Posted by shar on January 19, 2003, at 20:07:38
In reply to Telepsychiatry?? (prescribing), posted by SoS on January 19, 2003, at 3:16:07
Since you are familiar with psych meds, you know they can be pretty targeted, and I believe there is a MUCH better chance of getting effective help if your friend sees someone in person (a pdoc). For an initial evaluation, I think an in-person visit is a must-do unless something completely prevents it (such as being in the antarctic or something).
The risk is, without an accurate evaluation, your friend will be given the wrong meds, won't get better and may feel worse, and probably will get fed up pretty quickly with meds.
But you know all that already. I wanted to post this more for the benefit of others (newbies) who may be considering doing what you're talking about.
Shar
> So here's the situation. I've basically been through the ringer, but now I'm on a bunch of drugs and doing um pretty well, but I've become fairly knowledgable on certain mental health topics, or at least enough to be pretty sure in recognizing problems in other people. I have this friend in Canada who I'm fairly sure is depressed (has all the symptoms)......my friend even admits that they think they are, BUT they won't go see anyone and I'm worried and I think medication might help. I looked all over the net and I can't find a psychiatrist finder for Canada really, and I found NOTHING for where this person lives. I found some links on this site for telepsychiatry but the only link about prescribing online wouldn't work :D .....so I'm wondering if anyone is using this telepsychiatry thing and can they prescribe over the net? I think this person is just really against "mushy talking about feelings stuff" especially with a stranger and doesn't really understand the nature of a psychiatrist visit. SO I think this would be perfect for them IF they can prescribe. Sorry for babbling :D but I'd really appreciate any info.
> Thanks.
poster:shar
thread:136509
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030119/msgs/136629.html