Interviewed 2 Psychiatrists for my son who suffers from anxiety...?

Question

anxiety and worries, which seem excessive for a 9 year old boy. The first doctor wanted to take 3 sessions to get to know my son and have us parents fill out several questionnaires/surveys on our opinions about our son's issues/personality etc. He said then by the 4th session he would have a general idea of what is really wrong and we could discuss where to go from there. He was kind and easy to talk to.

The second doc was more "business like" and said that she would more than likely only spend one session getting to know my son and then start treating the anxiety. She actually gave me examples of some of her treatment styles: role playing and tricks for the kids to remember when they start to panic etc. She also said that she felt it was important for parents to be involved.

I'm leaning toward the second doc, does anyone have any suggestions, insight for me?

Answer 1

I would start to write a small journal.

Write down where, when, what triggers your sons symptoms.

I think that would be the best.  Then find out which psyd. would accept this journal.

Seriously,

I am going to see a psychiatrist & this is what I am going to do.

Answer 2

I just got out of treatment for anxiety and I'm soooo much better now. For insight, I'd recommend that you just support your son. I'd pick a therapist who has the most experience with working with children. I'd help him with deep breathing and stuff too. Eating right, exercise, and having positive thoughts help the situation as well as certian vitamins. Medications can help but I don't think that they're approved for someone as young as nine. Good luck! =]

Answer 3

I almost think the first one sounds like they would take more time to find out what is going on and I would lean that way.

As an adult, I know that one of the best treatments for anxiety is excersize and a healthy diet, which is what really helped me get past my own anxiety and depression. Not to say therapy isn't also a very good idea, but you might want to just  try to get your child involved in some activity or active sports (even if it's just taking a daily brisk walk with you for 20-30 minutes) and look at what he is eating and add more fresh foods and less processed sugary stuff.

Answer 4

Just from what you wrote, I'm leaning more towards the 1st doctor.  He sounds like he's taking more time to get to know your son and get to the root of the problem.  It sounds like he's going to come up with a treatment plan specific to your son.  For the 2nd doctor, I really don't see how a doctor could truly get to know your son after only one session.  

But I would also involve your son - he is an important part of this obviously, and he's old enough to have some input.  Does he have a preference?  

I haven't met either doctor, but trust your instincts, go with the one that you feel better about.  And you know, if you start out with one and its not working out, or for whatever reason, you can always change doctors later on.

Good luck!!

Answer 5

Actually I have seen both psychologists and psychiatrists for depression. If you are wanting medicine I would go for a psychiatrist but if you are wanting to just work through the anxiety and worries I would go for a child psychologist. They can do amazing things with children as my boyfriends daughter seen one for a few months and it was amazing the things she could get her to open up about. A good psychiatrist CAN start effectively treat a patient after one session. They are trained to read things in a person by body  language as well as what the person says and know what questions to ask. I would also lean towards the second as she seems more open in letting you know whats going to happen and knows it's important to have you involved. The only thing I don't understand is if she is going to treat it with role playing and tricks and not meds that is something a psychologist is trained to do. Psychiatrists are mainly for meds.

Answer 6

It's important that your son feels comfortable talking to the psychiatrist, so let him have a say in this. The first one sounds like they would take more time to really get to know your son personally and know where to go from there. In my experience, these kinds of psychiatrists are the best because they find out exactly what is causing the anxiety and go from there. The decision really is up to you, just make sure that your son is comfortable with it as well.

The idea of writing a journal is a really good idea. It sounds a bit belittling toward your son but it would be useful to 'take notes' on him during the day and see what builds up to these anxiety attacks. It will be really helpful to the psychiatrists to see the pattern of anxiety and what might be the root cause. A healthy diet can really improve anxiety, so you should try and encourage your son to eat healthier foods and drink plenty of water. My son suffered from bipolar psychosis at the very early age of three and it was really hard for him. He would cry endlessly but not know why he was doing it and lost his appetite. He was difficult and couldn't concentrate and he was terrified that he would die. He came out with different phrases which were worrying for his age and had 'attacks' where he would just go into panic. His psychiatrist really helped - she took the time to get to know Nathan and what he enjoys doing and what he doesn't. She watched him playing at our house and took notes and watched him in a 'natural environment'. I kept a diary of Nathan's symptoms, when they happened and how he dealt with them. For example, if he said something that worried me or had a sleepless night I'd write it down. I then tried to get him eating healthier which was difficult. What finally worked for me was giving Nathan a 'challenge' of making the most colourful, big sandwich he could. I gave him some bread and different bits of salad and things in bowls and let him do it. I got him involved with cooking meals with me and it really helped him eat more healthy. I made sure that he got plenty of exercise - taking him to the park more often and playing games with him in the garden.

Good luck

Answer 7

I'd go with the first one, personally. You said that he is easy to talk to, which is vital when it comes to figuring out what is going on with a child. You said that the second one was more "business like" which to me seems less warm and comforting, which may be comforting to an adult, but probably won't be to a child.

He also seemed more willing to put in the time to figure out what is really going on, and I don't think a person could find out after only one session. Even three seems a little quick.

Personally, I would also take into consideration whether or not the psychiatrist is planning on discussing what they talk about during the session with you. I would pick the one that would not discuss it without your son's permission.

Kids are people too, and they deserve to be able to talk to someone without wondering who they are going to tell. It's a trust thing, and the psychiatrist that cannot earn the child's trust will never get the child to open up.

Answer 8

you can ask the first doctor for examples of her treatment styles but i would go with the first doctor anyway because you can't think about treatment until you know what is wrong and i seriously doubt that you can judge that after just one session. the first one sounds more caring.