Prescribing mental health medications

How I prescribe mental health medications?

My name is Dr. Anna Wegierek, and I have been prescribing medicine for a couple of years. I am a definitively conservative prescriber in terms of “going slow and low” at first.” In other words, I tend to prescribe the lowest dose while monitoring the patient over the next few weekly visits. During these visits, I consider increasing the dose, but only after considerable amount of time. Even though I consider myself conservative, I love to learn about new medications and have worked with gene testing laboratories to determine if certain medications are justifiable for my patients. I also attend psychiatrist conferences where I learn a great deal about medications from psychiatrists as well as nurses. 

Prescribing Psychologist

The majority of my work consists of both psychotherapy and medication management, all “under one roof.” In my heart, I am a clinical psychologist and then prescriber. With this in mind, I always propose to my patients both realms of treatment. The results are different for each patient. It also depends on their diagnostic criteria. In my practice, the anxious patients opt more for using both components, and the patient’s that struggle with psychosis tend to ask for medication management only. 

I speak Polish and therefore deal with Polish culture that is very reserved in terms of mental health treatment. So, I understand that it takes a lot for people to seek mental health treatment. It is much harder for those belonging to a culture that does not view such treatment as a priority.

How long is the visit?

Last, in general, I feel that my patients appreciate the hour that they spend with me during their visit. They always say that they thought the visit would only be 10 minutes and that they would not have time to open up and share their concerns. I do not think 10 minutes is enough time to evaluate my patient, therefore, I take my time and get to know the person.

Side effects and benefits of mental health medication

I complete history, updates, review medications, allergies, side effects, and take vitals. I order labs and review labs from other doctors. In the end, I recommend medications with an explanation about their possible side effects, 1/2 life, and possible benefits. I give my patient choices. I teach them that they do have control over their well-being even when they believe otherwise. I treat my patients using my psychology and medication expertise in order to give the best possible treatment, all under one roof.