Advise about what type of doctor to see

[ResaLux]

I have been struggling with anxiety, panic attacks and OCD. I have only ever seen a GP to help treat it but I am wondering if I should see a psychiatrist? Has anyone else gone this route and what did you think?

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i went to psychiatrist for anxiety. he gave meds and therapy sessions. it worked really well for me. you should go to a psychiatrist

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A GP isn't a specialist in mental health so I would ask for counselling with someone who is. x

[blackcat64013]

Hi ResaLux,

The answer lies in whether or not your GP has an interest in mental health. If so, the GP has done extra training in mental health prescribing and counseling and may be quite capable of meeting your needs. The only way to know is to ask.

My GP has the interest and did the training so was able to refer me to a psychiatrist when he realized I needed specialist help with medication. I ended up taking 3 meds under specialist (psychiatrist) supervision.

A clinical psychologist can help with the psychotherapy often referred to as the talking therapies.

[ResaLux in reply to blackcat64013]

It's all a little overwhelming. I don't really have a GP that I am attached to. Just one that does my physical once a year and will give me refills on whatever. I would love to have a good doctor who can treat me as a whole but it's so hard to find

[ResaLux]

I have made an appointment to see a psychiatrist. I think k want to go back on medication for my anxiety but I am hoping that I can get help on how to manage it better too. I'm a little nervous about saying it all out loud. It's such big things in my head but when I try to explain how I feel, it always falls short

[blackcat64013 in reply to ResaLux]

Hi ResaLux,

Good on you for making that appointment.

If you have a little time before the appointment write down the most important things to you.

An excellent resource for handling your first appointment is on this link.

healthyplace.com/blogs/brea...

Go well

[Madison10]

Hello

It's tough to fight everyday , so many emotions when you have anxiety . I can tell about my personal experience. My therapist kept on pushing me to go to a psychiatrist. My therapist did not prescribe medication. It took a few months to get an appointment. The psychiatrist only checks your mess, no therapy. I am on the same mess as I was on with my doctor. They have more experience and knowledge of the medications.

Hang in there

[ResaLux in reply to Madison10]

Thank you