topic GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info in Treatments, health professionals and therapies

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

blondguy — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 23:07:13 GMT

Hi Everyone! New Posters are very welcome to share your experiences with a GP too!

I had an appointment yesterday with my GP. He is aware of what I do on the Beyond Blue forums. I asked him about anti depressants and how he treats his patients with depression/ anxiety and why some GP's dont prescribe meds. This is what I learned yesterday from one doctor.

He has always had an interest in depression and anxiety and prescribes AD's where the symptoms fit the criteria to do so
He will refer to a psychiatrist if a patient shows symptoms of a more 'complex' mental illness and not prescribe meds himself
Some GP's have little interest in 'getting involved' with depression and will refer to a psychiatrist with little if any discussion
He isnt 'pro meds' or 'anti-meds' He treats depression as a serious illness with meds to improve his patients health & well being

He mentioned that a pro-active GP can know more about AD's than some psychiatrists as GP's have more frequent patient contact

It did surprise me that some GP's have little or no interest in treating depression. I hope these GP's are in the minority.

I am interested to know any good or not so good experiences other people have had with a GP. I posted this thread originally so any people with untreated depression/anxiety have a better understanding of how experiences with a GP can be positive step towards recovery.

All your thoughts are most welcome

Thankyou for taking the time to read my thread

Kind thoughts

Paul

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

PatT — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 08:05:32 GMT

Hi Paul,

I've found this to be pretty accurate from my own experiences. Some GP's look at you with a deadpan expression, get you to fill out a mental health scale, print you off a mental health plan, prescribe you the most generic SSRI available and tell you to find a psych and touch base in a month or so. These are most generally at the bulk-billing GPs that get a huge influx of patients every day, though not always.

It really sucks that mental health is kind of treated as a second-class illness by some and as a completely foreign one. It's good that more GPs are undertaking courses on it these days though, but still...progress to be made.

Pat

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

blondguy — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 08:12:35 GMT

Hi Pat...Thanks for responding:-) I had some time spare yesterday so I just asked him 'how it worked'...Like yourself I was surprised to learn what I did about some GP's 'handballing' people like us to a psychiatrist when it can be handled 'in house' by a GP. Great to have a chat to you Pat..My best....Paul

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

Synapse — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 08:48:38 GMT

Hey Paul,

Great post! I reckon it's fantastic that you asked your GP about anti-depressants.

By the sounds of it, your GP seems to be very forward thinking and adept at working with patients who have mental health issues.

As for my own personal experience, I was very lucky to have a GP who was knowledgeable and empathetic to my issues. If I remember correctly, he prescribed me a few types of anti-depressants and we ended up settling with SSRIs. He also formulated a mental health care plan and wrote up a referral for me to see a Clinical Psychologist.

It appears that I was quite lucky in my case. Unfortunately, your GP is correct in saying that some clinicians care little about mental health issues. It's an unfortunate truth, but hopefully this is limited to a small number of practitioners.

Thanks for sharing your experience. 🙂

Ken.

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

blondguy — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 09:20:49 GMT

Hi Ken, Thankyou for your post and opinion on this matter...You are like myself..we are very lucky people to have a crackerjack GP. I never thought I would be 'interviewing' my own GP on this awful illness. What a positive and very kind compliment too Ken:-)....Thankyou so much...Look forward to having a chat with you! My Best....Paul

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

JessF — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 23:20:10 GMT

Hello Paul, it sounds like you have found a good one. I have found GPs to be generally very good with mental health but I accept I have had a good run. I have seen a few psychiatrists along the way, and all have been pretty terrible, but I accept I have probably had a bad run there. The main difference I found between the GPs and the psychiatrists was what we quaintly used to call 'bedside manner'. The GPs I have seen listen, the psychiatrists I have found to be very cold and fixated on their checklists, and very 'you will do this' when it comes to medication. I remember arguing with one extensively about a medication he had put me on that was making me quite unwell, and it's the only time I've ever cried in an appointment because he made me feel so belittled in having to beg to be taken off a treatment. I did not go back.

