Do GP's or psychiatrists diagnose mental illnesses?!


Question: Do GP's or psychiatrists diagnose mental illnesses!?
I am going to my GP tomorrow to tell her about my state of mind, I am totally confused about what is the exact mental illness I suffer from but I am aware I am depressed and a self loather, suffer anxiety and agoraphobia, if I tell my GP how I feel will he/she diagnose me with the illness or will I be referred to a psychiatrist, what will or could happen to meWww@Answer-Health@Com


Answers:
Any good GP would refer you to a psychiatrist, so that they can make an accurate, informed assessment of your needs!. A general practicitoner is really more of an everyday "I've got a bad cold, earache," kinda doc!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

My experience!.!. My local gp has been fantastic and after a quick chat was the one who initially diagnosed me with depression and anxiety problems!. She referred me to a psychologist who she thought would be well suited to help me address these and other issues!. After months of seeing my psycholgist, I felt I needed more help and my gp has now prescribed me some medication!.

A psychiatrist is more like a drug specialist, so if you wanted to be taken through different options of medication for your depression in a much more detailed way that is when you would see them!. The difference is that a gp is more of a first step and helps you identify the problems and work out who to see / where to go from there, so with your basic diagnosis in mind will refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or other specialist!.

Good luck talking with your gp, it's often such a relief and I hope it is for you too because of the way you described how you're feeling!. Your gp will talk about different options and will most likely recommend refer you to a psychologist!. Hope things get better soon! :)Www@Answer-Health@Com

In the UK, your first point of access to help is your GP!. Many GPs have long experience of dealing with Mental Health problems - so the chances are he/she will treat you!. If your GP feels that your problem is outside his/her experience (either now or later) he/she will then refer you to specialist services!. Neither GPs nor Psychiatrists are keen to attach a diagnostic 'label' to someone - because they know that most people have a single episode rather than a life-long problem - they are more concerned about how the problem is affecting your life, and how they can help you!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

the doctor will referr u to a psychiatrist!. It happened 4 me abou depression and anxiety!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

A psychiatrist should be the one to make the diagnosis!. However, GPs often do - sometimes that's a good thing, but in most cases it isn't!. I find the best GPs will find some way to try to help you but only so you have some support until the professionals take over!.

It will depend on your GP!. A lot of them don't think these things exist (still) or that they can handle it all!. Still, a larger portion will send you to someone else!.

However, it may not be a psychiatrist: a psychiatrist deals with many large issues and there are insurance concerns!. If your insurance will cover it, often they will send you to a psychologist or a mental health counsellor to get their assessment and then medicate you themselves, if necessary, while taking the advice of the psychologist!. This can be a good thing: it doesn't overburden psychiatrists, you get more attention to the psychological aspects (there are psychiatrists who only believe in medication) and a psychologist has a different type of training!. This training involves more years devoted to exclusive psychology concerns, though less with organic factors!.

The truth is you are the best predictor of your doctor!. You know what factors they like to look at!. When you are having trouble battling something, or something is long term, does he ask you how things are doing in your life!? Then he's more likely to refer you!. Does he tend to quickly listen, prescribe you something then push you out!? He's likely then to just hand you a pill and send you on your way!. However, with mention of agoraphobia, you sound more likely to get outside help!.

Just don't diagnose yourself with depression, agoraphobia, etc!. Don't use those words, just describe your troubles!. I can't tell you how horrible it is to watch people diagnose themselves and then miss out on proper treatment because they develop symptoms that aren't them (from researching), lead a professional down a path before they can decide themselves or are so determined that they found their diagnosis that they won't listen to the professional!.

Always remember you are the expert on your symptoms and what treatment you can handle (life changes, if side effects are too bad, etc!.)!. They are the experts on psychology and medicine!. You both need to let each other play your individual roles!.Www@Answer-Health@Com





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