When Patients Split

I Want A Second Opinion

There are times when patients will blame their psychiatrist for worsening symptoms, “I don’t think the medication is working; my suicidal thoughts have gotten worse since starting the antidepressant; I want a second opinion!” Patients will split due to many reasons:

• Age and immaturity
• Lack of patience
• Frustration and taking it out on their psychiatrist
• Unconscious inner conflicts
• Boredom with therapy
• Drug use and getting carried away

. . . and many more. As a psychiatrist, you have to understand that it’s better to allow the patient to seek another provider’s professional guidance than trying to convince them to stick around. As a patient, you have to understand that we are not perfect and cannot always effectively help you with your problems. As a patient, you should also understand that seeking a “second opinion” does not mean that you will be satisfied and might actually set you a few steps back, because that means that you have to start all over with a psychiatrist who does not know you.

The best recommendation for psychiatrists is to stick by their professional expertise and utilize empathy as much as possible. The best recommendation for patients is to trust their psychiatrist and avoid making impulsive decisions based on frustration encountered in therapy.

Are you Ready? (This is Defeating Stigma Mindfully)