lately, i have been under A LOT of stress. i do have some issues from the past that i feel has cause post traumatic stress disorder. anyway, i feel like it has affected me one way or another and i've been told by my primary care physician years ago that i should talk to someone, since it is the root of my anxiety attacks, etc.
i have never "talked" to a professional before, and have only vented with friends or close family members. i am at the point where i would like to see if talking to a professional can help.
i know the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist, but i am just wondering...those of you who have done this before what makes a better experience:
a 29 yr old female talking to a male or female psychologist or psychiatrist?
2006-09-14 07:02:35 · 7 answers · asked by charwants2know 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
The psychologist would be the person you would want to talk to regarding your stress and PTSD. If they feel medication is necessary, he/she will refer you to a psychiatrist. As far as male vs. female, that is a personal choice. You will have to decide what you are most comfortable with. Especially since you have never talked with a professional before, you have to feel comfortable with the person to open up and really determine the root of your concerns and be able to address them. Many psychologists will offer a consultation (I wouldn't go to one that won't) and you can decide if you are a good match to work with them. There is more to it than gender alone and a consultation will help you decide. As someone in the field (I have my LCSW) I think that it is great that you are taking this step. Good luck to you.
2006-09-14 08:22:10 · answer #1 · answered by hulkster524 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends on who you feel comfortable with. You want to pick the person based on your feeling about who will do the best job working with you. You can call and set up a preliminary appointment to check your vibe on them, or set up a phone call to feel them out.
Only the psychiatrist can prescribe medications, so if your primary care doc won't prescribe if you need them, the psychiatrist would be better. Be forewarned, though, that appointment times for a psychiatrist may be shorter, like a 15 minute medication check rather than the "50 minute hour" so you don't get as much talking time in many instances. You might consider a clinical social worker as well...their training teaches them to look at the whole person and all that impacts them, not just their pathology, so you may get a more useful viewpoint.
Good Luck!
2006-09-14 09:04:36 · answer #2 · answered by dawn3g 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you need meds, the Psychologist you paid for will send you to a psychiatrist for meds. So go to a Psychiatrist first to save money. I think there are more males. I have always gone to males and worked with males. I don't know of many females. Both are qualified. Good luck
2006-09-14 10:02:42 · answer #3 · answered by Kitty L 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hello,
In my opinion, from lots of experience, psychiatrists will put you on meds right away.
This is a ticket to a dependency on pills to solve your problems. Psychologists usually work with psyhiatrists and may recommend one for meds.
I have made the most progress with my current psychiatric social worker. She gives a damn!
And she doesn't see me as just a chemical factory that need to be adjusted. I feel like a person with her. Maybe you might need meds.
But try to find another solution first. I know. I have been on meds for 30 years and they have detracted from my quality of life. I would love to get OFF of my meds just to feel my real feelings.
But I am to dependent on them. I call it addiction by prescription. Hope this was helpful.
P.S.
I am a guy and I was abused by my father, so I open up better in the presence of a woman,
2006-09-14 07:38:20 · answer #4 · answered by unimichael88 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you should need any medication, only the psychiatrist can prescribe it (they are M.D.s).
Other than that if you would feel more comfortable with a woman, then do that. It's time to see a professional. Sometimes venting to family and friends gets old for them-not that they don't love and support you but they can't do anything about it and to hear it over and over can bring them down.
2006-09-14 07:08:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Who do you think you would feel comfortable with talking to about this.??? a Psychologist that is good will refer of consult a Psychiatrist to help you. so i would see the Psychologist first. ask them questions up front ,,ask if they have a psychiatrist that they consult with.? If nothing better ask your Dr who do they prefer... Or recommend...........
2006-09-14 07:19:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
a psychiatrist will just think you are crazy and will give you medicine. a psychologist will actually help you and talk to you like you are a normal person with problems.
2006-09-14 07:30:56 · answer #7 · answered by nadine 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