I took my 6 yr old son to the dr today for a monthly med recheck. He gained a half a pound - yay! (I will take what I can get in this area!) We talked to the dr about his behavior - which has been really hit and miss the past couple months - more miss really than hit. He suggested upping his Concerta to 36mg and referred us to a psychologist for follow up. He said this woman deals with ADHD kids all day long and could work in conjunction with him in making suggestions for his meds etc.
I am anxious about going to a new dr. I trust my doctor greatly, and I am sure if he likes this woman I will too, but I am still anxious. On one hand I am kind of thankful he suggested someone, so it isn't like a shot in the dark for me. And I am kind of glad because I am supposed to have a meeting with the principal of my son's school right after the beginning of the school year to discuss putting him on a 504 plan and I think having him evaluated by this Dr will help in putting together the recommendations.
I guess I just hate going to new doctors, and starting over with med history and such. What is the differnence between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? Specifically I mean, what is the difference in what they can provide or do? I feel like I am treading water in a very huge sea and I dunno what to expect really.
Anyone got any advice or info? Thanks in advance. =)
From my limited knowledge and perspective...psychiatrists treat with drugs, psychologists treat by trying to understand what provokes emotions and thoughts and actions that may be problematic, and helping to build coping skills to minimize or relieve these problems. I suspect that your psychiatrist feels that the meds alone are not going to address adequately the issues you and your child are facing which is why a psychologist is being recommended.A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, a psychologist is not so therefore a psychiatrist has more extensive knowledge than a psychologist and can prescribe medications. Because psychologists are not doctors, they cannot prescribe medication so therefore cant treat with drugs. A psychologist is usually recommended when there are issues of anxiety, depression, issues of low self esteem or any problem associated with the struggles of having ADHD. For some children, medication is enough, for others, they need additional interventions.