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ABOUT PSYCHIATRY: HOW TO SELECT A PSYCHIATRIST
For a child:
The first line of defense when a child appears to be having problems is usually
the family pediatrician. Since this physician has probably known the family for
quite some time and is familiar with the family's history, parents may find it
easier to talk over their concerns with him or her. The pediatrician will be
able to determine whether there is any physical cause associated with the
problem. If the problem is not severe or debilitating, the pediatrician also
should be able to give useful advice on how to deal with the situation or help
the child resolve it. Examples of problems for which parents might want to get a
pediatric consult are bedwetting, general complaints of not feeling well without
any apparent physical symptoms, refusal to go school, withdrawal from friends
and family, and excessive complaints of stomachaches and headaches.
If the problem has gone on for a long time or appears to interfere with the
child's ability to function or cope in general, a psychiatrist who specializes
in the treatment of children or adolescents--depending on the child's
age--should be consulted. The child's pediatrician should be able to refer
parents to an appropriate specialist. Parents can also obtain referrals from the
Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians, community mental health centers,
medical school, and the local medical society.
For an adult:
Adults who wish to obtain psychiatric help may want to start by conferring with
his or her own physician. The physician will probably want to perform a thorough
physical evaluation to check whether any physical problems may be the cause or a
contributor to the mental or emotional problem. If the physician believes that
psychiatric treatment is needed or could be helpful, he or she can recommend the
names of psychiatrists appropriate to consult. Other sources of referrals are
the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians, community mental health centers,
medical school, and the local medical society.
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FEDERATION
OF TEXAS PSYCHIATRY