|
How
Do I Select a Psychiatrist for Me or a Family Member?
For a Child:
The first line of defense when a child appears to be having
problems is usually the family pediatrician. Since this physician
has probably known the family for quite some time and is familiar
with the family's history, parents may find it easier to talk
over their concerns with him or her. The pediatrician will
be able to determine whether there is any physical cause associated
with the problem. If the problem is not severe or debilitating,
the pediatrician also should be able to give useful advice
on how to deal with the situation or help the child resolve
it. Examples of problems for which parents might want to get
a pediatric consult are bedwetting, general complaints of
not feeling well without any apparent physical symptoms, refusal
to go school, withdrawal from friends and family, and excessive
complaints of stomachaches and headaches.
If
the problem has gone on for a long time or appears to interfere
with the child's ability to function or cope in general, a
psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of children
or adolescents--depending on the child's age--should be consulted.
The child's pediatrician should be able to refer parents to
an appropriate specialist. Parents can also obtain referrals
from their local district branch of the American Psychiatric
Association, community mental health centers, medical school,
and the local medical society.
For
an Adult:
Adults
who wish to obtain psychiatric help may want to start by conferring
with his or her own physician. The physician will probably
want to perform a thorough physical evaluation to check whether
any physical problems may be the cause or a contributor to
the mental or emotional problem. If the physician believes
that psychiatric treatment is needed or could be helpful,
he or she can recommend the names of psychiatrists appropriate
to consult. Other sources of referrals are the local district
branch of the American Psychiatric Association, community
mental health centers, medical school, and the local medical
society.
(Information
from APA's How to Choose a Psychiatrist Pamphlet)
|
