It can be hard enough to explain your symptoms and feelings to another person, let alone to a professional who may not be familiar with your specific condition. You may worry that you won’t be taken seriously or that you’ll be misunderstood.
But it is so important to reach out for help and to keep trying until you find someone who you feel comfortable with. What do you think are some questions you should ask when you see your psychiatrist? Continue reading to find out.
1) “What Other Treatment Options Do I Have?”
It’s important that you feel like you have a say in your treatment and that you understand the risks and benefits of each option.
TMS therapy is a depression treatment that does not involve medication. It is FDA approved and has been shown to be effective for people with depression that does not respond to other treatments. You can ask your psychiatrist for more information about this and other types of treatment.
2) “Will Treatment Cause Dependency?”
If you stop taking a medication, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they can vary depending on the medication.
This means that even if a medicine may cause dependency, it is still worth trying if it is the right medicine for the person. Withdrawal symptoms can be managed with proper care.
3) “How Long Will Treatment Go on For?”
Some treatments can take a while before you see any effects. Be patient and give the treatment time to work.
Mental health medication does not work immediately. It can take a few weeks for the effects to start, and sometimes even longer. If you are not seeing any improvement after three months, you should contact your psychiatrist.
4) “What Happens When I Miss a Dose?”
Missing a dose of your mental health medication is not the end of the world, but it can lead to a relapse of your symptoms. If you do miss a dose, it is important to take it as soon as you remember.
If you are taking a daily medication and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you are taking a weekly or biweekly medication, and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then take the next dose on the regular schedule.
5) “What Are the Possible Side Effects?”
Some medicines may make you feel tired or sick.
It’s crucial to be aware of how your medication will affect you both in terms of its intended purpose and any potential side effects. This is important because both can impact your quality of life. For example, many antidepressants can cause dizziness, stomach problems, and a decreased sex drive. Other medications may cause fatigue and sluggishness.
Some psychiatric medications can have short-term side effects, like drowsiness, and long-term side effects, like an increased risk of physical illness. Make sure to ask your psychiatrist about both before starting a medication.
Conclusion
It is important to be informed and to know what questions to ask your psychiatrist. This allows you to be an active participant in your own care and to make sure that you are getting the most effective treatment possible.
Amodeus Healthcare can help you seek treatment and connect you the right psychiatrists. We offer psychiatric services in Londonderry for you to improve your mental health. Get in touch with us today to get started.