How long does it take for a psychiatrist to prescribe medication reddit

I was diagnosed 3 months ago with ADHD at 25yo. I was prescribed Vyvanse, which has been eye opening. Absolutely incredible changes in the short time I've been on it. It's like the static is gone. I dont have 10 different channels cycling and playing at the same time in my head anymore. I can actually focus on something, my anxiety melts away, I'm able to eat and drink and get my work done without having to set 1001 alarms throughout the day. For the first time in my life, I actually have a schedule and routine. I can keep going, but Ill get to the point.

I've been seeing this doctor twice a month for the time hes been treating me (~8mo). I'm seeing most people go once a month to theirs. He tells me not to take the Vyvanse every day, wont write a script with refills, and tries to stagger my time for picking up the script. My refill was due for a week before I got it from him last time. Is this normal? He says it's because its addictive, and that he doesnt want me having extras.

This isn't passing a smell test.. how would you guys handle it? Should I bring up my concerns with him? Should i get a second opinion? Or is this normal?

TLDR: Just got diagnosed, doctor wont write refills, staggering my scripts, insists on seeing me twice a month. Is this normal?

My therapist said that CBT alone isn’t sufficient enough to resolve my issues and I need medication as well. She wants to refer me to a psychiatrist and have someone else work with me to find the correct prescription. However, I’m so comfortable with my therapist and I don’t want to open up to anyone else. I still want to work with her and I’m so attached to her I don’t think I can handle losing our relationship at this critical point.

If someone else went through a similar situation, what happened in the end? My therapy session is within a few days and I could ask then but I’m so anxious about losing my therapist and I want to know what to expect.

Thank you!

Posted by13 years ago

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What typically happens is all I want to know, from beginning to end. In movies, you just see people lying on the couch. What happens before and after that?

And if you could, I'm curious as to how the psychiatrist says the diagnosis. Are the blunt? Very cautious?

Thanks

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level 1

In the US, most psychiatrists are simply there to prescribe you medication, and you see them every month or so or whatever.

For therapy, you generally see a psychologist.

There are some specialized psychiatrists, though. I saw one a few months ago to be "evaluated." Basically I gave him my life's history and he wrote up what he thought. It was a waste of time...

My psychologist is awesome, though. He really does understand and help me.

Edit: I should mention that I went through 3 psychologists before I found one that really "clicked."

level 2

Umm... the first three are still alive right?

level 1

It differs between psychiatry and "therapy." For psychiatrists, they can often be blunt if they think you have an organic disorder (a disease). If they think you have issues based on your past, they may act more in a therapist role, although a therapist (generally not an MD, as a psychiatrist is) is often just as good as a psychiatrist in this regard, and a lot cheaper.

level 1

I sit opposite my psychiatrist. After we sit down there is silence until I start to talk about something. Doesn't matter if we start with just chit chat or talk about a particular issue but we normally get down to talking about something meaningful. A dialogue was unexpected when i initially started seeing the shrink but it is working fantastically. This particular psychiatrist did not pressure drugs btw

level 1

Every therapist and psychiatrist is different. Some are talkative, some ask a lot of questions, some just sit there and expect you to talk.

Some are just for counseling and others for medication, or both ... so there's really no single answer to your question.

The diagnosis is not big deal unless you really have a major mental illness. Usually it's just depression or ADD.

level 1

I am currently in graduate school for counseling, so i'll tell you what I know so far. Your first session is not going to be the same as the rest, most therapeutic approaches focus on evaluation during the first session, the client and the therapist will establish goals for the course of therapy. Further sessions will likely involve a conversation between you and the therapist, the specifics will vary bepending on the therapist's theory. If you are seeing a psychiatrist, there will be a much more clinical focus, especially in your first setting, which could very well involve diagnosis and potential prescriptions. I would advise seeing a psychologist rather than a psychiatrist, if you need meds you can always go to your regular family doc, and many psychologists can get you meds these days anyways.

Hope this was helpful, but this stuff can really vary, a lot of different styles in this profession.

level 2

For being in graduate school you seem to know very little about psychologist prescribing rights. Only two states allow this. If they're "getting you meds" they're breaking the law.

Family practice doctors may also not be up to date in training and research surrounding psychoactive drugs so you're best off seeing a psychiatrist for it if a therapist recommends evaluation for pharmaceutical intervention.

level 1

I think they scribble CRAZY in their notes and tell you something else. Oh and then you have $100 less.

level 1

Every time you reveal an insight into your problems he will determine the correct way to resolve the difficulty. Noted Scottish Therapist Dr. Phil McCraken typically has you knock back another shot of Scotch as he imbibes also.

level 2

I don't know how effective this tx is for people seeking help with alcohol abuse.

level 1

They just ask questions and take your money.

level 2

And how does that make you feel?

level 2

I'll take your money, give you advice, tell you anecdotes and stories and we'll even go on awesome adventures reminiscent of Harold & Kumar.

Basement psychiatrists like me are always passed up for some douche bag in a nice office who has certification. I have notepads full of observations of human behavior, I'm the real deal. I just bought a fake fireplace and I have a nice carpet with a leather love seat that will make you feel like you're on heaven nine. PM and we can work something out.

level 1

Typical psychiatric session involves talking about medication, side effects, possibly adjusting dosage. Most psychiatrist are pretty useless when it comes to therapy. Unless you really want to get on drugs, just see a psychologist. They'll refer you if they really feel you need to be on meds.

As for therapists, it depends. They all have different methods.

level 1

There is a lot of variation. Initially there will be some kind of consultation to figure out what is going on with you, especially if this period of problems is new. Depending on what you are having problems with, it may take some time for them to figure out what is going on unless it is just obvious. Once and if you are diagnosed they will generally inform you of your diagnosis. If you are seeing a psychiatrist they will almost definitely push some kind of medication onto you and schedule follow up sessions to adjust your medication. They will also likely ask you to see a therapist depending on the problem. With the therapist, their maybe a period of psychoeducation as they try to get you to become more self aware of your condition or problem. Then it may move on to some form of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Don't stress out about it and be open. And just realize that they are there to help you, but you are the consumer and have the ultimate say in your treatment. If you don't like it, find someone else.

level 1

I wish I could be a therapist just to have patients like in Dr. Katz. :3 Too bad that show doesn't run anymore.

level 1

I went to one once against my will, and I had literally nothing to say. I was actually happy, but no one believed me, because of all the shit that had happened recently, so they all thought I was "holding it in" or some shit. To get to the point, it consisted of me giving one word answers, then her saying "Mmm Hmm, Yes, OK, yeah" three times or so. It was really weird.

level 1

Therapists aren't supposed to give advice. That's what friends are for.

level 2

"Therapists aren't supposed to give advice. That's what friends are for." For people that experience problems connecting with other people this is not very helpful.

How quickly can a psychiatrist make a diagnosis?

Can therapists refer you to a psychiatrist?

What happens on your first visit to a psychiatrist?

How much time do psychiatrists spend with patients?