a different shrink

I thought of putting this in the check in thread..

I have a friend who isn't like the other shrinks I've known...

He isn't all about labels and meds.. I know diagnoses have their place especially to prescribe the ''right'' meds. But I think psychiatry has a long way to go still. Especially if they only offer 5 to 15 minutes.

I did ask a shrink if I could see him more often, I genuinely found talking to him somewhat helpful. I was looking for answers, and yes, some support. He just said ''there is no point''.. It felt like a slap in the face. Apart from that (and a couple of other things) he was probably the kindest pdoc or MD I've seen.

eta. actually, maybe not. He said ''talking doesn't help some people''... Maybe so It seemed like a put down and certainly not helpful. I am not one of those ''some people'' (if they even exist)

An md prescribed seroquel. She was kind with her words but I know some of what she said wasn't true. She left the area.

I can't work with someone who isn't respectful. It retraumatises me (as I've already been traumatised by other providers). I know what I don't want. That seems to be all they offer though.

They prescribe benzos for a crisis
(or force inpatient... ). Or prescribe seroquel (I'm allergic to that). They might offer CBT. I don't find that helpful.

The GP cut down on my benzos with a one liner text. That made me even more untrusting of them. I must get my **** together and cut those benzos down further rather than asking for more. I doubt if that would even be an option.

I read in the check in thread about target behaviours, distress tolerance. DBT. I'll look into that. (it was for OCD) A couple of providers said I had that. They prescribed meds (I'm allergic to those)

eta I don't want to discuss my location.

Hi Fuzzy. How many "shrinks" (I confess I hate that word) told you that treating you was a waste of time ("no point")? Did they ever explain why it would be "no point"? It's very curious. I recall you writing about this a couple times in the past, too.

Did no psychiatrist ever prescribe anything beyond the Seroquel that you say gave you a negative or allergic reaction? Did they ever consider an anticonvulsant moodstabilizer or Lithium?

I don't know how things work beyond the US and Czech Republic, but can you go to a different Ph.D. psychologist and ask for a thorough scientific psychiatric evaluation? That may clear some doubts and/or assist you in some other way. Plus, you really should get to the bottom of why someone claimed there was "no point" in helping you adequately.

He didn't explain. He was a pdoc.

A thorough scientific psychiatric evaluation sounds like a good idea. In theory anyway. I'll have to work on my distrust of them..

Yeah that ''no point'' still stings. It made me feel not deserving.

Fuzzy, I would never accept such a claim from them without a thorough explanation in the future. If you ask "Why is there no point?" and receive no answer at all, I'd say that they should be reported to either their supervisor or some form of mental health treatment board (whatever it's called in your country). You must ask.

I agree, that sort of thing does need to be reported. I think my husband and I decided not to at the time (he hates anything of that nature)

Okay here's my take everyone should have thorough testing and genetic testing. But it's not a perfect world. If I were in your shoes after the genetic testing I'd ask for an allergy test of all the med that the genetic test says is good for you. That way you have few surprises.. it took me 15 years in the mental health system to get the right diagnosis and we're still adjusting meds. But I'm at a point now on my good days I can be left alone for short periods. You know my struggle with meds and drs but I'm so much better than when I was a teen. Can you find a therapist that you click with?

I found an online DBT therapist that helped me learn the skills. It was a short term process. I did have to pay out of pocket but it was not unreasonable. I also bought the book DBT for Dummies and it was very helpful.

I agree that psychiatry has a long, long way to go. What on earth do they mean by "no point"?

Like Soupe, I will ask if you've been prescribed a medication besides Seroquel (and the benzos)? Do you feel that you need an AP?

CBT is seldom helpful for me, either. DBT is a bit more helpful.

I wish I had some clearer, better thoughts to share with you.

"wondering why "there is no point". yes a slap in your face.
if you have a diagnosis of borderline then perhaps that is what they meant. It is very hard for that diagnosis/person with that to be treated. long term therapy is required. I don't mean to discourage you from seeking adequate service and to be treated with dignity.
My symptoms of bipolar are stable then hypo then mania then psychosis. That can happen quickly for me. I think I need to tell my pdoc this. She is busy but I can reach out to her if I need to. She is a nurse practitioner. Maybe you could find a (NP) on your insurance plan. she may give you more time and sympathy/empathy. mean while I offer hugs. ((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))
bizi