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Originally Posted by Fading
Thanks for these responses 
Wow! See, I guess this shows how confused I really am!
At one point I asked her what is the difference between psychiatry and psychotherapy and she said it's the same thing  |
Wow, what a way to confuse you more! No, they're not. They're both about helping those with mental illness, but unless you're in a country where someone without a medical degree can prescribe meds - they're not the same thing!
Some psychiatrists do psychotherapy.
Not all psychiatrists do psychotherapy.
Most psychotherapists do not have much to do with psychiatry.
Psychiatrists prescribe meds, and go through med school.
Psychotherapists go through school, but do therapy.
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I should at least go for the 2nd visit and see how that transpires.
Do most people go on their own accord, or because of a Dr referral?
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Definitely go to at least one more appt. I went of my own accord, but not everyone does. Most psychiatrists need a doctor referral anyhow.
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From our brief time together and the info she gathered, she's somehow decided on 2 possible meds to put me on ??
--- Trazodone
--- Hydroxyzine wth?? The LAST thing I need is to just jump into a new med that I know nothing about....all I have to go by is the 'info sheets' she gave me which describes these meds.
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Trazodone is good for helping you sleep and managing some anxiety. It works pretty well, makes you dizzy though before you fall asleep in my experience though.
Hydroxyzine seems to be something for allergies, but also to treat anxiety. Fact sheet:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/d...s/a682866.html
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In your opinion and/or experience, do you think I should just blindly take whatever she prescribes, even if I'm not comfortable with it?
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What are you uncomfortable with? No, you don't have to blindly take meds just because you're prescribed them. Do your own research on the internet, talk to people who've been on the same meds and see what you think. When I've been prescribed meds, I always do my research before I take them. I've even been told to go away, think about it, and then come back if I want to take them (or been given the choice to not fill a prescription if I'm not thrilled with the idea). I've always wound up taking them, but only after I knew the risks and benefits.
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At my next visit, I'll be up front and let her know everything I've said in this post. She needs to be aware that I really need this explained more clearly to me.
Your feedback is all I've got....other than that 'form letter' from this lady.
Thank you so much
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Good job.
Being upfront helps.
