Mental Health: Why some PCPs are Afraid
Most primary care physicians (pcp) have difficulty dealing with mental health issues. I have experienced many MDs and NPs reluctant to prescribe the correct medication for depression or anxiety. Some of the hesitation to give proper medication is a result of the fear of drug seekers. It is a real fear because drug seekers are pros at manipulation and convincing a medical professional of a problem. As a provider, you have to develop the skill of differentiating the person who is the drug seeker and the person in crisis. Unfortunately, since many doctors are not skilled in mental health, patients are sent away without proper treatment or relief. If a patient comes in the throes of a panic attack, it is much better to treat with an anti-anxiety medication as well as refer to a psychiatrist or counselor. So many times, patients end up in the ER because doctors either don't believe them or are too uncomfortable writing the medication or refer to another specialty. The other issue is many medical professionals are just plain uncomfortable with mental health issues. I think it boils down to a feeling of "there but for the grace of God go I".
I recently had a client who kept calling the PCP for help because of the insomnia was increasing. There had been no sleep for days. Mania and panic were setting in. Repeated calls got to the medical assistant or front desk until the patient actually had a crisis. By the time, I got involved, the patient was in need of crisis intervention. My advise with the support of the psychologist was to a crisis center. The tail spin had begun until the only help was a safe and secure bed in the hospital.
Posted by HealthCare Whisperer at 11/11/2009 5:03 PM 
Categories: mental health, PCP. crisis intervention
Tags: anxiety crisis intervention PCP panic attack mental health
Categories: mental health, PCP. crisis intervention
Tags: anxiety crisis intervention PCP panic attack mental health
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