First psychiatrist appointment:

When you go to see a new psychiatrist for the first time, you may be nervous. You may feel out of control and stressed because you do not know what to expect. But there is no need to worry. You can manage your anxiety by knowing what to expect ahead of time and being well-prepared.

A patient needs to take some time before the appointment to prepare. A patient should write the reasons for seeking help. Critical behaviors that cause concern can be highlighted. A person should write down everything they feel and any questions to ask the psychiatrist.The psychiatrist may not tell someone everything. So, it is important to ask specific questions. A patient should also be ready to be asked questions. Preparing relevant documents to take with you is advisable.

Diagnosis:

All new patients are usually required to fill out some paperwork and assessments. These will help determine a diagnosis. A psychiatrist will spend most of the session talking to a patient. The conversation will revolve around issues a patient is experiencing at that time and in the past. The psychiatrist will get to know a patient and try to understand why a person is seeking treatment. The psychiatrist will ask several questions and patients are also expected to ask questions.Being prepared early can help to provide detailed answers. People should communicate their feelings and provide any information that can help. If a patient has been in psychiatric care, they should provide any records necessary. A patient should provide information on relevant medical care, a list of medications and family history of psychiatric issues. The information gathered during the session will help a psychiatrist work on an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Plan:

Most psychiatrists usually provide medication management. Treatment options will be discussed at the end of the session. A treatment plan may consist of various things. These include a combination of therapies that may suit the health needs of a patient and medication options. A psychiatrist may provide the needed care and treatment or recommended a patient to another healthcare professional.The level of care needed will be discussed extensively. The decision to begin medications will be based on many factors including a patient’s symptoms. A patient may need medicines for specific symptoms. A psychiatrist may recommend procedures or labs such as baseline tests before starting medications. Tests may also be required to rule out medical conditions or issues that may contribute to symptoms. A patient should ask questions about the diagnosis, treatment or share any concerns before the end of the session.

The Next Step:

Being prepared before the appointment will make things go more smoothly. Feeling anxious about seeing a psychiatrist should not interfere with getting the treatment and help you need. Knowing what to expect from your first appointment should make you feel much more at ease. After the first visit, assuming continued treatment is necessary, you can schedule a future appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://americanpsychiatricgroup.com/contact/ or call American Psychiatric Group at +(410) 600-3500 for an appointment in our Baltimore or Columbia, MD office.