What is the process involved in getting anti-depressants? Odviously a trip to the Doctor, but what else? Is there bloode work done or do they just ask u questions to determan what cocktail to put u on... Thanks..
2006-11-05 10:49:04 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
If you are participating in a HMO or PPO, you need to get a referral from your primary care provider so your insurance will pay the bill. You should see a provider prior to seeing a psychiatrist of rpsychologist, certain thyroid dysfuncions can mimic the symptoms of depression. After a pyschosocial history and intake the provider can diagnose you, but you will need to take medication and seek counseling to really have the full effects of the treatments. A 30% decrease is reported symptoms is considered adequate therapy. Many primary care providers will prescribe antidepressants but not follow up on the counseling. If you are serious about getting help, make sure you get all that is available to you.
2006-11-05 11:20:30 · answer #1 · answered by ford2312 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My doctor asked me a series of questions and I left the building with a prescription in my hands the same day. It was just so easy to get, and no blood work was involved or anything from my psychiatrist. I needed meds for ocd as well, but he wouldn't listen to that. I guess he figured I didn't have the hated condition. Now I'm going out of my mind with unwanted thoughts. So that tells you not all doctors know what to do for you. Whatever you do, don't count on getting the right drugs right away.
2006-11-05 11:07:00 · answer #2 · answered by autumn leaf 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They don't usually blood test you unless there is something in your medical history that might indicate an adverse reaction to certain medications. They'll just ask you a lot of questions to try to determine the nature of your depression. If they believe that it is chemically related they will give you a prescription. If they think that you just need therapy then they will continue to schedule appointments for you. Either way, it's really up to you to follow through with your treatment.
2006-11-05 10:53:26 · answer #3 · answered by elk312 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
usually a blood test before the meds. I think usually a liver function and from there on it is just a guess as to what med you will tolerate. Good luck It can be a long process if you have a problem with being sensitive to meds. But it is worth it to feel better .
2006-11-05 10:52:07 · answer #4 · answered by carasmom 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Blood work may be possible, even though I did not get any done. Just a lot of questions, health and mental. Then they will try you on a medication that they think will work, it may or may not and have to be adjusted or changed.
2006-11-05 11:00:50 · answer #5 · answered by cfoxwell99 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You'll talk to your doctor and he will ask you questions and do a quick exam on you to determine if you really are "depressed" or if it's something else. He may want you to see a therapist first before putting you on meds.
2006-11-05 10:57:21 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually your primary care dr will send you to see a psychiatrist and he will ask you alot of questions and study your behavior, your answers and eye to eye contact And your body behavior will tell him alot. He probably put you on meds but he will have you come back and if the meds do not work he will have to do adjusting on your medication until he finds the right medication for you!.
2006-11-05 11:15:35 · answer #7 · answered by Carol H 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Usually you would see a psychiatrist. They would ask you loads of questions and maybe see you a couple of times before determining whether you need meds or not.
2006-11-05 10:54:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
you would first meet with someone at a clinic or through your doctors office,who would decide if you are experiencing depression, and then if so, youwould be referred to a psychiatrist who would actually prescribe the medication
2006-11-05 10:52:37 · answer #9 · answered by Mystee_Rain 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