How long do you think a doc studies depression.

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Aspie_Chav
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15 Nov 2007, 10:23 am

I stopped taking anti-depressants for more then 6 month as it doesn’t work.. Am always being advised to get advice from doctor. As he is a doctor … and knows more then I do.

The logical process a doctor has patient mentions he is depressed, maybe through bad circumstances. Doctor prescribes either tricyclic, serotoninergic antidepresssent accordingly. If one does not work, then move to the next.

His knowledge is broad, covering many illnesses, hundreds of illnesses. What I want to know is considering the time that doctor studies in collage, how much time they spend of the subject of depression. Considering that if one can become more knowledgeable in diating and food health more then the doc quite easily, then the same applies to depression.

I wonder if anyone knows how long a dock studies a subject.



Zsazsa
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15 Nov 2007, 11:31 am

Psychiatrists, like all medical doctors, study FOUR years of Pre-med courses as an undergraduate.Then, they have to take a BIG
test called the MCAT (Medical College Aptitude Test) to get into medical school. If they score high and have excellent grades in
their Pre-med courses, they get accepted into medical school for another FOUR years. (Many don't make it into medical school
and end up on other career paths). Upon graduation from medical school, they are now doctors...but, now they need a specialty
or become general practice doctors. This usually involves one year of an Internship and then, depending on their choice of
specialty...2 to 3, maybe four years of a Residency. It totals up to about 12-14 years to become a doctor.

I have a brother-in-law who is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist...he delivers babies when they are born.

Prescribing medication is a "guessing" game...everybody responds differently and what works for one person may not work for
another. Besides, Medicine is more of an Art than a Science...and alot depends on how you feel confident in your doctor's abilities
and how he acts toward you. If you don't "click" with a particular doctor, look for one you do feel comfortable with under his or
her care.



Aspie_Chav
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15 Nov 2007, 12:13 pm

I am talking about a GP



0_equals_true
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15 Nov 2007, 12:31 pm

Aspie_Chav wrote:
I am talking about a GP

Don't assume anything at all. It varies but there is little emphasis in getting any training at all in mental health. Btw just because they can prescribe antidepressants doesn't mean they know what they are talking about. GPs can prescribe tranquilizers and stimulant that are classed as controlled substances even though they are technically not allowed without consultation first and the regulations penalize GPs that stay within the rules.

You need to get referred to a psychiatrist for depression drugs. However drugs are not necessarily the answer. Depression can be sometimes treated by other methods such as CBT.