I'm a male in my early twenties who has washed out of college and is looking for a mental health professional of some sort in Northern Virginia. Issues I feel are likely to come up are my (long-ago diagnosed) attention deficit disorder, depression, and some form of OCD - I have a deep and (likely irrational) fear of psychosis and other impairments of cognition. I am deeply wary of psychiatric drugs, and want to work with someone who shares my attitude toward them, but would recommend them as a last resort. So what I'm after is some sort of talk therapy, preferably with a medical doctor (as oppose to "just" a PhD). [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 13, 2009 - 11 answers

After a long and losing battle with depression, I am going to a short-term (10 day) partial hospitalization program at McLean Hospital near Boston. I need advice on how to convince myself that there’s hope for me and get into the kind of frame of mind that will allow me to benefit from this kind of program, despite its short length and limitations. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 14, 2009 - 23 answers

I just got back from a psychiatric evaluation. The diagnostic impression is "chronic major depressive disorder versus dysthymia." What does "versus" mean in this context? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 19, 2009 - 15 answers

Please give me advice on inpatient psychiatric treatment programs for depression. I'm looking for recommendations and advice on specific clinics anywhere in the US. I'll spare you the long detailed background and try to give the most essential and relevant details. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 1, 2009 - 11 answers

as a twenty-something, how do i address possible memory/cognitive issues with a doctor without both of us thinking i'm crazy? or am i crazy? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 20, 2009 - 19 answers

Antipsychotics-filter: A conversation with a friend has me turning to the hive mind. [more inside]
posted by specialfriend on May 8, 2009 - 8 answers

Recommendations for a psychologist or psychiatrist in Salt Lake City, Utah? [more inside]
posted by Nice Donkey on Apr 26, 2009 - 3 answers

Is there a place I can go to get help with ADD/Anxiety in NYC, which charges by sliding scale? I have no health insurance and very little income, but a recent AskMe thread has helped change my fanatical stance against medication, and I would like to seek some help despite the financial obstacles. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 13, 2009 - 5 answers

Could I possibly have Serotonin Syndrome even though I've been off anti-depressants for two or three years? And whether I have it or not, what's the best way to get a doctor to hold my hand while I try the recomended treatment for it; an antihistamine called Cyproheptadine (brand name Periactin) that blocks Serotonin receptors? [more inside]
posted by Clay201 on Mar 10, 2009 - 15 answers

What advantage will I get from getting on my husband's private medical insurance in the UK, in terms of getting psychiatric treatment? [more inside]
posted by By The Grace of God on Feb 5, 2009 - 5 answers

Australian (and U.S.) Mental Health/Legal Filter. Can you just go and talk your GP into having someone put through a psychiatric evaluation? [more inside]
posted by metalheart on Feb 1, 2009 - 14 answers

Who treats kids with ADHD? Child psychiatry, general psychiatry, family practice, ??? [more inside]
posted by curagea on Jan 14, 2009 - 7 answers

I have Stratterra, Adderall, and Xanax. What can I do to get serious anxiety and ADD symptoms under control, quickly and for the short-term? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 24, 2008 - 27 answers

I have left a msg for my pdoc, but haven't heard back from him yet, and see below, it wouldn't really matter. Anyway I've found myself out of Wellbutrin XL this morning (i take 1 300mg tablet every morning) and I'm out of refills AND there is no opportunity to get to the pharmacy till this evening. Just not possible, tho the pdoc will call in my prescription today. I do have a bottle of Wellbutrin SR 150mg tablets. The reason I switched off of the SR was because I generally can't remember to take a pill twice a day, and I needed to go up to 300mg which can't be taken all at once in SR form. I think that today, this once, I can remember to take the pill 2x a day -- but is Wellbutrin SR in 2 150mg doses ok to substitute for Wellbutrin XL 300 mg for one day? I don't want to get off my med schedule because it makes me crazy. Thanks, if you have an answer?
posted by Soulbee on Nov 14, 2008 - 13 answers

Antidepressant filter question #4529, I've searched the archive to no avail and I am wondering what antidepressant might be right for me. I know, I know, YANAD, but I am looking for anecdotal info. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 24, 2008 - 24 answers

My teenage sister has just been admitted to Bellevue Hospital's psychiatric ward (in New York City); should my parents let her stay put, or have her transferred to another hospital? Is there anything they should be aware of? [more inside]
posted by korpios on Sep 25, 2008 - 13 answers

I have a minor psychiatric issue and I'd like to go see a professional. Question about picking one. [more inside]
posted by crapmatic on Sep 8, 2008 - 12 answers

I found an antique electro-therapeutic apparatus at a thrift shop. Now what? [more inside]
posted by simbiotic on Aug 11, 2008 - 9 answers

Without going into whole life stories/clinical history, I just want to know - does the exaggerated anxiety that appears as a side effect of Wellbutrin subside after a while? [more inside]
posted by anthom on Jul 25, 2008 - 27 answers

What does it take to be a doctor (MD)? And what does it take to be a doctor (PhD)? Torn about what path to pursue, [more inside]
posted by Eudaimonia on May 25, 2008 - 12 answers

Where can a 21 year old girl go in the Dallas area for free or low cost psychiatric help besides JPS and Parkland? [more inside]
posted by holdkris99 on Apr 29, 2008 - 4 answers

You're not my psychiatrist, and I'm not your patient. But I need some help evaluating my feelings and setting my dosage within the limits my psychiatrist has prescribed. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 15, 2008 - 5 answers

I'm looking for citations (including reporting) regarding psychiatric diagnosis in the military over the past several years. [more inside]
posted by OmieWise on Mar 30, 2008 - 2 answers

