Is it better to have a YOUNG psych doctor or OLD?

[jasonmccarthy5]

My doctor who is a Psychiatrist is in his late 70s, he seems like he knows what he's doing but has to refer to notes alot and just seems really old, he may be in his 80s, not sure. Is a young or new doc better generally?

 

[L2R]

same as whether they are male or female. better is only that which is effective for each patient. some feel more secure with an aged person, others don't. you can politely ask to be referred to someone else, since you don't feel like you relate to the 70 year old. there's nothing to gain by questioning his competence.

 

[rangrz]

I myself prefer a younger Dr, regardless of specialty. Because I want someone who has more recently gone to uni and med school and thus has more modern information and IMO, science educations are more rigorous as you get more modern.

But really, so long as the person knows what they are doing, it makes no diff.

 

[sarcophagus.heels]

Yeah, I also prefer someone who has recently been in school, or someone who also works in research. That forces you to stay on top of changes, and psychiatric medicine sure has been changing over time. Plus, it's good to just have someone you feel comfortable with, and who you can relate to.

 

[CHiLD-0F-THE-BEAT]

I have been comfortable with Doctors of all ages; one who was literally just out of med school, one who was nearing retiring age and another who was in the middle. I don't think age is really the main variable when trying to find a Doctor who works for you.

The patient/Doctor relationship is an important one. I tend to take my time finding a Doctor I trust if I move to a new area and have been known to see one Doctor and if I don't gel with them the first visit, I just won't go back.

 

[BottleInABottle]

I prefer older doctors, as they have way more practical experience than educational. They've seen a lot of cases and know better how to distuingish all of the mental illnesses that are out there, easily confused together otherwise. They also have a better outlook of what kind of medication works the best for the patient.

But the most important part is if you can get along with the doc. I think you should choose the one you feel the most comfortable with.

 

[adrianstclaire]

I'm 21. I've had both old (over 65) and young (under 30).

I personally enjoy the under thirty year old doctor SO MUCH BETTER. I feel like she's in the trenches with me, so to speak, whereas the older woman I saw seemed to be looking down upon my life from a higher -- better - place.

I suffer from anxiety, socially and personally, and depression. SO I cant tell you what's best for you unless you suffer from the same thing, and even then if you're older than me, or at a different place than I am (as most 21 year olds I find are), then I can't really say.

But in my experience, I want someone to talk to. And I'd rather talk to a friend than a doctor, and I can honestly say the 30 year old doctor would be my friend, irl.

 

[werts]

I seen a doctor for anxiety and panic attacks, didnt really listen to my story and gave me benzos and threw me out in 2 minutes he was probably 50-60 and this happend about 4 times.
Then I saw a young doctor in his 20's who listened to me and did some research for me, gave me other methods like beta-blockers and ways to relieve anxiety with out drugs and spent a good 40 minutes with him.

So I really prefer younger really at this time.

 

[Josair]

by the way: i know young psychologists who take notes for each patient and re-read them before each session.Not sure whether they refer to them them during the therapy, though..

 

[jasonmccarthy5]

I'm on a TCA and one SSRI for my ocd/bipolar mania. Anyone have any other recommendations to take with that?

 

[CHiLD-0F-THE-BEAT]

Mate, we're not Doctors. And even if one or two posted, they can't see you or your medical history and suggest appropriate drugs and doseages.

I'm closing this for now.