2006-10-05 23:02:00 · 12 answers · asked by aristocrat1.0@sbcglobal.net 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Family doc can.
2006-10-05 23:03:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hello................I don't believe that family doctors should be allowed to prescribe any medications for the symptoms of any mental illnesses. It is not their field of expertise. A good family doctor would refer the patient to someone who is more able to diagnose and treat mental disorders. If you have had a doctor who is not a psychiatrist prescribe to you a medication for any depressive symptoms, please get a second opinion from a psychiatrist. Sometimes these medications can trigger symptoms far worse than any depression you may have. This is especially true where bipolar affective disorder is concerned. If you have been prescribed antidepressants and notice that you are feeling "too high" chances are you have been misdiagnosed. A misdiagnosis can be a nightmare.......and once a disorder like bipolar has been triggered, there is no going back. You will most likely spend the rest of your life finding normalcy only through the medications you take. If you are depressed, please seek the advice of a psychiatrist, not your family doctor. Your regular doctor will refer you to someone if he is a good doctor. Good luck to you ....
2006-10-06 14:37:33 · answer #2 · answered by Christie L 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know where in the world you are, but in the UK, a GP will give first line treatment for depression.
Here, you are only normally referred to a psychiatrist if you have failed to respond to 2 different classes of antidepressants, or if you are at high risk of suicide, or have a psychotic depression.
Most GP's will consider referring you to a Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN) who can monitor treatment and provide some sort of talking therapy; alternately they may be able to refer you for counselling.
Talk therapies are recommended for mild depression, whilst moderate to severe depression should be treated with a combination of drugs and talk therapies.
For more info on depression, click on this link...
http://www.prodigy.nhs.uk/patient_information/pils/depression.htm
2006-10-05 23:41:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The question is not who can treat what?
It is why are you having the depression?
What is the cause?
Drug seeking for depression can become and a full time job and in the end one that lead to other behavior that is much more life threatening.
If you have depression and a medical plan and you do not want to find the underlying cause of the illness, it does not matter which one you go to see.
However, if you want treatment and possibly understanding the cause of you depression you will need a good Therapist. GOOD as in some one, you feel comfortable with and whom you like and trust.
Pills are not the answer; 30 years of taking them, only helped me sleep my life away.
Several drugs will help you sleep at night. One sleeping drug to avoid is Stilnox. Valium, is dangerous but if taken only when you cannot sleep it works. You need to sleep at night and at least 8 hours of sleep a night where you get rim sleep.
EMDR, also helps with depression, but all it really is artificial sleep.
It your life.
2006-10-05 23:50:37 · answer #4 · answered by Joe 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Family physicans can, but they don't have very much training in it. Especially when prescribing antidepressants. It would be better to see a Nurse Practitioner or Physician from a behavioral health agency or center.
2006-10-06 06:46:36 · answer #5 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
These are other mental health professionals you could see for your depression other than your GP (General Practitioner) or a psychiatrist: Psychiatric nurse/ Nurse practitioner, Clinical psychologist, Counselor.
2006-10-05 23:12:54 · answer #6 · answered by M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they can. Sometimes they are too quick to prescribe medicine though. Maybe you should see a psychiatrist first, maybe your condition could be better handled with talk therapy before getting medication.
2006-10-05 23:04:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
They really shouldn't. Psychiatrists take extra courses above and beyond what a family doc does to specialize in psychiatry.
2006-10-06 09:19:37 · answer #8 · answered by stargirl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A GP can diagnose and prescribe for depression, but will usually also involve counsellors or other mental health carers if they think it will help...
2006-10-05 23:03:54 · answer #9 · answered by Dirty_Idea 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes , to your general practioner , but they usually refer you to a psychiatrist for further evaluation ,by -pass the family doctor , find a good spy. i mean would you have you tooth pulled by a foot Dr. ? thats why there are specialist . in every field of medicines.
good luck , i have been there for 25 years myself : ) LB
2006-10-05 23:10:44 · answer #10 · answered by Lois B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your family doctor can prescribe something but he /she will offer you a phsychiatrst in case you want to see 1 aswell :) goodluck
2006-10-05 23:06:08 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