Before your appointment
Take the time to write down what you’d like to achieve from your appointment – things you want to understand, issues you want to discuss, things you want to remember to mention.
Write a list of questions, so that you can remember them when you’re with your psychiatrist.
Take along a pen and paper so you can scribble a note during your appointment if the urge seizes you!
Consider inviting your spouse or partner, or other person close to you, as their input can be very helpful for your psychiatrist, and they may remember aspects of the appointment that you don’t.
Your appointment
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your appointment is due to begin, so you have time to fill out our minimal paperwork. Unfortunately, if you’re late it won’t be possible to make up the time, as that would affect the next patient.
Relax! You’re meeting with a psychiatrist who achieved their qualification by knowing how to put people at ease, treat them with compassion, and make wise recommendations about treatment.
Ask lots of questions.
Be honest – it’s very hard to shock a psychiatrist, as we’ve pretty much heard it all! The most important thing is to give your psychiatrist an accurate understanding of your situation, so the best possible recommendations can be made.
After your appointment
Your psychiatrist will schedule a follow-up appointment if that’s necessary – commonly, that’s in 3-4 weeks after commencing or altering antidepressant treatment, 1-3 weeks after commencing or altering antipsychotic treatment, and otherwise in 1-3 months to assess progress depending on your situation.
A large proportion of patients don’t fill their prescriptions at the pharmacy, and a large proportion of those who get that far, don’t take their medications regularly, or even at all. Medication may not be something your psychiatrist recommends, or that you wish to pursue, but if medication is prescribed and you later decide not to take it, please let your psychiatrist know – we certainly won’t be angry! As above, having an accurate understanding of the situation is the most important thing.
If you’re struggling to remember to take your medication regularly, considering investing in a ‘pill tray’ from your local pharmacy or discount store, or asking your pharmacy about blister packs, which are affordable or even free and can make adhering to your treatment regime much easier.
Phone if you have any side effects, concerns, thoughts about harming yourself, or other issues. We’ll be glad to hear from you, and will aim to return your call within a business day if you leave a message.