Psychiatrist Career Guide and Counseling

Question: Is it legal for a psychiatrist to tell a suicidal patient that they are destined to commit suicide? Is it legal for a psychiatrist to tell this to a suicidal teenager? The point of seeing a psychiatrist would be to get well - not have every shred of hope torn from underneath you. Come on - it's Kervorkian ethics. Are there not any guidelines for psychiatrists on what they can tell people? How is a philosophy of hopelessness going to heal anybody?

Answer: what's unethical is not always illegal. The shrink is just a loser.

Question: How many psychiatrist appointments will it take to get a diagnosis? I've got my second assessment with a psychiatrist soon. How many times will I have to see them before I get a diagnosis and prescribed medication? (I previously had a diagnosis of depression and generalised anxiety disorder, but they are investigating the possibility of OCD, Bipolar and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder at the moment if that helps)

Answer: Don't wish for a diagnosis, it will come soon enough, and once they are sure what it is they will give it to you. Many people feel that once they receive their diagnosis they are labelled for life and are therefore subject to all the stigma and discrimination that can go along a mental illness. I find it strange that you are having more than one assessment, normally someone would have one assessment and then appointments to follow up, providing the assessment proves the need for treatment. It does sound that you suffering a great deal and that symptoms that are common to more than one diagnosis are present, this could be the reason that they haven't defined quite yet, which illness covers them all. My suggestion would be to make an appointment to see your GP and discuss it with him/her. Just because you are seeing a psychiatrist doesn't mean that you can't still receive help and support from your GP, that is what they are there for. If your symptoms are causing you major problems then you need to ask if your GP can prescribe something to help you until you have a clear diagnosis and set treatment plan. Again, when you next see your psychiatrist, ask the question that you have asked here. It is a valid question and one that he should be able to answer better than anyone on here will be able to. These links to the Mind website offer easy to read and understand information for the illnesses you mentioned: Understanding OCD http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+obsessive-compulsive+disorder.htm Understanding Bipolar disorder http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+manic+depression.htm Understanding PTSD http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+post-traumatic+stress+disorder.htm You may not want to read them now, but they will be useful once you do get that diagnosis that you want. Hope this helps.

Question: What is the breakdown between Psychiatrist and Psychologist? I know psychiatrists can prescribe medicine, but how is the school different? I know psychiatrist follow the course of any doctor and go through med school. In detail, what does a psychologist have to do?

Answer: psychiatrists go to med school and then do a 3 year residency after that. psychologists go to graduate school for a phd in clinical psychology. psychiatrists typically do counseling and therapy through non-medication treatments. patients are then referred to psychiatrists for medication treatment. however, in the past psychiatrists and psychologists have had very different roles when it came to medication prescribing but now many states now allow psychologists to prescribe medications. graduate programs for clinical psychology are starting to involve the medication aspect of the field. so, in summary, the roles of the two professions are beginning to merge.

Question: What would a psychiatrist tell a teen who is obsesed with cats? I am obsessed with them (sad) and need medical help! i love cats rings mostly, but also love the animal. everything i do has something to do with them! Psychiatrist help plz!

Answer: If your obsession is getting in the way of your daily life, you need to get help, no matter what that obsession is. But, teens normally have some strong interest in something- music, horses, cats, boys. If you just REALLY love them, but can function without petting one constantly, I would take that interest to your nearest animal shelter or vetrinarian office and volunteer. This will help you help them, prepare you for a possible career, and the volunteer experience is valuable both when applying for jobs and for college. Best of luck!

Question: What is a visit to the psychiatrist like? I'm having some problems in my relationship and want to visit a psychiatrist to get to the root of the problems and figure out ways that I can improve my communication with my spouse and modify my behavior so that we have a healty and happy relationship. My question is, does it make sense to see a psychiatrist for this and what can I expect during my first visit? I've never been to one before :) Thanks!

Answer: they ask a lot of questions

Question: What questions would a psychiatrist ask a teenager with delusions of talking animals? It's a really weird question, but I'm working on a short story, and I have no knowledge of the psychiatry field and no imagination as to what a psychiatrist might say to an adolescent with delusions of a talking parrot. Sorry, sorry. I meant talking in the holding a literal conversation sense.

Answer: I thought parrots did talk??? I would think the doctor would simply think the child is lonely and it is his or her "Imaginary friend" I would think that the psychiatrist would simply ask questions about what the parrot talks to them about? Does anyone else talk to the parrot? Can I talk to the parrot or would anyone be able to hear the parrot talk. Can you see the parrot? can you draw me a picture or the parrot? what color is it.? Whats the parrots name? Is he mean to you? Or is it your best friend? Does the parrot have parents? are his parrot parents nice to him? Maybe the child is relating the parrot to his or her own life or is in desperate need for friendship or companionship or take another road and this parrot could be the childs alterego or a voice telling him/her to do bad things.. i guess it just depends on what you are looking for But I believe the doctor would be patient and understanding and try to learn more about the parrot before and understanding why he is a big influence on the child before anything else.

Question: How long does it take to become a forensic psychiatrist? I am an upcoming senior in High-School and I am about to apply to colleges in the fall. I would to know if I wanted to become a forensic psychiatrist would attending the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities be a good choice for my 4 yr degree? How long it takes to become a forensic psychiatrist? Also, what is the difference between a forensic psychologist and a forensic psychiatrist and what do each of them earn annually?