With the GPs being the first time someone will be seeing a health professional about their depression or other mental illness I would hope that awareness is being raised across the board. I can understand Pat's comment about the bulk billing ones making you feel rushed. I would suggest to anyone reading that if they are going to see their GP about mental health related things to book a double appointment, you won't get through everything you need to talk about in 10 or 15 minutes.

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

blondguy — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 05:28:54 GMT

Hello Jess, your experience is very similar to mine. I have also found the psychiatrists too patronising and 'non involved' during what I thought was going to be therapy. That 'specialist' you had to 'beg' and becoming upset speaks volumes of how 'disconnected' some of them can be despite their many years of study and training.

JessF said: " I would suggest to anyone reading that if they are going to see their
GP about mental health related things to book a double appointment, you
won't get through everything you need to talk about in 10 or 15 minutes."

Thankyou for replying and your advice too Jess, Paul

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

Novicemum — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 04:21:03 GMT

Hi Paul. I asked for a double session with my daughters new GP as I needed to share with her everything that's going on with my daughter,also to make sure she is being honest with the GP too. I asked many people if they know GPs with mental health experience but ended up taking her to see her cousins GP. She was brilliant for him (saved his life,can we ask for more?) and hopefully will be successful with my child. She was "lecturing" in the kindest way possible,but still explaining re exercise,diet and sleep and their importance in balancing our mental and physical health. I've since got my child on an exercise bike for 15 min a day. Some days I can't be there to make her do it,so we do double the next time. I'm currently looking at clinics in Queensland for her,but don't know of any feedback as to their success rate. She's not working but is getting out of bed most days.

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

blondguy — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 08:46:34 GMT

Hi Novicemum...you are no novice from what I can see 🙂 I see a really kind and wonderful mum.

Thankyou for replying. The double appt you made is so productive as well as "to make sure that your daughter is being honest with the GP too"....That is a great point!

What a legend of a GP to care that much that she saved his life. It fascinates me how some GP's have an active interest in mental illness and some dont. You are doing really well...exercise bike....and your daughter is also getting out and about most days...that is a huge plus.

You are right about finding a GP using word of mouth. The success rate is hard to ascertain but finding a GP who has an 'interest' or understands mental health is always a huge step in the right direction.

It would be great if you could post back NM. You are doing everything possible and well too:-)

My Best for you and your daughter

Paul

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

blondguy — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 05:05:38 GMT

Hi Novicemum

Sorry for the double post. I am just popping in to see how you are going? Have you had any joy in your search for a good GP in Queensland?

My Kind Thoughts

Paulx

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

Kalamata — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 03:17:03 GMT

Hi Paul

My GP almost twenty years ago arranged for a psychiatrist to spend a day a month in her surgery to assist her in the diagnosis and referral of patients that she had preliminarily diagnosed with mental health issues.

It was from this discussion with them both that I was referred to another psychiatrist. I have been seeing him ever since through a heap of events, conditions and stints in hospitals.

I was extremely fortunate that at the time I had such a caring GP who was so willing to enhance her knowledge in such a practical and engaging way. This was literally many years ago.

Since then I have found various GPs to be quite distant in regards to my mental illness as soon as they are aware that I am working with a psychiatrist (and concurrently with a clinical psychologist for about seven years). I put this down to professional protocols rather than indifference, especially in relation to any discussions regarding atypical anti psychotics and mood stabilisers.

Quite understandable in my view.

I am incredibly grateful for my GP so many years ago. If only it could have happened sooner in my life and everyone could be so fortunate.

Thanks for initiating this thread.

Cheers, Alex

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

blondguy — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 14:02:36 GMT

Hi Alex

Thanks for responding and welcome to you! Your kind words mean a great deal to me and are really appreciated.

As you mentioned it is understandable that GP's become 'shy' because you already have specialists involved but still somewhat disappointing even with the protocols they observe.

I did see a psychiatrist in the 1980's for acute anxiety many times but this GP still took me on which did surprise me a few years later. I started seeing him in 1997 and he prescribed me with my AD's that I was so scared to death of taking at the time....they gave me a platform on which I could heal effectively. I am still on them now.

