Title: Family Doctor or Psychiatrist? | Brain Blogger
Headings: Family Doctor or Psychiatrist?
Family Doctor or Psychiatrist?
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Content: Some tests that are commonly done are EEG, MRI, or PET scans to rule out seizure disorders, and some lab tests to determine pituitary and thyroid function. In mainstream mental health, medication is an important ingredient in treatment of mental illness. Although the family doctor can prescribe medications, a psychiatrist is more familiar with the wide range of psychiatric medications, how to use them in combination, and how to manage their side effects. ( 3)
A majority of people diagnosed with a mental illness by their family doctor are not referred to psychiatrists. The doctor probably chats with them for a few minutes, writes a prescription, and sends the individual home. If the individual is concerned that additional professional investigation is needed, they should insist on being referred to a psychiatrist. On the other hand, if the family doctor does suggest that an individual see a psychiatrist many people do not go at all and refuse additional treatment, because for the rest of their lives, when asked “have you ever been to a mental health professional”, they will have to say “yes”, risking jobs, relationships, insurance coverage, admission to schools, etc. due to stigmatization. They are afraid that a visit to a psychiatrist will label them as “nuts”. They may not have faith in the mental health system at all, or may not have confidence in psychiatric drugs.