Q: If I visit you, does that mean I have to start taking  a medication ? 

A: Of course not. This is a very common myth (that if you visit a psychiatrist, it means you are looking for/ committed to taking medication). The purpose of our visits will be to assess together if a mental health condition is impairing any aspects of your life, and if yes, what would be the best way to address these. This may or may not include medication.

 

Q: What if I don't want you to put me on a medication ?

A:I often compare myself to a plumber. When a plumber comes into your home because the ceiling is leaking, they assess the situation, tell you what they think is going on based on their training and experience, tell you what they think might help, and then give you options about how to address the issue ('You'll need a new pipe. You could go with a plastic pipe or a metal pipe. Here are the pros and cons of each one. You could also choose not to get a new pipe in which case here's what you can expect in that scenario...'). The plumber does not show up, demand that you put in a new pipe and demand that it must be a metal one, do they ? Then why would I, your psychiatrist, control the decision making for you ? Just like the plumber, you can expect me to share my assessment, share the various options that could be tried, and the pros and cons of each one (including the pros and cons of not doing anything different) . Then you take all the time you need, and we decide. Together. I may be seen as the expert on medications, however, you are the expert on you. I will always respect that. 

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Q: What if i do want to try a medication? What happens next? 

A: I am a firm believer in the BioPsychoSocial model (which basically states that anyone's mental state

at any time is related to multiple, complex biological, psychological and social factors). So, we will co-create

a treatment plan which looks at all three arenas of your life- biological , psychological as well as social. Each arena may

include components of self-help, professional help or both.

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Q: OK, so I've started taking a med. What can I expect at the follow up visit?

 A: You are the most important stakeholder in your own treatment, and you will be treated that way. Be prepared to reflect together at each visit on these 3 questions that have served me well for over 23 years:

             -What are you taking the medication for ?

             - Is it doing what it is supposed to be doing?

             - If not, then why are you still taking it ? (There could be several reasons-perhaps you are not on a high enough dose, or perhaps you have not taken it 

   long enough etc. You will never have to take a medication 'just because.')

 

You can expect medication to be started at a low dose, and raised slow (you get to define 'slow'). This distress did not accrue overnight. It would be unreasonable for me to think it will get better overnight.

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Q: What if i wish to stop taking the medication ?

A: If you do decide to try medication, remember- all you are committing to is one dose. Then we see how it goes, and you get to decide at the end of the day- do I want to take the medication for another day or do i want to stop ? In many situations,  it can be safe to just stop the medication; in some cases , it's best to taper off it gently. You can expect me to guide you either way.