[AnxiousGirl]

Well, my anxiety has officially won over me. My T has been suggesting I see a psychiatrist in the same building for the past year or so and I kept putting it off thinking I could deal with my anxiety on my own and my T. Clearly, that didn't happen and I've lost all hope in dealing with it myself so I agreed to see the psych. My T was really happy and said that she will come with me to the session (since Im freaking out and very nervous) and said shell be there to calm me down and make me feel more comfortable. So my first meeting is next week and I'm really nervous. My T said shell give the psych. some info about my issues but I'm still worried about the whole process.

What happens at a psych. on your first visit? Any procedures they do (check blood pressure?).

Thanks all.

I've never had any kind of physical exam at a psychiatrist appointment (blood pressure, etc.) They have ordered blood work, physical tests to be done elsewhere, but not in their office.

Generally they just talk to you about what symptoms you are experiencing. They might have some symptom inventories for you to take (generally really pretty short and simple). If they suggest meds, they will discuss the meds, what they are for, how long they may take to work, what side effects are common (and what might be uncommon side effects). That's generally about it.

[Argonautomobile]

I'm glad you're finally going to see a psychiatrist, AnxiousGirl--you deserve some relief from your symptoms. I find that doctors (whatever kind) tend not to touch you if you're visibly freaked out. You always have the right to refuse any procedures if you don't want them. Mostly I expect you'll be answering questions about your symptoms and discussing medication. It's nice that your T is going with you. Here's a few links about what to expect at a psychiatrist appointment:

Healthy Minds. Healthy Lives.: What to expect for your first visit with your psychiatrist

How to Handle Your First Psychiatric Appointment | Breaking Bipolar - HealthyPlace

I've certainly never had any physical examinations done. Frankly, the first psychiatric appointment was not much different than my first therapeutic appointment. Assessments were pretty much the same; and, as the psychiatrist will have access to your file, he/she is likely already current with your situation and health. The doctor will be concerned with your physical health asking questions which would give him/her ideas of what to prescribe or avoid. The session will be no more clinical than your therapy.

I think what is really happening is your therapist has some ideas regarding diagnoses and medications but these are more in the realm of psychiatry.

My question is about your anxiety. What is the worst case scenario you fear? Ask yourself what is actually more likely to occur? The second list should be considerably longer than the first.

Also, you seem to have a positive relationship with your therapist. Would it make sense then that they are looking out for the best for you? Would it make sense that they not intentionally put you in an unsafe situation? Realize that your therapist likely has your best interests at heart and wouldn't want to jeopardize the caregiver relationship they have with you.

[LonesomeTonight]

I agree with what the others said--most likely will ask you questions about your history, probably going back to child hood, mainly focusing on your mental health. Whether you've tried medication in the past and what effect it had. Why you're there today--what your main symptoms/concerns are. The only time I had one do any sort of physical examination was when she tried putting me on a beta blocker for anxiety and took my blood pressure to make sure it wasn't too low (beta blockers lower your BP, so if my BP was already on the low side, she likely would not have prescribed it). That's awesome that your T is willing to be there with you for support. She could probably help answer questions, too. Good luck!

[AnxiousGirl]

Thanks everyone. My appointment is actually in a few weeks so I feel a bit calmer than I was. I actually never thought of it but does it seem like my T is going out of her way to come with me to see the psych ? Usually people I ask said their T never went with them. Just curious. She did say she'll come with me to help me feel more comfortable.

I don't think it is all that unusual for a therapist to go with a client to their first pdoc appointment. I remember my first therapist offering to drive me there. I didn't take him up on it, but he would have done so. My most recent would have taken me into the hospital if I had had no other way to get there; I'm quite certain of that.

[BudFox]

Pardon me if this is slightly off topic, but have you considered doing something simple for your anxiety like taking Magnesium or GABA ? Inexpensive, no doctors, no drugs.

[runlola72]

My pdoc has patients get weighed, and gets blood pressures.... it's new protocol. Maybe just with me because of meds I'm on? Not sure...

I don't think it is all that unusual for a therapist to go with a client to their first pdoc appointment.

What a wonderful therapist indeed who will. I agree. Not unusual. My therapy sessions sometimes occured at coffee shops. She even met me at the grocery store once to help me through some anxieties related to shopping.

I do get weighed at my psychiatrist fairly regularly. Weight gain is an issue and he has me on Metformin to control it.

[ScarletPimpernel]

My Pdoc always weights me and takes my blood pressure. Though I have refused being weighed a few times.

None of my Ts would ever accompany me to any appointments or places, so I personally think she is doing this for you.

[AnxiousGirl]

Wow nice to know how many great therapists there are out there. Happy they are helpful to you all !

[BlessedRhiannon]

My pdoc does not do any type of medical tests in his office (weight, blood pressure, bloodwork, etc). If he needs labs done, he sends you out for those. His office is very much like my therapist's office. My first appointment was an hour long and we just talked. I told him about my history, he asked lots of questions. We talked about what my desires were for in coming to see him. Then, he offered some suggestions for medication, we talked about the options, and I left there with a prescription.

Prior to my appointment, my therapist called my pdoc (with my permission) and gave him background on me. That was incredibly helpful to me as it meant that I didn't have to bring up some topics, he already knew and could ask me directly about them.

[AnxiousGirl]

I see that some psych. sends patients for bloodwork. If I had already gotten mine less than 5 months ago, I wouldn't need another one I'm assuming.

Originally Posted by AnxiousGirl

I see that some psych. sends patients for bloodwork. If I had already gotten mine less than 5 months ago, I wouldn't need another one I'm assuming.

Maybe not. Much will depend on the meds that are prescribed. Certain meds require checks of levels; others don't. If your blood work is that recent, he might feel that is recent enough (most people don't get full blood work ups more than once a year).

[pbutton]

If it helps, I haven't had any type of physical work done for my anxiety meds. The only thing I have ever had happen is he once took my blood pressure because my ADHD meds were causing my feet to swell. Otherwise it is all sitting and talking, just like at T. Only a bit quicker and easier once I got comfortable with him and his office.

[skeksi]

I never had any physical exam but yes, some anxiety meds might need a BP check.

My T didn't go with me to my first appointment, but he wrote the psychiatrist a letter with my history so I didn't have to say any of it--just nod when he asked questions to review it. (Talking about it was very scary for me).

I do think your T's willingness to go with you speaks to her commitment to your care. She recognizes just how hard all of this is for you and she wants to support you.