Title: Explain To Me Again Why Psychologists Can’t Prescribe Meds? | Thought Broadcast
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Explain To Me Again Why Psychologists Can’t Prescribe Meds?
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Content: At times, Dr Moore has feared that William may in fact attempt suicide, although to this point no attempt has been made. B. Claudia is a 68 year-old Medicare recipient with a history of major depression, asthma, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, chronic renal failure, low back pain, and—for the last year—unexplained urinary incontinence. She sees Dr Smith approximately every four weeks. In each visit (which typically lasts about 20 minutes), Dr Smith must manage all of Claudia’s complaints and concerns, and while Dr Smith has made referrals to the appropriate medical specialists, Claudia’s condition has not improved. In fact, Claudia now worries that she’s a “burden” on everyone else, especially her family, and “just wants to die.” She and her daughter ask Dr Smith to “do something” to help. Each of these scenarios is an actual case from my practice (with details changed to maintain anonymity). Both William and Claudia are in emotional distress, and a case could be made for a trial of a psychiatric medication in each of them. The problem, however, lies in the fact that only one of these “doctors” is a medical doctor: in this case, Dr Smith.