Walking into a room where questions loom around might be scary. That first appointment with a psychiatrist might feel overwhelming, especially when its your first time. It is natural to have doubts and concerns regarding what kind questions they may ask. Many of us have the tendency to answer the “right way”, but that’s not the point. The truth is far more different. It is more like a conversation than an interrogation! The goal is to understand your concerns rather than judging your for them. So, what can you can expect to converse on a typical psychiatrist visit?
If you visit any psychiatrist in India, you can expect these-
- What brings you here today?
- How have you been feeling lately about things?
- Have you felt any changes in your daily routine and activities like sleep, appetite or overall energy levels?
These questions generally sense your emotional wellbeing. Try to give an honest answer as much as possible.
Now, we move forward to your mental health concerns-
- Have you experienced any mood swings or depressive episodes before?
- Have you ever approached a mental health professional in the past?
- Do you have a family history of mental health concerns? Is someone in your family suffering from a mental health issue right now?
With these points, the psychiatrists get a proper peek into your situation and mindset. Now, they shift to daily tasks. This is to understand a pattern of concern that may be of use.
- Do you have any issues going to work/school regularly?
- How are your relationships with family and friends?
- Did you have any strained relationships in the past?
Usually, standardized scales like PHQ-9 for depression or GAD-7 for anxiety are commonly included in psychiatric assessments. (Journal of General Internal Medicine). Apart from that, psychiatrists may also dwell into topics of self harm and substance abuse to gauge the severity of the situation.Being honest gives them the full picture, which is critical for effective treatment (Comprehensive psychiatry)
So, if you are planning to visit a psychiatrist in India, now you might feel a bit more prepared and confident. Remember, no answer is perfect or right. It is truly about you and your concerns that a psychiatrist will deal with. You have one prerogative- show up and answer every question with comfort. The right psychiatrist will guide you through the rest to ensure your well being.
