Posted by waterlily on June 29, 2003, at 11:19:46
In reply to Xanax, therapists, psychiatrists etc. » aquestioner, posted by Viridis on June 28, 2003, at 18:05:03
I have both a psychiatrist and a psychologist and they work in the same practice. I gave them permission to talk with each other about my treatment. I know that my psychiatrist has done or currently does therapy, but I don't know what criteria he uses to choose which patients he refers to a psychologist and which patients he does the therapy himself. Psychiatrists are generally the experts on medications, where the psychologists are the experts on therapy. The team approach seems to work well. I find therapy to be useful, but the medication is what makes the most difference. I can usually tell when I've got problems that can be worked out by talking and when I really need to get with my psychiatrist to adjust the meds. My therapist is really good about warning me when she thinks I may be about to slip into depression so that I am not as surprised and distressed when it happens. I feel very fortunate to have such a caring and competent pair of professionals on my team.
Regarding meds, I take Wellbutrin SR 150 mg twice a day as my primary antidepressant and Effexor XR 150 mg once a day for anxiety. Additionally, I take Ativan .5 mg for insomnia and 'periodic limb movements in sleep' as well as any severe acute anxiety that I may experience (fortunately this is rare). My psychiatrist has been really good about prescribing Ativan when I need it.
poster:waterlily
thread:237591
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030624/msgs/237894.html