Depressed? Physician or Psychiatrist?

Question

I feel like I might be depressed, although my life is pretty great and nothing is really triggering it. I've had pretty bad mood swings my whole life, but I have children now and can't afford to indulge in periods of crying that can last more than a week. Should I go to a doctor first or straight to a shrink? I have trouble going to a doctor of any kind and the whole prospect of entering into a lengthy treatment plan makes me very nervous.

Answer 1

Sounds like Anxiety/Depression or Bipolar. I suggest you do what you like. First consult with a family Physician and get their say and suggestions for shrinks or go straight to a shrink. Which way you like best. Good luck! :)

Answer 2

First off, a psychiatrist is, in fact, a medical doctor. They went to medical school for four years, just like your GP, and can prescribe medications and everything. Psychiatrists specialize in mental health care, an oncologist specializes in cancer or a rhematologist specializes in arthritis and other joint and muscle conditions.

Most psychiatrists will tend to prescribe medication for most patients, rather than encouraging them to try regular therapy sessions first. However, they're generally more qualified to accurately diagnose psychiatric conditions than a GP is, and are generally more familiar with the medications used to treat psychiatric conditions. The most likely outcome of seeing a psychatrist is that you'll be put on antidepressants, just as you would be if you went to your GP instead. However, you're generally better off seeing a doctor that's more knowlegable about whatever condition they're treating, so you'd do better to go to a psychiatrist rather than a GP.

The other option is to go to a psychologist. That's where you'd be likely to get into regular therapy sessions. That's also were you'll likely get the most accurate diagnosis. A psychologist can refer you to a psychiatrist for medication, and is generally in the best position to assess whether you'd benefit from some time of therapy besides prescription mediciation. Of course, you can always turn down any treatment that any health care professional suggests, so you wouldn't be locked into a long-term thing just by going to a psychologist.

Answer 3

Probably, you have the same condition like me. I wasn't properly diagnosed until 3 yrs. ago for Bipolar disorder. I have had four hospital admissions.

If the depression lasts for more than a week and it certainly interferes in your daily functions. Consulting a Psychiatrist is not a bad idea at all. . The Psychiatrist is more qualified to deal with your mental problem. He would be able to give you a proper diagnosis and immediately start you on drug therapy. He might even prescribe you for psychotherapy sessions. Either way, you'll have that peace of mind to find out what's wrong with you and face your demons. .

Now, that I'm on mood stabilizers and antidepressants. i'm more functional

Answer 4

Psychiatrist is the best because as soon as he diagnoses you he can start you an medications. Your regular physician could but the psychiatrist specialises in it so he is more up to date.
I see both a Physician and a Psychiatrist (asthma etc : Bi-polar)

Answer 5

I am a doctor so I may be biased, however I'd see your PCP first. Your depression my be caused by an Internal medicine problem and you'd need to have this worked up before a Psych could do extensive counceling and medication in any case.

Answer 6

I'd suggest a doctor first, who would most likely then refer you on to a specialist. Remember psychaitrists aren't the only ones who deal with mental health, and the doctor may decided you'd be more suited to say cognative behavioural theraphy. Good luck

Answer 7

no shrinks...go to your physician first., maybe he can prescribe Xanax and Paxil or Zoloft , one for anxiety and the other for depression. but first let him find out if it is one or the other. I would go to a really good physician first. No shrinks.,...go to a therapist (psychotherapis) but no shrinks...these are crazier than everyone............

Answer 8

PSYCHOLOGIST

NO MEDICATION

CBT THERAPY