[MilkMunch]

My psychiatrist/weekly psychotherapist's memory seems to be going -- this is impacting my treatment - even the meds. Lots of previous warning bells and I am needing to remind him alot both in areas of meds and therapy. Truthfully, he is no longer young and very very likely losing memory. This week, we had a session and focussed on a particular medication. 3 hours later I had to call him about it and he no longer remembered and advised me as though he hadn't seen me since the week before.
I am not feeling - or is it? to confront him about it and be open with him. I am so worried about hurting his feelings but on the other hand maybe I need to be honest with him. What is the best way to discuss this with him? ( he is also my psychotherapist so it impacts everything). How can I do that, don't want to hurt him. But I can't fully trust his medical advice. Perhaps he can help me find someone new. In Toronto, Canada, it is very hard - almost impossible - to find a psychiatrist. Anyone with ideas how to handle situation?
Milkmunch

[rainbow8]

MilkMunch, what an awfully painful situation for you and for your T. I'm sorry. Does he work alone or in an office with others? Does he have a supervisor or a secretary? I think it would be better to tell someone else first. But, if he is totally in practice alone, I don't know what you should do! He could be endangering lives. Do you think he knows what's going on? Maybe someone else has an idea how to discuss it with him. On the one hand, you pay him, and he's not doing his job, so you have the right to "fire him", but it's not so simple with a T you care about!! I hope there is someone he works with you could ask/tell first!!

[peaches100]

Milkmunch,

I think you should tell him that you've noticed his memory slipping. It's important for him to know that this is happening. He may need to be evaluated by a medical doctor. And if you have noticed him forgetting things, most likely his other patients have also.

I know it's going to be hard to bring up, but it really is for both his benefit and yours. You could start out by saying, "I have something i need to tell you but i'm worried about hurting your feelings." He will most likely reassure you that it's OK to tell him. Then you could say something like, "I've noticed lately that you seem to be forgetting quite alot of things i tell you." and go from there.

It's OK. You can do this.

[WePow]

Put yourself in his shoes and you will know the right thing to do. Big hugs to you!!!!

[MilkMunch]

Thank you all for your thoughts. Today, I brought up the issue with my therapist/psychiatrist so at least he knows that this is a big concern for me. I was afraid to tell him how I felt, but it was a good risk in checking out others' reactions and challenging the fear that people will get angry at me.

[deliquesce]

how did he take it, milkmunch? you did well bringing it up - you were brave!! i'm sorry im only seeing this thread now else i would've offered to hide inside your bag when you went to therapy and jump out and scream blue murder if your T got angry .

[MilkMunch]

Originally Posted by deliquesce

how did he take it, milkmunch? you did well bringing it up - you were brave!! i'm sorry im only seeing this thread now else i would've offered to hide inside your bag when you went to therapy and jump out and scream blue murder if your T got angry .

deliquesce, you are a real sport!
Of course, as always is the case, the psychdr/therapist turned the subject into my relationship issues. He was pleasant about it yet he didn't talk about himself. He mentioned the possibility that it could happen again. He was good humoured and added as an aside that he could be coming down with dimentia. I responded with a hearty "God forbid" - still wondering if in fact...
One thing he did mention which I really do understand is that so many different issues come up in my discussions with him, so it can happen that he forgets some specifics.