2007-02-04 17:26:31 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
I know that my views are not mainstream, but I think the whole pharma / medical profession is a waste of time and money. Doctors are so under pressure these days with super full caseloads, fears of lawsuits and really limited to pharmaceuticals to help their patients - they seem more like prescription salesmen more than interested care givers. When you consider that all of those medication are around to mimic the work of natural ingredients (which have far fewer side effects), it's a wonder we all haven't woken up to this scam long ago.
Psychiatrists in particular are useless, in my mind, except for those of us who really have no one else to talk to. In that case they seem like the emotional equivalent to a hooker - when no one else wants to hear your story, you pay someone to listen (and then they can get you onto prescriptions that will hook you to the drug and the dr for life, if the dr is lucky).
Peace!
2007-02-04 17:42:00 · answer #1 · answered by carole 7 · 3⤊ 3⤋
Some are some aren't. I have been through tons of psychiatrist over the past 10-12 years. I finally found one who listened to me and took time to research my symptoms before discovering I had ADD. I'm 35. in the past I've been told it was in my head and I needed to get over it, I was Bipolar, I was depressed, severely depressed, (duh). I have taken tons of pills with little or no improvement. Until I found Dr Ahmed he listened to me did a little research tested me did blood test. Asked about family history then a few days later he diagnosed me as having a sever case of depression that seems like bipolar but cannot be treated the same way. He got me on Ritalin, wellbutrion, and a mood stabilizer called lamictal. I have never been so clear as I am now. I can get up and do what i have to do to change my life. So keep looking there are good ones. And it ok to tell a psychiatrist what you feel you need and if he doesn't at least listen to you and explain why he diagnosed you a certain way or tell you why he prescribes a medication. Then find someone that will. This is your health you need someone who is going to look out for your well being. Not his own or the insurance company's bottom line.
Hope this helps.
2007-02-04 17:44:22 · answer #2 · answered by Javie 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There have been some really good answers to this question, and some really bad ones, too, but the one thing almost all of them forgot to say is that you only get out of this what you put in to it. The key to a successful shrink/client relationship is honesty. You have to be completely honest with your psychiatrist or they can't help you. Remember that they are not going to judge you, they're there to help you, and they can't do that if you don't tell them everything they need to know about your particular case. They are not magicians nor can they read minds, so it's up to you to give them what they require to do a good job for you. If you've had a bad experience with one, keep looking until you find one that you are comfortable with.
2007-02-04 18:17:35 · answer #3 · answered by rick m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After 8 yrs in therapy...i would say - no, they are not a waste IF you find the right one. I went through 6 before i found one that worked for me. She got me OFF all the TERRIBLE pills they feel are so important to keep you addicted to, she listened to me, and worked on a program that helped me tremendously.
Do ALOT of research, and be prepared. If you don't feel comfortable with the person (not to be confused with what they are saying to you)...then find another. If you do your research...you will also find out that getting off antidepressants can be more difficult than getting off heroin...so BEWARE!!! They are a temporary fix....you can't just cover the problem with meds...you have to work on it from the inside out...and a GOOD therapist will help you do that.
Learn about their views and if they match with your general views as well....for example....if I go to a therapist and ask what they they commonly prescribe for depression...and the FIRST thing they say to me ...is Zoloft or another drug....they aren't someone I want to talk to any further. If they say something closer to...depression isn't something cured by medicine....I'm very inclined to stay and listen to what they have to say.
2007-02-04 17:56:11 · answer #4 · answered by jacksonholegoddess 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are MDs who usually prescribe meds to cure mental/emotional problems.
What makes them worth the time and money, is their ability to subject a patient to psychoanalysis, a very valuable technique for a disturbed/troubled patient.
2007-02-04 17:31:36 · answer #5 · answered by Yellow Tail 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. The meds my pscyhiatrist gave me have definitely been helping. I didn't have to pay anything, though, since my school provides medical and counseling services for free.
2007-02-04 17:30:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's up to the individual,I will say this,if you go to ten different shrinks,you will get ten different answers,do the math,the only ones that come close to them in being different from his own colleagues are the judges,they also differ in dealing with crimes from one another
2007-02-04 17:39:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. They can prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy.
2007-02-04 18:00:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
hullo
i disagree with you,they are essential to society .
it seems that you had a bad experience with one of them,still you can consult a psychologist instead.
Dr.solo
2007-02-04 17:33:33 · answer #9 · answered by baghdadcatcash 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