Psychiatrist consultation times

[Shenpa]

I've been seeing a psychiatrist for just over a year now. My psychologist wanted me to see one to get a diagnosis, so she could help me more.

I have a several concerns about him, but one in particular is regarding his consultation time.

I'm supposed to see him for an hour, but I've only ever spent half an hour with him.

When I sign the form at the reception, it says the consultation must be a minimum of 45 minutes. I'm too scared to ask him for fear of being in trouble. He bulk bills, after an initial consultation which is very expensive.

I feel very uncomfortable about this, and don't know what to do.

[Croix]

Dear Shenpa~

I can understand how you feel, if your psychiatrist is billing for 45 minutes then I guess that should be what you get, and the worry over what to do about this is not helpful, in fact for me that would be the biggest problem, I think in my case it might stop me from developing the trust and rapport needed -however that is just me.

I would suggest you discuss this with your doctor or psychologist before taking any action. Perhaps it might be good to voice your other concerns too.

I will raise some points to consider

First do you, your doctor, and your psychologist - who prompted the visits in the first place -think you are benefiting from the consultations, irrespective of length? Perhaps this is the case, on the other hand you may feel an extra 15 minutes may make a big difference?

The second thing is that in my limited experience I've never struct a psychiatrist that bulk-bills, and I suspect these might be hard to find. A fully charging psychiatrist will take you to the Medicare safety net which can reduce fees significantly after you have paid an initial (quite large) threshold. There is information here:

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/medicare-safety-net

The following site might be helpful if you ended up considering a change:

https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/find-a-psychiatrist

This is an on line facility put out by the RANZ College of Psychiatrists to help you find a practitioner in your area - you can look for those that bulk bill.

Croix

[Shenpa]

Thank you, Crois, for your reply.

I don't trust this psychiatrist. But I've never had any help from psychiatrists. My first encounter with one was in 1969 when I was only 18. Back then I don't think they were informed about abusive, violent, alcoholic homes, and the effects of childhood trauma, and ongoing trauma, on the young person. I was the family scapegoat, and after self-harming at age 18, conveniently became the 'identified patient' in the family.

I was later misdiagnosed as schizophrenic when I was in fact in a drug psychosis. I believed this for decades, and everytime I tried to get off the drugs they prescribed in the mental hospital, I thought the withdrawal symptoms of getting off the addictive medication were symptoms of schizophrenia.

This current psychiatrist has given his diagnosis of chronic major depressive disorder and anxiety, without taking into account the effects of multiple traumas I experienced. But he has told me I am not schizophrenic, which I already know.

I think I keep seeing him out of loneliness and despair, and because it's at least someone to talk to.

I think he only bulk bills those on pensions and low incomes.

I prefer psychologists, but only those who are well educated about alcoholic and other toxic families, and how they function.

Thank you for reading this, and for your support,

From Jo. (Shenpa)

[Croix]

Dear Jo~

First I'm glad the miss-diagnosis over schizophrenia eventually got sorted out, a truly horrible situation to be in. At least the current psychiatrist has acknowledged that.

Have you talked to him, or your psychologist, much about the traumatic events in your life? Sometimes it does help if you can paint a clear picture and then ask the possible effects and treatments. I ended up writing a lot down and handing over the paper, which gave a list of matters to be talked over.

Apart from medical treatment I read in your other thread you have three adult children, may I ask what sort of relationship do you have with them and their families? While, as you mentioned, friends are no longer there is it possible to meet new people, particularity at weekends? There are opportunities for a person to volunteer in a variety of areas - do you have any specific interests, anything -from gardening to the Arts?

Another approach is to join and organization such as Grow Australia (https://www.grow.org.au) which organizes get-togethers in a friendly and non-taxing manner and promotes mental well-being. If you are not familiar with them I suggest you go to their site and have a look though. Their activities would be free of charge to you and are partnered with reputable organizations such as the Red Cross. It may seem daunting to contact such places however the results can be well worth it.

Croix