I really have to quote your excellent comment that can help so many others on the forums that do or don't post. You mentioned;

"I was extremely fortunate that at the time I had such a caring GP who
was so willing to enhance her knowledge in such a practical and engaging way"

Alex...this is the type of feedback I was hoping for and thankyou for providing it. I can see you have been through many hard times and have a ton of experience on mental health as a result of doing so.

It takes a lot of courage to come on the forums and share your experience. I know I wouldn't be on here unless the forums were 'rock solid secure'. You are more than welcome to post as many times as you wish.

It has been a pleasure to read and respond to your valued input Alex.

It would be great to read any help you can provide me or others

My Kind Thoughts for Alex

Paul

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

Lost_Girl — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 15:24:21 GMT

Great thread Paul,

I was very blessed finding my GP. I go to a walk in medical centre but where you can request the dr to see. It was by chance I saw mine as my regular GP was not on roster.

I was an absolute mess. I had chronic pain but was super emotional and crying uncontrollably day in day out. She was empathetic, listened and prescribed a low dose of ADs pending further review from a Neurologist and Psychologist. She saw me every 3 days initially, she effectively held my hand through all the changes and side effects of the ADs, then moved out to weekly visits when I stabilised a little.

When I had problems with my neurologist my GP went over and above not only on referring me to a new neurologist but doing further research in her own time to present me with an understanding of possible diagnosis and alternative treatments.

I asked my GP about Pain Management clinics and specialists and she refused to discuss it. She said I hadn't been properly diagnosed by the neuro so insisted on waiting it out and sticking with my psychologist helped with relaxation and distraction.

My GP took over management of my ADs where my neuro failed me. When she saw improvement after my new neurologist treatment she said she was so happy for me, she had been losing sleep over me in trying to find ways to help.

Through this experience my tip would be; if you see a GP (or any specialist) who does not listen and does not take the time to explain things and present options, look again and find someone new.

I am on my second neuro and second physio and am finally getting somewhere.

Best wishes all

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

blondguy — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 18:07:33 GMT

Hey Carol, Always a gift to get your input...you have had the same fortune as I have where GP's/Docs are concerned and kudos to you for having the perseverance to do so well. I have to quote you...if thats okay..

Carol Said: "if you see a GP (or any specialist) who does not listen and does not
take the time to explain things and present options, look again and find
someone new."

Thanks Carol.....you are a trailblazer on here and thankyou for your help with emmy..my memory is excellent 🙂

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

geoff — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 19:14:01 GMT

hi Paul, a good post to start many replies.
My first psychologist was also my GP who I had being seeing for 20 years, and any AD that was not suitable for me she changed without any doubt, so there was never any concerns there, although my ex said to me 'why was I still seeing after all this time', simple I could talk to her without any prohibition on anything.
Once she left another doctor took over who I did know and kept me on the same AD but always asked how I was feeling so he was very interested, and I had asked him if he had gone through depression himself, which he said many tough times but not depression, but then said his son was going through depression and having a tough time, so we would talk about his son, so he understand what depression could do as one of his family had it, so in other words he was always good with me and asked how I was going with the new psychologist, which I said I didn't like him very much.
I have seen three psychiatrists and they were all cold nor did they let me know they understood what I was saying, no emotional response, because when you're with them you open up about your whole life, so we need some feedback from them, otherwise you might as well talk to a brick wall, and that's why I much prepare psychologists. Geoff.

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

Just Sara — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 20:44:31 GMT

Wow Paul; once again you've hit the mark.

For me? I've had the same GP for nearly 20 yrs and she's like family. She treats me as a whole person, not just a bunch of symptoms. I can tell her anything, and I have.

In regards to med's; we work as a team. She seeks my advice as much as I do hers. My feedback on positive or negative affects is part of our management strategy. If I'm not happy with something, I'll let her know and we discuss options; she knows I research med's prior to taking them. My wonderful psychologist and GP work as a team too. They often consult on my progress and try to find available funding for more visits.

