[Scarlet19]

Hi everyone,

My name is Scarlet and I am new here. I am 19 years old, from Ohio. I began therapy for the first time a few months ago. My therapist now wants me to get a consultation with someone else to look into dissociation. I am not sure what I am expecting from this board, it is just that I don't have anyone to talk to about this besides my T, and I guess I am just looking for a bit of advice or feedback. I have a fear of doctors, and I am a bit nervous to see this new psychiatrist. I know I want to figure out what is wrong with me, but I would also like to know what to expect.

So basically I am going for a consultation to see if my issue is dissociation. This came about because of my "hearing" voices in my head, seeing people in my head, feeling unreal, and having some disorientation. We are not looking into medication. Can anyone tell me what a consultation with a psychiatrist for dissociation would be like? I think I might feel a little better if I knew what to expect.

Thanks!

[beyond_blue]

Scarlet19, I can't really comment about a consultation with a psychiatrist specifically for dissociation, but I have had lots of consultations with psychiatrists through the years. Typically, psychiatrists, in my experience, are much more focused on "symptoms" as they relate to physical illness for which medication might be prescribed. That is to say, psychiatrists tend not to focus a lot on determining which medication may best serve you and your condition. Whereas, therapy with a psychologist or therapist focuses on talk therapy - talking to figure out what's going on and how to make things better.

Most psychiatrists offices are just like a therapists office with a desk and chairs or couch, but the questioning is a little more like going to the regular doctor. How are you sleeping? Do feel depressed? What's your appetite like? There may be specific questions related to dissociation. Usually, a visit with a psychiatrist, like a regular doctor, is fairly short (15 minutes). Though since this is for something specific and it's your first consultation with this doctor, perhaps it might be longer.

In my experience, the psychiatrists tend to be more clinical and less personable. Therapists are generally more welcoming. I know new experiences are scary, but I think you'll find that going to see the psychiatrist is sort of just a mix of going to a therapist and a doctor... kind of somewhere in between.

You might want to try taking something little to put in your purse or pocket that might make you feel better knowing it's there, or wear something that will provide a bit of emotional comfort. I've done this and it seems to help calm me down some and give me something to focus on while in the waiting room, etc.

Hope this helps. I'm new to the forum and to dissociation identity disorder. So far, everyone seems really helpful and super nice.