So I’m going to see a psychiatrist in the near future and I’ve decided to put together a ‘booklet’ of sorts to give to them about me as I have extreme difficulty talking about myself, especially to anyone that can do something about what I say.
So anyway, what I was wondering is do any of you have any suggestions as to what I should put into this ‘booklet’, as I have been writing and re-writing it for the last three hours.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
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Welcome to SZ.com.
If you’re suffering mood swings mood journals can be downloaded just about anywhere off the net for free. It’s worth keeping one to track your moods if you are suffering any mood swings. But also to give to your psychiatrist to help make a better diagnosis.
That also may give you an idea of what to write about any other symptoms you are struggling with. I did a course many years ago and was given a very similar journal to keep with just symptom in general. It was very similar. Also just as basic… time, severity, what symptom your suffering with and length of time. I’m relying on memory and google came up with nothing on it but may help.
I did find this though http://www.choicesinrecovery.com/mental-health-resources/worksheets
The first under Worksheets include: ie Preparing for a Doctor’s Visit. You may find that useful as well.
Here is a checklist that has been used and researched to show that its helpful to people:
Two-Way Communication Checklist (2-COM)
We have details about this here:
http://www.schizophrenia.com/sznews/archives/002917.html
This European study used the Two-Way Communication Checklist (2-COM), which is a questionnaire that was developed with the aim of improving communication between patient (who suffers from mental illness) and professionals. The 2-COM is a simple list of 20 common problems, or areas of perceived need that might be experienced by those with severe mental illness. The list includes problems with housing, relationships, money, lack of activities, psychological distress, sexuality, symptoms and treatment side-effects. In the study, patients are provided with the 2-COM prior to seeing their doctor and given simple instructions to help with its completion, guided on indicating which of the 20 problems apply to them and highlighting things they would like to discuss with their doctor during their clinic appointment. The authors report that using a completed checklist to guide discussion during the clinical interview extends the appointment by an average of 13 min.
As such, the 2-COM is a simple tool that can help people discuss their needs so that there can be better communication and changes in clinical management.
Checklist improves communication between doctors and patients and results in changes in care
http://ebmh.bmj.com/content/7/3/86.full
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I remember m first visit to a psychiatrist. I was 20. Just one word of advice. Don’t let him “take over” verbally. Sometimes I think the shrinks are just as nervous as we are. Your booklet idea sounds good.
I made a list of all the things that bothered me.
Here’s a starter list as an example
Symptoms & Solutions
Lack of motivation
Observer effect (watching self)
Intrusive images
- violence
- sex
Sporadic hallucinations - wavy world and randomness
- cars that disappear
- people talking about me
Delusions - dream stealing
- spying etc
Voices
Paranoia
Suicidal romanticization
Disorganized thought but not speech
Phobias - individually prepared meals and time
- tittilated and repulsed by beards
- people
Obsessive thinking - with people
- with fears
Restlessness
Hygiene neglect
Social withdrawal - distrust of everyone
Sexual dysfunction - physical response
Depression
Memory failure
Inability to plan
Poor concentration
Reading sometimes words make no sense
Poor focus and impatience
Irritable and aggression
Panic attacks re: change
Overwhelmed
Moodiness (no mania)
Past
Inappropriate sexual activity
Delusions of grand conspiracy (hospital, etc)
Delusions of demons and god
Delusions of astral violation
Falling (seeing other world before sleep)
Speeding
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You don’t in my opinion want to over do your booklet. Because he will prescribe meds based on what you tell or show and I think it is crucial for you and him to be honest and frank. Do not allow him to rush thru you. Make sure all your questions are answered by your pdoc in lay mans they have s tendency to go all DSM or whichever and talk about molecules.
The idea is keeping your encounter with the pdoc relaxed both. Inquisitive, curious. Docs already make up their mind the first moment they see you . And I think it’s important to show them that you’re more than just one person . It is important to show them you have a unique disease with unique symptoms. And make sure you could agree on It. Leave his office with a sense of satisfaction all I can say have a good day
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