Whether you’re new to seeing a psychiatrist or have an established care provider, getting ready for and attending a psychiatry appointment can be nerve-wracking. You may wonder what to ask a psychiatrist or which information you should bring. By making the necessary preparations and educating yourself on what to expect, you can alleviate your anxieties and make the most out of your appointment.
What Should I Prepare Before My Psychiatry Appointment?
A little preparation makes a big difference in the world of psychiatry. After researching providers and making an appointment with a board-certified psychiatric provider, it’s time to prepare for your psychiatry session. Before your visit, particularly for an initial consultation, take the time to:
- Assemble your complete medical history, including previous diagnoses and past or present medication plans
- Educate yourself by researching your symptoms, conditions, and possible treatment options
- Prepare a list of all questions so you know what to ask a psychiatrist during your appointment
- Prepare a list of goals for treatment
- Familiarize yourself with your chosen clinic’s policies and privacy practices
- Bring paper and a writing implement to your appointment to take notes and avoid losing track of essential information
What to Do During a Psychiatry Appointment
Be Honest and Upfront About Pre-Existing Conditions and Substance Use
Psychiatric providers are responsible for creating a safe and comprehensive medication management plan as a part of your overall treatment. However, many psychiatric medications work by altering the chemistry of your brain. As a result, it is vital to be honest and forthcoming about your use of alcohol, recreational drugs, previously prescribed medications, and other substances as they may negatively interact with your psychiatric medication and lead to critical or life-threatening consequences.
Remember, healthcare providers will not break confidentiality unless you are at risk of harming yourself or others. By disclosing all pre-existing conditions and substance use, you can ensure you receive an accurate and safe medication plan.
Ask All of Your Questions
Bring your prepared list of questions to your appointment so you do not forget to ask for important information. Options for what to ask a psychiatrist can include:
- What is your treatment approach?
- How much control or involvement do I have in my care?
- Can you help me make a plan that addresses my life goals as well as my symptoms?
- What are my medication options? Will you walk me through the side effects of each one and how they specifically address my symptoms?
- Do the side effects impact weight or sex drive?
- Are you available outside of appointments to address emergency refills or other unexpected events?
These questions and others specific to your symptoms and goals can guide your appointment to ensure all your concerns are addressed. Take notes of all answers to refer to later.
Clearly Articulate Your Treatment Goals
Having a clear set of goals for your psychiatric treatment and appointment can help your provider create your best plan. As with questions, writing these goals down can make it easier to communicate them to your care team. Goals could include:
- Stating how you currently feel, want to feel, and do not want to feel
- Establishing a sleep schedule that matches your lifestyle
- Ensuring you can achieve a healthy sex life that fits your needs
- Communicating if you want to be able to drink alcohol or use recreational drugs while undergoing treatment
- Talking about how treatments may impact pregnancy or avoiding pregnancy
- And other goals relevant to your life.
Your provider will create a strategy that allows you to achieve your goals while addressing symptoms. In addition to medication management, this may include working with a therapist, establishing new habits, and utilizing other options.
West End Consultation Group Makes the Most Out of Your Psychiatry Appointment
The board-certified team at West End Consultation Group is dedicated to providing adults in the Twin Cities with non-judgmental and empathetic treatment for adult ADHD, mood disorders, and other mental health conditions. Your goals are our goals, and we look forward to working with you to build an improved quality of life through personalized treatment. Call 952-856-8452 or request an appointment to get started on the road to better mental health.
