Posted by ChrisK on February 23, 2000, at 13:01:59
In reply to First visit to Psychiatrist, posted by Thomas W on February 23, 2000, at 9:15:32
From my own experience you can expect a "general" evaluation on your first visit. The pdoc will be asking many questions about how you feel about certain life situations and the things you find enjoyable or stressful. He/she will be looking for a baseline and watching how you respond to certain questions. It isn't meant to be watching over you but to get a sense of what the major problems are.
A good pdoc will be as concerned with your response as much as to how you responded. They evaluate your condition as much by the way you act as much as the answer you give.
It is not a frightening experience. Be open with your pdoc so as to get the right help from the start. They will try to make you as safe and secure as possible.
Expect a lot of questions that relate to your daily activities and how you feel about where you perceive yourself in life.
All in all it isn't a bad experience or anything to worry about. Most good pdocs will put you at ease so that you can talk freely about what is bothering you.
Anyway, this is my own experience with pdocs.
poster:ChrisK
thread:23318
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000220/msgs/23354.html