I was Dx with PCOS about 2 1/2 years ago but just recently I have noticed that I have been showing more and more signs of depression. I was just wondering which kind of doctor I would see about the depression...can I jsut see the normal family practice doc I usually see or an ob-gyn or do I need to find like a pshychiatrist or someone?
I would just start with your regular dr. if you are comfortable talking with him/her. You could see your gyno. if you have an appt. but many times you have to go in for follow ups so your regular Dr. is usually a good start. They usually know how to handle depression unless it is extreme, then they can guide you to a specialist if they feel you need one. There are many treatments out there and one will be right for you. I hope you feel better soon. Lendi
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You should first talk to your family doctor. A psycharist is only usually an option, when there are unresolved issues such as abuse, or suicidal thoughts. They are also great to talk to if your depression becomes unmanagable with just pills alone. I have seen enough in my past and sometimes it helps to sort out feelings.
Good Luck,
April
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I would advise you to look for a licensed psychologist or clinical social worker. Although a family doctor may be able to lend a listening ear, you have to be mindful that he or she is not a specialist in treatment of psychological problems. Also family practitioners don't know the ins and outs of medication as well as psychologists do.
The difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is that a psychiatrist has been to medical school and can prescribe medication, and a psychologist has not been to medical school and can not prescribe meds. A psychologist can diagnose you as being mildly, moderately, or clinically depressed and provide extensive counseling and support. Clinical depression usually is diagnosed after 2 or 3 solid weeks of major depression. A clinical social worker who will usually have the title MSW or LCSW behind his or her name can basicallly do the same thing as a psychologist. The only difference is that they have master's degrees and psychologists have PhDs. Its up to you to decide who you'd like to talk to, but I think that these folks would be able to give you a better assesment of your problem.
You may also want to ask about Seasonal Affect Disorder. Lots of times depression is triggered by the weather.
Originally posted by Ms_Peaches_01 I would advise you to look for a licensed psychologist or clinical social worker. Although a family doctor may be able to lend a listening ear, you have to be mindful that he or she is not a specialist in treatment of psychological problems. Also family practitioners don't know the ins and outs of medication as well as psychologists do.
Just wanted to say ditto! I am a firm believer that medication will not solve depression unless it is concurrent with counseling. I don't necessarily believe that family practice or other doctors are qualified to diagnose or treat depression.
I've been seeing a counselor (MSW, LCSW) since September, not long after I'd been diagnosed with depression. She's helped me a lot...but after three months of therapy, I realized that maybe I was expecting too much of myself. I told her I wanted to consider medication and she referred me to a psychiatrist who could help me with that. I still feel it is immensely important to continue seeing my counselor bi-weekly at this point. I believe that this combination will help me break free of this depresson and hopefully keep away a repeat episode. According to the psychiatrist I saw: "For people who are experiencing their first depression, the likelihood of having a second episode is around 50%. For people who've had two depressive episodes, chances of having a third are around 70% and for those who've had three and more episodes, you have a 90% chance of recurrance." She said for this reason, I should expect to be on the antidepressant for at least a year.
These are all things to think about before starting medication.
I hope this helps. ((hugs)) to you. Here's to your health and happiness.
Tamara
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Originally posted by Ms_Peaches_01 I would advise you to look for a licensed psychologist or clinical social worker. Although a family doctor may be able to lend a listening ear, you have to be mindful that he or she is not a specialist in treatment of psychological problems. Also family practitioners don't know the ins and outs of medication as well as psychologists do.
Just wanted to say ditto! I am a firm believer that medication will not solve depression unless it is concurrent with counseling. I don't necessarily believe that family practice or other doctors are qualified to diagnose or treat depression.
I've been seeing a counselor (MSW, LCSW) since September, not long after I'd been diagnosed with PCOS. She's helped me a lot...but after three months of therapy, I realized that maybe I was expecting too much of myself. I told her I wanted to consider medication and she referred me to a psychiatrist who could help me with that. I still feel it is immensely important to continue seeing my counselor bi-weekly at this point. I believe that this combination will help me break free of this depresson and hopefully keep away a repeat episode. According to the psychiatrist I saw: "For people who are experiencing their first depression, the likelihood of having a second episode is around 50%. For people who've had two depressive episodes, chances of having a third are around 70% and for those who've had three and more episodes, you have a 90% chance of recurrance." She said for this reason, I should expect to be on the antidepressant for at least a year.
These are all things to think about before starting medication.
I hope this helps. ((hugs)) to you. Here's to your health and happiness.
Tamara
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I would go with family Dr first .They may not be as well versed but they will be able to tell how severs and if it's not to bad ,can give you treatment for it.If they can't they offten will recamend or even send you to a specialist.I think usually they have the means to treat you unless they think you are Bi-polar or one of the more major types of depression.
Dx 
