Difficulty Communicating with Psychiatrist

[ZyGirl_DogLvr3]

Long story short: This morning I was feeling jittery but with a cloudy, slow head. Words not forming properly.

During the appointment when my Psychiatrist was asking questions, I could NOT answer them for quite a while because I just couldn't form the words. 😛 Luckily I wrote out a list however. But still; I felt like an idiot. 😐

I refuse to go to some appointments because I know I won't be able to communicate with the doctor properly. 😕

I am a well-spoken person and can put words together very well usually, but not when I "feel funny." It sort of sucks because there are people there to help but not when you're unable to communicate with them properly.

I think it may have something to do with the Benzodiazepine meds I'm taking. They seem to dampen certain cognitive abilities: balance, vocalising & memory. Does anyone else here experience similar 'difficulties forming words and communicating' at appointments?

[pipsy]

Hi Zygirl_DogLver<3. I find when I'm really tired, I have problems concentrating. I know what I want to say, but forming the words is difficult. I do not take AD's, but I have insomnia and if I get tired, my concentration is almost nil. Did your psych prescribe the AD's, if he did, he will no doubt be aware of your difficulty. It's similar to experiencing side effects, you may have been told this could happen, but being told something and actually experiencing it is two different things. I would suggest you actually write down how you feel i.e like you are not in control and ask your psych to help you communicate. The more you tell your psych the more he can help you. Also ask your psych to get in touch with your Dr and explain why seeing him is so hard for you. Can I ask if the AD's are sleep enhancing, if they are this explains more. When you take sleep enhancing medication, the need for sleep overpowers and concentration is harder. Were you told this was a permanent problem. It's possible, once you adjust to them the sleep cycle will ease and you may feel more able to communicate.

Lynda

[Shred1106]

Hi there

I can totally relate to what you are experiencing. I have had the same experience and had some short interventions with benzodiazepines due to side effects from the antidepressants and having to change these. My memory is shot and I really have to keep a list of the essential things I have to do. I find that I muffle my way through appointments but I also have a wonderful GP who listens and writes each plan down for me before I leave her office.

You are not alone - benzos should only be short term medications but perhaps discussing this with your GP as opposed to your psych is an option.They, as professionals should be communicating about your progress etc.

Stick with it ... working through all of this is part of the process unfortunately!

Kind thoughts

Shred

[ZyGirl_DogLvr3]

My ADs aren't 'sleep enhancing' that I'm aware of. I've been tapering off them however and have been dealing with those side effects.

I'm on a Benzo to help me deal with some of the symptoms and they can make me feel fatigued.

Thanks for the advice Pipsy. 😊

[ZyGirl_DogLvr3]

Thankyou Shred! 😃

[pipsy]

Hi Zygirl. I totally agree with Shred. Tell both your Dr and your psych exactly how you feel. Make sure they are on the same page in regards to your AD's. Ask if you are not sure. You need to know what's causing your fatigue and concentration problem.

Lynda

[Shred1106]

No problem ... that's just one of the things we are all here for..

Take Care and hope you get some clarity soon

Shred out

[ZyGirl_DogLvr3]

😊👍

[ZyGirl_DogLvr3]

pipsy said:

Hi Zygirl. I totally agree with Shred. Tell both your Dr and your psych exactly how you feel. Make sure they are on the same page in regards to your AD's. Ask if you are not sure. You need to know what's causing your fatigue and concentration problem.

Lynda

I haven't seen my GP in a year or more since he knows little about mental health and I gave up.

I know that it's just my 'sedation' medication that's causing the fatigue and memory issues but when I hadn't taken them in a while, my memory was fine. 😊

Honestly, I gave up relying on 'doctors' for my problems a long time ago and have no reason to go back. Thank God for Google & Community Forums! 😃🙌