My siblings and I are trying to find kinds of therapy for my dad, in dealing with the death of our mom/his spouse 17 years ago. He's still very very emotional about any discussion of her, and has never talked to a "professional" about it. Ideas suggestions for types of therapy, and recommendations in the Washington DC area. [more inside]
posted by jalebi on Mar 29, 2008 - 7 answers

Anyone know a good psychologist or psychiatrist in Columbus, O? In fact, which might be better? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 25, 2008 - 4 answers

Clonazepam is my go-to workhorse drug. But am I setting myself up for addiction? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 21, 2008 - 20 answers

Recommendations for treatment of social anxiety disorder in or around Boston or Cambridge, MA? [more inside]
posted by lucky mollusk on Mar 18, 2008 - 1 answer

Freud and his followers have been thoroughly discredited for quite a while now. Our scientific understanding of the brain has grown by leaps and bounds since their heyday, and we now have treatment methods that are cheaper, quicker, and more effective than anything psychoanalysis had to offer. So why is psychoanalysis still practiced? [more inside]
posted by decoherence on Feb 3, 2008 - 41 answers

I'm looking for a respected, progressive psychiatrist in Chicagoland and am having a hard time finding a database of rankings or respected professionals. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by I, Lamy on Jan 30, 2008 - 4 answers

Anxiety medication for panic attacks? What should I look out for / expect. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 4, 2008 - 32 answers

An adolescent relative in her senior year of high school is suffering depression, and recently spoke to a psychiatrist about suicide, which resulted in her near-hospitalization. She's taken Zoloft, and done some therapy -- what now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 31, 2007 - 14 answers

Iowa & mental health: What can someone do if they're threatened with being admitted for psychiatric reasons against their will? What happens? Does it really only take two other people signing a document? Is threatening someone with this a crime? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 14, 2007 - 18 answers

Do I need a psychiatrist as well as a psychologist? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 12, 2007 - 11 answers

Will the Peace Corps disqualify me if I have to keep taking my antidepressant during my assignment? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 10, 2007 - 12 answers

Is compulsive lying linked with any recognised mental disorders? [more inside]
posted by UbuRoivas on Jul 8, 2007 - 25 answers

St. Louis psychiatrist referral: I need a referral to an excellent St. Louis-area psychiatrist who specializes in depression and anxiety. [more inside]
posted by gd779 on Jun 27, 2007 - 4 answers

Can a psychiatrist diagnose a disorder in five minutes? [more inside]
posted by giggleknickers on May 31, 2007 - 34 answers

Can someone recommend a good psychiatrist in the north suburbs of Chicago? Someone near my job in Libertyville with a good understanding of bipolar disorder would be ideal. I'm just not getting along with my current doctor. Email's in my profile if you'd rather respond privately. Thanks.
posted by jammer on Apr 20, 2007 - 1 answer

Doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers, health professionals of any and all flavors: how do you dissociate yourselves from the misery, suffering, and death of your patients or clients? [more inside]
posted by granted on Jan 15, 2007 - 16 answers

Friend in trouble: bipolar, taking Zoloft, smoking huge amount of marijuana which exacerbates his mania. He's acting crazy. I'm far away -- how can I help? Especially, how can I support his girlfriend, and convince him to accept treatment and quit the pot? Other advice about treatment for bipolar disorder? [more inside]
posted by LobsterMitten on Aug 28, 2006 - 14 answers

I want to learn about psychoanalysis/psychotherapy/etc. -- what are the best books? [more inside]
posted by shivohum on Jul 18, 2006 - 12 answers

Why are mental institutions and psychiatric wards always painted stark white? It seems like that environment would only precipitate more insanity. [more inside]
posted by destro on Feb 18, 2006 - 20 answers

I have a family member who has recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 2. The psychiatrist has prescribed them 1000 mg of Depakote a day, what is the average prescription if anyone knows? Is this a lot or only a minor dosage? [more inside]
posted by nosophoros on Dec 23, 2005 - 13 answers

I just started a new relationship.. It's phenomenal and we've both felt that we're in love. I care deeply for her, but I don't know how to tell her about the fact that I have Herpes. Does anyone have advice on how to break the news? [more inside]
posted by bhenry on Dec 23, 2005 - 20 answers

Shrink me: I had to reschedule a long-awaited appointment with a new shrink because of a work conflict, and it'll be two weeks before I can see another person. [more inside]
posted by hamster on Nov 22, 2005 - 12 answers

Psychology/psychiatry filter: for a friend who is not net-savvy, I am looking for interesting web sites and discussion forums devoted to psychoanalysis, self-psychology, and related topics. She's a professional psychoanalyst, but is new to the web. [more inside]
posted by realcountrymusic on Aug 29, 2005 - 3 answers

What are the potential (career, financial) ramfications of receiving a diagnosis for a psychiatric disorder? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 1, 2005 - 15 answers

What are the differences between a psychiatrist and a psychologist? [more inside]
posted by chronic sublime on May 7, 2005 - 11 answers

What's a great thing to get someone graduating from medical school? [more inside]
posted by contessa on Apr 16, 2005 - 17 answers

ShrinkFilter: I've been increasingly stressed, self-loathing and distracted for years, and (since my spouse and I are having a baby in a few months) have decided I need to Get Professional Help--mostly to figure out what's wrong with me and deal with it, so I don't pass it on to our kid. But "professional help" is a very big category, and I need to narrow it down. I want to find somebody whose perspective is "let's figure out the big problems and how you can fix them, as efficiently as possible," rather than "there's nothing wrong with you that years of expensive chatting can't prolong." I'd also like to avoid medication. How do I find the right... therapist? counselor? I don't even know what the right word is.
posted by anonymous on Jan 23, 2005 - 26 answers