[halfdead]

How many of us are really happy with our psychiatrist? For that matter, how many of us have been really happy with one and had him/her retire or move or even quit?

I know the one I always remember best ended up retiring and I've been floundering around every since trying to fill his shoes. Or even finding anyone who seems to care in general about my mental health as much as I do.

[anna342]

I've seen many, as I've moved and psychiatrists have moved on. I would say about half were very helpful and half not at all. Even those that I found very helpful at the time I now look back and because my attitude to meds has changed I can see flaws in what I think should have happened. But they did their best for me with what was on offer (basically therapy would have been much more beneficial, but it wasn't on offer so meds had to be the next option).

I guess those that are at retiring age have been in the 'business' for a long time and know what works best for people and ways to help them the most, which is probably why people tend to like them.

[ECHOES]

halfdead, do you see a psychiatrist for medication or for therapy, or both?

I had a great psychiatrist years ago. I liked him a lot and enjoyed seeing him. He was writing a book and asked me to critique a chapter and that was fun. He was serious, but had a great sense of humor and always shook hands with a big smile at the end of the visit. I told him that he always lifted me up when I was there. I haven't seen another psychiatrist since, so that's the only experience I have. I'm lucky it was a good one.

[ladyjrnlist]

Mine's great, but it took years to find him. Had many bad ones.

[sugahorse1]

I'm between pdocs at the moment. Have decided to go back to my first one (actually, app is in 2 hours)... I have bounced from one to another, and battle to find one I can connect with, I can trust and who is available.
If pdoc's could be like my T, this would be a lot easier

[sunrise]

I've only had one provider who prescribes, and it is my PNP. Never had a pdoc. My PNP is great. She's very holistic, has common sense, is fun to talk to, and knowledgeable. She definitely keeps up on the latest meds and doesn't just keep prescribing the drug that was popular 10 years ago when better options might be out there today. I go to her for ADHD and have found her knowledge base on this to be extensive. She also gives me a psychotherapy session now and again if I need it.

Is it common that pdocs tend to be bad? It sounds like some here have been dissatisfied (repeatedly) with pdocs? Is it that they don't care enough? Don't listen well? Aren't up to date on med options? Are uncreative in prescribing?

Is it harder to find a good prescriber than a good therapist?

I've only had one psychiatrist, and I love him. He is extensively knowledgeable and has a good bedside manner to boot.

[nicoleb2]

I am on my 3rd psychiatrist, and he is an idiot. Prescribes me meds he knows nothing about, talks to me about the personal life of other psychiatrists... weird. I am currently working on getting in to the Mayo clinic.. hopefully that will happen soon!