Aa
What kind of Dr. to see
Other than a primary care, what other Dr. is good to see for anxiety disorder.
I would suggest a LCSW or other non-prescribing behavioral therapist first, or even a psychologist. The problem with psychiatrists seems to be that they know more about pharmaceutical side of things and can be quick to prescribe rather than delve into your mental state, kind of like most PCPs.
My insurance company lists all eligible providers on the internet, so I was able to look at all the PCPs in my area and see which ones have expertise or interest in panic and anxiety and chose to see one of those. So I have my LCSW for the actual therapy and my PCP is very comfortable and familiar with anxiety medication and I trust her completely with that side of things. In fact, my PCP was receptive to my suggestions as far as medications go because I have spent so much time here and reading and been on so many failed SSRI trials. It was weird to be able to find a PCP with her own practice who was willing to speak with me for an hour, rather than the med-mill I used to go to where they'd have you in and out in 30 seconds.
My insurance company lists all eligible providers on the internet, so I was able to look at all the PCPs in my area and see which ones have expertise or interest in panic and anxiety and chose to see one of those. So I have my LCSW for the actual therapy and my PCP is very comfortable and familiar with anxiety medication and I trust her completely with that side of things. In fact, my PCP was receptive to my suggestions as far as medications go because I have spent so much time here and reading and been on so many failed SSRI trials. It was weird to be able to find a PCP with her own practice who was willing to speak with me for an hour, rather than the med-mill I used to go to where they'd have you in and out in 30 seconds.
My PCP said he couldn't prescribe anything stronger for my anxiety (in other words-he couldn't help me anymore), referred me to a Psychiatrist who over-medicated me and who kept 'trying this instead'. He was considered my medication management doc. The meds did worse things to me than the anxiety.
Talk therapy (CBT-cognitive behavior therapy) docs are supposed to be seen in conjunction with the Psychiatrist and meds. If you're not into Psychiatrists (because a lot of people aren't anymore) you can maybe get out of the system - out of the corporate docs - such as simply go to a Therapist who works on their own (LISW- Licensed Independent Social Worker), maybe that would help. Just a suggestion. Be well.
Talk therapy (CBT-cognitive behavior therapy) docs are supposed to be seen in conjunction with the Psychiatrist and meds. If you're not into Psychiatrists (because a lot of people aren't anymore) you can maybe get out of the system - out of the corporate docs - such as simply go to a Therapist who works on their own (LISW- Licensed Independent Social Worker), maybe that would help. Just a suggestion. Be well.
I personally prefer to have my anxiety treated by a psychiatrist, although some do just fine managing it with their PCP. Generally, if it is a more chronic anxiety, a brand new diagnosis, a more severe case, or anxiety that hasn't been well managed with the family docs are definitely good candidated for a psych referral IMO.
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