behavior, but scared to inform the pdoc...what would be his response?? Thanks everyone! My favorite thing said is to relax! I will work on that.