I guess what I'm saying, is that I take responsibility for being in her surgery too. I tell her if I think she's off the mark, or if she has trust issues with me using PRN psychotropic med's for instance. As I only have one script every 3 or 4 months now, she accepts I use minimal amounts only to treat excessive anxiety, so addictive factors are very low.

When I was having problems at work, she'd ring me after hrs to see how I was. Every now and then I get a call from her even though she doesn't have to. I called her from my car one day in distress and she had a script ready at the next town ready to pick up. She's a legend!

This relationship has taken time to develop. The most important thing was my need to feel a part of my own healing and recovery.

Cheers...Dizzy x

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

blondguy — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 12:45:53 GMT

Hey Dizzy and thanks for your kind words 🙂 It is wonderful to see that some others are fortunate to have a well tuned GP and therapist. Can really can make such a huge difference to our recovery.

I Loved this "The most important thing was my need to feel a part of my own healing and recovery"

Absolutely spot on! Always great to have your support and input Dizzy. Paulx

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

Kylie_Ann — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 11:42:01 GMT

Hi Paul,

I'm not in the least bit surprised anymore about some GP's not knowing or wanting to know about Mental Health issues.

I have had quite a few GP's over the last few years, two stand out more than most for being absolutely wonderful and some were actually quite horrible and others just didn't know what to do, so did nothing.

My current GP is amazing, she knows a lot about mental health and also works in a mental health facility, she gives me all of her attention and does not rush me, we have fortnightly appointments and she takes time to ensure I am ok, she has told me on occasion she has been worried about me and has almost contacted one of my specialists for their advice and opinion. I am very happy that she has my best interests at heart and cares about me.

She wants me to be seen by a psychologist and psychiatrist on a regular basis due to the complexity of my situation, she has explained this to me so that I understand and am not left feeling confused, angry, upset or like she is just palming me off to someone else.

My GP prescribes all of my medications and liaises with every specialist I see.

My GP is hoping to get me into a full DBT therapy program within the public system, we are currently having issues with this as I apparently don't fit into all of their boxes.

Thankyou for your post

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

blondguy — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 13:03:50 GMT

Hello Kylie Ann and thankyou for your pro-active and re-assuring post 🙂

Welcome too of course! I am sorry as I have a mental block of what DBT therapy is...I joined Beyond Blue in January this year and am still learning on an ongoing basis..If I can quote you on something you wrote if thats ok

I dont usually quote such a huge portion of anyone's post but you have really said what I was trying to say when I started this thread.......Nice1 Kylie Ann

"My current GP is amazing, she knows a lot about mental health and also
works in a mental health facility, she gives me all of her attention and
does not rush me, we have fortnightly appointments and she takes time
to ensure I am ok, she has told me on occasion she has been worried
about me and has almost contacted one of my specialists for their advice
and opinion. I am very happy that she has my best interests at heart
and cares about me"

The bulk of the hits on BB are from people who choose to read and not to post which is fine. I just wanted to say thankyou for making a difference and posting about you having a GP who is pro-active where mental health is concerned.

You have just helped many people (including me) with such a great post Kylie Ann 🙂 Just to let you know that the forums are rock solid secure for your privacy. It would be a bonus if you could post back or when you wish create your own thread/topic.

You have a crackerjack GP (and network) and thankyou so much for letting us know too 🙂

My kindest thoughts for you..

Paul x

GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

A2D2 — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 03:07:25 GMT

I would recommend the mental illness equivalent of doctor shopping. I have been using the same practice for 20 years and always see whoever is available to get my script refilled and leave it at that. Few have asked more than the basic obligatory questions and that has been fine with me - after nearly 40 years, I am good at managing things for myself most of the time and I prefer to leave well enough alone.

Lately I've needed more help and come across more responsive GPs, I think as a result of the state I've been in when I get there.

I've found most who are really responsive to depression and anxiety have been female. I suspect that is because I am female and can relate better to them but it may be that they are more empathetic.

I have met other GPs who would be fantastic and are really interested in looking after the medication side too, but just don't work for me as I find their style too invasive.

So in the end, it comes down to who's style works for you at the time and if it isn't the first one try again. And again if you need to.