Your psychiatrist, as a medical doctor, is very interested in understanding the details of how you’re feeling and functioning, especially if you’ve been prescribed psychiatric medications. Signs are objectively observed phenomena (such as the results of blood tests or the existence of hand tremors). Symptoms are what you experience firsthand and typically may not be observable to your psychiatrist during your visit. Symptoms may include oversleeping or trouble falling asleep, tearfulness, experiencing acute anxiety, or feeling scattered and unable to focus.
By explaining symptoms clearly, you help your doctor make the right diagnosis and develop the best treatment plan. It is helpful if you can describe the severity, how often they occur, how long they’ve been happening, and if you notice possible triggers or patterns to the symptoms. Please don’t hesitate to mention symptoms even if they seem embarrassing (such as sexual functioning or changes in bowel habits).
It can be helpful to make yourself a note to bring with you to your appointment in order to avoid forgetting important information during your visit. Include new symptoms you’ve had since your last visit, how things have improved and any questions you have. At times, people may minimize their symptoms and say they feel better than they really do. Unfortunately this might prevent your psychiatrist from making adjustments that could help your treatment be more effective.
Read more about psychiatric appointments from the American Psychiatric Association.
Blog Archives
Signs and Symptoms
Understanding Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that effects approximately 1% of the population. It generally appears in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, it can emerge at any time in life. It is one of many brain diseases that may include delusions, loss of personality (flat affect), confusion, agitation, social withdrawal, psychosis, and bizarre behavior.
Sometimes in casual conversations, or even in the media, the term schizophrenia is misused. It is not the same thing as multiple personality disorder. Schizophrenia literally means “split mind”; not that it’s a disease of split personalities, but that the individual suffering from the disease is often split off from reality. It’s also important to note that many other conditions may include some of these same symptoms, so it is crucial to obtain a thorough psychiatric evaluation before arriving at a diagnosis.
A person with schizophrenia who receives treatment can lead a rewarding, productive and meaningful life in his or her community. The most effective treatment for schizophrenic patients is usually a combination of medication, psychological counseling, family support, and self-help resources.
Read more about the symptoms, causes and treatment of schizophrenia in Medical News Today.
Medication Management
When taking prescription medication it’s of utmost importance that all of your doctors are aware of all medications and any supplements you may be taking as well as other medical conditions you may have. Smartphone apps can be quite helpful for some people. These apps may involve simply listing your medications, including dosage and frequency (be sure to keep the list updated). This can be helpful when completing medical histories at doctor’s offices, as well as having available if you ever need to go to the emergency room (when it may be difficult to remember these details). Other mobile device apps assist in identifying possible drug interactions, reminding you daily when it’s time to take your medications, or alerting you when it’s time to refill the prescription.
As a medical consumer it’s important to be aware of the following:
- Drug – Food Interactions. Alcohol, caffeine, grapefruit juice, and dairy foods may either intensify or inhibit the effect of prescribed medication. Also, there are medications that specifically should be taken on either a full or an empty stomach.
- Drug – Drug Interactions. There may be prescription or over the counter medications that should be avoided when taking other medications.
- Drug – Supplement/Herbal Interactions. As an example, St. John’s wort can have a negative impact if you’re also taking prescription medication for depression or anxiety.
- Drug – Disease Interactions. For instance, someone with a heart condition needs to be sure that all of his/her doctors are aware of the condition and how it’s being treated. There are certain medications that might be helpful to the general population, but potentially harmful to a person with cardiac disease.
Read more about drug interactions here.
Taking medication exactly as prescribed makes it possible to determine if it’s having the intended effect and whether increasing or decreasing the dose may be indicated. If you haven’t been using the medication as your doctor advised, for whatever reason, it’ll be important to let the doctor know. Your doctor’s goal is to help you feel and function better. If you’re hesitant about medication, sharing your thoughts with your doctor can help you together in achieving this goal.
Finally, simply remembering to take medication is necessary, for which there are numerous tips and tricks.
Read more about adherence to drug treatment here.