Deciding to see a psychiatrist is a big decision. It is important to know when it is time based on the issues you are dealing with.
What Makes a Psychiatrist a Specialist?
Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained medical professionals with knowledge in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of all mental health issues. Like other specialists, psychiatrists have focused the scope of their practice to a specialized area. Dermatologists specialize in skin, orthopedics work on bones, cardiologists work on hearts, and psychiatrists specialize in mental health issues. Like most specialists, psychiatrists complete a lengthy residency where they become experts in their area of focus. They have achieved great depth of understanding and are far more skilled than generalists such as Primary Care Physicians (PCP) who also treat mental health issues at times but with less frequency and with less array of treatment options. Child and adolescent psychiatric providers are even more specialized. They work on mental health issues with children 2 to age 17. They are able to take into account developmental variations which could mimic mental health issues or exacerbate them. They also have to adjust medication dosages for the age and weight of a child, adding another layer of complexity.
When Should I see a Psychiatrist?
When it’s time to see a specialist is different for everyone. Some people prefer the skill and knowledge specialists possess and they begin working with them immediately. Some people have a good relationship with their PCP and prefer to work with them initially. They may opt to see a psychiatrist after some time, especially if they aren’t getting the improvement they expect or desire. Others may even wait until their PCP refers them to a psychiatrist if they are struggling to find the right medication or the patient is having a lot of bad reactions or side effects.
Does it Depend on the Diagnosis?
Whether you should see a family doctor versus a psychiatrist often depends on the diagnosis. Many PCP’s can effectively treat run of the mill depression and anxiety issues. However, treatment resistant depression or complex anxiety issues such as panic attacks, OCD, or PTSD often necessitate the skill that psychiatrists bring to the table. Bipolar disorder, ADHD, or schizophrenia are less common mental health diagnoses that are often best handled by psychiatrists right out of the gate. Stimulants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics are classes of medication that many PCP’s just don’t have much practice or experience with. These would be instances when it’s best to see a psychiatrist right away.
If you want to see one of our psychiatric providers for children, adolescents, adults, or seniors, feel free to contact IPC so you can schedule an appointment. Please call us now at 763-416-4167, or request an appointment on our website: WWW.IPC-MN.COM so we can sit down with you and complete a thorough assessment and help you develop a plan of action that will work for you. Life is too short to be unhappy. Find the peace of mind you deserve.
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