by Ryan Dube

Created on: December 20, 2008

Finding a psychiatrist can be one of the most overwhelming and intimidating experiences a person has to suffer through. Considering that anyone who needs a psychiatrist is already battling difficult and stressful circumstances, this additional stress can often become too much for many people. This is why it can be very useful to have a few handy tips for finding a good psychiatrist available when you are searching for a counselor who is right for you.

USEFUL TIPS FOR FINDING A GOOD PSYCHIATRIST

First, and most importantly, there are two critical facts to keep in mind when you are testing the waters of psychiatry. Number one, don't assume that every psychiatrist is a well trained expert who knows how to make an accurate diagnosis. Secondly, don't assume that all psychiatrists are clueless fruitcakes who don't know what they're talking about. While those two statements appear conflicting, after you visit a couple of psychiatrists, you'll quickly recognize why both pieces of advice are important to understand.

* The clueless expert: You know when you are in front of a behavioral "expert" of this variety when they treat you like a guinea pig. One month, you have a diagnosis of bipolar and you're put on an anti-anxiety medicine, a mood stabilizer, and a sleeping pill. The next month you're diagnosed with schizophrenia and put on higher levels of mood stabilizer and anti-psychotics. Does this sound like a nightmare to you? It's reality. And it happens every day in the world of Psychiatric treatment.

* The non-fruitcake: You've visited three different psychiatrists within the past ten months, and each one has turned into a nightmare. Don't be surprised when you suddenly come across a psychiatrist who actually appears to know what he's doing.

So how do you tell the difference between a mad scientist and a professional Psychiatrist? The following tips for finding a good psychiatrist will help.

FIVE BASIC SIGNS OF A GOOD PSYCHIATRIST

1. Listening Skills: A good psychiatrist will sit, facing you, and listen intently as you describe how you're feeling. There won't be any computer work, paper shuffling, or any activity that makes you feel as though you are just another distraction in the daily grind.

2. Tweaking in moderation: Instead of massive medicine changes every month, a good psychiatrist will change one medicine at a time, and only very slightly. Each visit, the psychiatrist should ask you about any changes in mood, physical symptoms, and any general improvement or decline

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