Posted by AnneL on January 5, 2004, at 23:14:47
In reply to Re: Frequency of pdoc visits?, posted by stjames on January 5, 2004, at 16:19:48
Most AD's are initially prescribed by the patient's primary medical doctor, whether that M.D. happens to be an internist, GYN, etc. This is not as difficult to believe given the fact that many Americans are uninsured or underinsured
(no mental health benefits). The prevalence of advertising AD's on television and in magazines is another factor. It is very common to hear, "If you think you may have depression, talk to your doctor about . . . (fill in the AD).As a healthcare provider in a Cardiology clinic, we prescribe AD's and anti-anxiety medications on a daily basis. We will refer to a Pdoc if the patient cannot tolerate 1 or 2 SSRI trials and the patient has access to mental health benefits. Given the state of health care in the US, patients are fortunate to get *someone* to address their mental health care needs. Too bad we don't live in Perfect as the Walmart ad goes.
poster:AnneL
thread:296715
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040105/msgs/296957.html