There is an inherent symbiotic relationship between psychiatrists and pharmaceutical companies. Some psychiatrists are paid by pharmaceutical companies for public speaking, research and consulting. Their travel, meals and related expenses are also paid by the pharmaceutical companies. (Tip: If your psychiatrist has the name of a pharmaceutical company and/or medication on his or her patient history form--run.)

This kind of relationship is not unique to psychiatry: prosecutors and police officers; politicians and large corporations; attorneys and insurance companies, to name just a few.

Unless there is a compelling reason, psychiatrists should view the writing of a script for medication as a last resort. A healthy diet, exercise and psychotherapy should always be suggested first. If these changes are unsuccessful, only then should a script for medication be written. And the dosage should be the lowest possible. If the medication is a narcotic (pain and/or anxiety), the patient should return no longer than one week later. These medications should not be prescribed for patients for life. These medications bind to receptors in the brain, over-stimulating them, the receptors die, and the patient needs to increase the dosage to achieve the same effect.

In conclusion, just because a psychiatrist has the opportunity to significantly increase his or her income does not mean that he or she will do so. Buyer beware.