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6 month appointment with psychiatrist

Pats

Pats

Well-Known Member
V.I.P Member
I have to go every 6 months to keep my Lexapro prescription and it seems like such a waste. Everything he asks, my answer is "fine". I did tell him I had dropped back down to the half tab because the whole tab started causing anxiety and when I cut back, I was fine. He said okay. He asks what I do and I say, just piddle around the house mostly. He asked about my social life and I say that's pretty much my kids and grandkids. He asked if I'm in touch with my siblings and I said not much. How's your depression? Fine. Anxiety? Fine. Sleep? Fine. Okay, then I'll see you in about 6 months and I'm always relieved to get out quick.
Is this how it's supposed to go?
 
Pats said:
I have to go every 6 months to keep my Lexapro prescription and it seems like such a waste. Everything he asks, my answer is "fine". I did tell him I had dropped back down to the half tab because the whole tab started causing anxiety and when I cut back, I was fine. He said okay. He asks what I do and I say, just piddle around the house mostly. He asked about my social life and I say that's pretty much my kids and grandkids. He asked if I'm in touch with my siblings and I said not much. How's your depression? Fine. Anxiety? Fine. Sleep? Fine. Okay, then I'll see you in about 6 months and I'm always relieved to get out quick.
Is this how it's supposed to go?
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Sounds "fine" to me. o_O

You'd think a medical professional would be inclined to pursue such generic answers.

After all, he's the doctor. Or so it appears...:confused:

Sounds like he's no more committed to the process than you are. Though perhaps its medical protocol and regulation based on a specific prescription that forces both of you to be there.

Makes you wonder about all the "collateral damage" that may be caused by the opioid epidemic. Reflecting tighter controls over most any prescription medication in general.
 
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Sounds like a typical visit that I have unless I ask questions and take the initiative.
Sometimes I just want my prescription refill and just answer the way you do so I can get away from all the germs I imagine on every surface!
 
Yep, pretty typical. These visits that I do as well are pretty boring as well. But they're useful people when things go up in flames.

Psychiatrists are just there to prescribe stronger medication and more complex therapies than GPs.
 
@Judge, I take Adderall for my ADHD and California law requires that I see my psychiatrist EVERY MONTH to get a refill authorized in person. Refills are illegal, I can only get a 30 day supply and then have to show up in person every 30 days to get a refill. The appointments basically go as @Pats described. And yes it is due to stupid NT's (not all NT's, but a subset) who hop from drug to drug trying to escape reality by getting high. Opioids are more or less illegal here now because they are so addictive.
 
I would just ask my regular family doctor if he will prescribe it. Most will with no problem. If the Lexepro is working I don't see any need for a psychiatrist. He gets paid a fortune for that short visit. If you start needing him for something else then you can make an appointment for that. My family doctor usually always prescribed my psychotropic meds.
 
oregano said:
@Judge, I take Adderall for my ADHD and California law requires that I see my psychiatrist EVERY MONTH to get a refill authorized in person. Refills are illegal, I can only get a 30 day supply and then have to show up in person every 30 days to get a refill. The appointments basically go as @Pats described. And yes it is due to stupid NT's (not all NT's, but a subset) who hop from drug to drug trying to escape reality by getting high. Opioids are more or less illegal here now because they are so addictive.
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Stands to reason...collateral damage. Though the DEA has always kept a close eye on most any prescription drugs. I once knew someone who did that for their job as a DEA agent in the Bay Area. That's all he did was "audit" all the controlled substances in hospitals and doctors offices. Day-end, day out.
 
thanks, guys. I just wondered - everytime leaving wondering why I was even there.
 
I know what you mean. No real information gets exchanged! Just a CYA for the doctor and an opportunity for you to talk about any health problems.
 
I go once a month and something is changed every month because I've never been content in my life! Maybe the system was designed with people like me in mind.

But I do feel like it makes sense if you're being given a drug to check in every once in a while. If something unusually stressful is going on, if something with the medication changes, life-style changes, etc. Just to check in.

It's good that they're so boring! :)
 
Yea, that sounds about right... I get the joy of doing that every month.. :(
I absolutely detest the answer "fine" haha. It's so open ended. My students here try that all the time, and I make them use "I'm ok" etc.
 
The psychiatrists I have seen acted more like drug managers than therapists. My advice for anyone who wants therapy is to go to a psychologist, that way drug management isn't part of the picture. A psychiatrist's main job is prescribing drugs, at least that has been my experience. I don't know why the ability to prescribe medication reduces a mental health professional's ability to provide therapy, but it very much seems to do so.
 
I agree that's how "fine" is used, but it's SUPPOSED to mean something like, "in good health and feeling well." That's one definition at least.
 
WittyAspie said:
The psychiatrists I have seen acted more like drug managers than therapists. My advice for anyone who wants therapy is to go to a psychologist, that way drug management isn't part of the picture. A psychiatrist's main job is prescribing drugs, at least that has been my experience. I don't know why the ability to prescribe medication reduces a mental health professional's ability to provide therapy, but it very much seems to do so.
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That is exactly their job, they're not for therapy. The appointment is generally even called "Medication Management." A psychiatrist would give the same advice you just gave.
 
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