Answer: Psychologists most commonly have a doctoral degree. A doctoral degree generally requires 5 to 7 years of graduate study, culminating in a dissertation based on original research. Courses in quantitative research methods, which include the use of computer-based analysis, are an integral part of graduate study and are necessary to complete the dissertation. The Psy.D. degree may be based on practical work and examinations rather than a dissertation. In clinical, counseling, and school psychology, the requirements for the doctoral degree include at least a 1-year internship. Earnings for psychologists vary by setting, experience, and license. On average, a Psy.D. will earn between 50 - 70,000 year. Some earn a lot more than that. Forensic psychologists specialize in criminal behavior. This is a specialty they can choose in school and it will not necessary tack on any additional time. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor first then completes training in psychiatry. A psychologist does not earn an MD, unless they decide to go to medical school as well. To become a psychiatrist, one must first get accepted to and pass medical school. At that point you would complete a rotation in psychiatry. You will also have to pass the psychiatry boards to become Board Certified. It takes approximately 8 years of college plus a residency in order to become a medical doctor. A psychiatrist will complete an additional residency in psychiatry. You are looking at the better part of ten years. The rewards are helping people and incredible earnings potential. A psychiatrist earns 100 to 200,000 a year, but many earn even more than that. I would suggest that you talk with your school's guidance office to make sure you are on track for either medical school or for acceptance to graduate school to earn the PsyD. Good luck to you.

Question: How much does a psychiatrist appointment cost? I have always had the worst focus and persistence. I always find my mind wandering , daydreaming. I won't get into detail but a friend of mind suggested that i get tested for ADD/ADHD. How much would that cost with an average psychiatrist?

Answer: could be over $200 and diagnostic appointments cost even more. Your regular physician can start a diagnosis and prescribe meds too. Much cheaper.

Question: Would a psychiatrist be reluctant to prescribe anti-depressants if the patient has a past with painkillers? I know someone who is severely depressed and has never seen a psychiatrist. This person knows he could probably benefit from therapy and/or anti-depressant medication. He has had a problem with painkillers in the past, sometimes mixing them with alcohol. If he's honest with the psychiatrist about this issue, will the doctor not prescribe any medication, afraid to give more pills to an addict? Just wondering.

Answer: I would think that it would have an effect as to whether or not the doctor would prescribe anti-depressants. He or she might look for alternative methods of helping the patient to deal with his or her depression.

Question: Whats the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist? Most people will just say that a psychiatrist has an MD and can prescribe medicine, while a psychologist can't. Thats true but thats really too basic. Can anyone give a more detailed explanation?

Answer: A psychiatrist will treat you like a doctor would. He will do an analysis and then prescribe a medicine for treatment. A psychologists will talk with you and try to help you with your problem through therapy, discussions, etc. Not just prescribe a medicine.

Question: What exactly will a first appointment with a psychiatrist entail? I have an appt with a psychiatrist (not a psychologist or therapist) tomorrow. I have anxiety and mood swings but I am breastfeeding so i dont think i can take anything for it, but i am still curious about what I should expect. Does anyone have any experience with a psychiatrist and what they went through?

Answer: The psychiatrist will ask you a number of questions. I suggest that you come prepared with answers: 1) when did your anxiety start? 2) do you have any ideas about what is causing your anxiety? 3) can you describe your anxiety feelings? Are your feelings accompanied with physical symptoms? (i.e. heart palpitations, fatigue, nausea, chest pain, shortness of breath, stomach ache, head ache? 4) can you describe your mood swings; try to write down what moods you experience. Are you depressed, obsess about fears? 5) try to write down the dates/times you experience your mood swings 6) what is the duration and intensity of your mood swings? 7) describe your day; is your day regular or chaotic?

Question: How do I know which Psychiatrist to select? Thanks for looking. I want to go to a Psychiatrist for Depression and Anxiety. I just dont know where to start! Im scared of selecting the wrong doctor. How can i find a good Psychiatrist in Orange County, CA? If I find a Psychiatrist I look him up and he has a bad grade online. I just dont know & I'm starting to become frustrated. Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

Answer: I don't know about psychiatrists but a lot of psychologists or MFT's will give you a free session to test them out. I suggest shopping around- try out a few and stick with someone you are comfortable talking to who has a similar ideology. I found my therapist of www.psychologytoday.com It's a good resource.

Question: How to find out if psychiatrist takes insurance? Is there a website to go to that list psychiatrist that take a certain type of insurance?

Answer: Call their office and ask their secretary. People call all the time to check.

Question: What's the difference between psychiatrist, phycologist, and therapist? What's the difference between psychiatrist, phycologist, and therapist? i was just wondering btw i want 2 b one wen i grow up. (the one who gives advice and stuff)

Answer: a psychiatrist is also a medical doctor (an MD) so s/he can prescribe medicine. a psychologist has studied psychology and is able to help people come out of depression/other psychological disorders. S/he cannot prescribe medicine! a therapist is like a counsellor who advises people on what to do in certain situations....or helping people come out of a bad trauma/experience. In many ways, a therapist is like a psychologist.

Question: I am going to a Psychiatrist for possible depression and anxiety problems. What to expect? I am 15, and I am very nervous about going. Does a psychiatrist just perscribe medicine, or do you talk like a therapist? Do you do activities?

Answer: I went to a psychiatrist for the same thing. I had social anxiety and depression. She asked me questions like what what going on in my life, what i worry about, what i think about, what makes me anxious, and why i feel depressed. Just the basic questions. Just be honest and dont worry becuase your going to get help. If you have any emotion it should be excitement. Your on the road to recovery. I didnt do to many activities when i went. She just talked to me about everything. And if they think medicine is necessary then they will get some one to prescribe you medicine. good luck and dont worry about it. you will be fine.

Question: How do I find a good psychiatrist in sydney for depression and bipolar disorder? I have had depression for a long time and have recently lost my job. It just comes and goes. Sometimes I can be more happy than usual and I am worried that it could be bipolar. I live in Sydney and am looking for a good psychiatrist who can help me.

Answer: being a piece of bread can help be a super hero