Changing Doctors During Treatment: Impact on Mental Health Patients

Q: Changing Doctors During Treatment: Impact on Mental Health Patients

Hello Shya： Here are brief answers to your questions： 1. <br>There is a saying in Taiwan： "A good doctor is a blessing for the patient," which means that finding a compatible physician is beneficial for the patient. <br>Therefore, it is certainly acceptable to change doctors; how

Is it possible to change doctors during treatment?

Hello Dr.
Chen, I have a few questions to ask you: 1.
Is it possible to change to a new physician during treatment, and how might this affect the patient? 2.
How can we communicate with the patient to help them develop personal hygiene habits? 3.
If the patient requests to leave the hospital for treatment, is that appropriate? I am the sister of the patient.
Thank you! My brother has schizophrenia.

shya, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/06/24

Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry

Hello Shya: Here are brief answers to your questions: 1.
There is a saying in Taiwan: "A good doctor is a blessing for the patient," which means that finding a compatible physician is beneficial for the patient.
Therefore, it is certainly acceptable to change doctors; however, it is important to clarify the reasons for the change and ideally communicate with the original physician, ensuring that there is good referral information to avoid starting over or repeating past mistakes.
2.
Patients may experience poor personal hygiene due to either positive or negative symptoms, and the treatment approaches vary.
It is advisable to discuss this with your brother's healthcare team to develop a tailored and effective plan.
3.
I find this question somewhat unclear, but I believe that the goal of psychiatric care is to address the whole individual, including their family.
Why not discuss these issues directly with the treatment team? It may be more relevant and effective.

Reply Date: 2004/06/24

More Info

Changing doctors during treatment can be a significant decision for mental health patients, especially those dealing with complex conditions like schizophrenia. Here are some insights regarding your questions:
1. Can a patient change doctors during treatment, and what impact might this have?
Yes, a patient can change doctors during treatment. In fact, finding a doctor with whom the patient feels comfortable and understood can be crucial for effective treatment. The therapeutic alliance, or the relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider, plays a vital role in the success of mental health treatment. If a patient feels that their current doctor is not meeting their needs, it is entirely reasonable to seek a new provider. However, it is essential to communicate the reasons for the change to the current doctor, if possible, to ensure a smooth transition. This can help avoid any disruption in care and allow the new doctor to understand the patient's history and treatment plan better.

Changing doctors can have both positive and negative impacts. On the positive side, a new doctor may offer fresh perspectives, different treatment approaches, or simply a better rapport. On the downside, switching doctors can lead to feelings of instability or anxiety, especially if the patient has already established a relationship with the previous doctor. Additionally, there may be a need to repeat assessments or undergo new evaluations, which can be frustrating for the patient.

2. How to communicate with the patient about personal hygiene?
Communicating with a patient about personal hygiene can be sensitive, especially for those with mental health conditions. It is essential to approach the topic with empathy and understanding. Here are some strategies:
- Use Open-Ended Questions: Encourage the patient to express their feelings about personal hygiene. For example, ask, "How do you feel about your daily routine?" This can open a dialogue without making them feel judged.

- Educate Gently: Sometimes, patients may not be aware of the importance of personal hygiene for their overall health and well-being. Providing information in a non-confrontational manner can help. For instance, you might say, "Taking care of ourselves can really help us feel better mentally and physically."
- Set Small Goals: Encourage the patient to set small, achievable goals related to personal hygiene. For example, suggest starting with one aspect, like brushing their teeth daily, and gradually adding more as they feel comfortable.

- Be Supportive: Offer to help them establish a routine or even participate in activities together, such as going for a walk or cooking healthy meals. This can create a supportive environment that fosters better hygiene practices.

3. Is it appropriate for a patient to request to leave the hospital for treatment?
Whether it is appropriate for a patient to request to leave the hospital for treatment depends on several factors, including the patient's current mental state, the severity of their condition, and the treatment plan. In many cases, patients may feel ready to transition to outpatient care, especially if they have made progress in their treatment.

However, it is crucial to assess the patient's stability before making such a decision. If the patient is experiencing severe symptoms or poses a risk to themselves or others, it may not be safe for them to leave the hospital. In these cases, it is essential to have an open discussion with the healthcare team about the patient's readiness for discharge and the support systems in place for their continued care.

Ultimately, the decision should involve a collaborative approach, including the patient, their family, and the healthcare team. It is vital to ensure that the patient has a solid support system and a clear plan for ongoing treatment if they are discharged.

In conclusion, changing doctors, discussing personal hygiene, and considering discharge from the hospital are all critical aspects of managing mental health treatment. Open communication, empathy, and collaboration with healthcare providers are essential in navigating these challenges effectively.

Similar Q&A

Navigating Unwritten Rules in Psychiatric Care: Your Options Explained

In psychiatry, there seems to be an unwritten rule that the first psychiatrist you see becomes your primary provider for ongoing treatment. In other words, if you are dissatisfied and wish to switch doctors, it depends on whether the psychiatrist is willing to have an open conver...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, because you have been seeing the same physician for a long time, this physician should theoretically have a better understanding of your condition. Other doctors in the same hospital may be less familiar with you and might be more hesitant to change the prescriptions made ...

Understanding Medication Changes in Mental Health Treatment: A Patient's Perspective

Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I went for psychotherapy and then visited my attending physician. During the therapy session, I told my therapist that I sometimes have suicidal thoughts, and he relayed this information to my attending physician. That day, my attending physician decided...

Dr. Chen Wenke reply Psychiatry
MIMI faces challenges in treatment that truly trouble many people. However, one thing is certain: treatment is always better than no treatment. We must acknowledge that some individuals may experience suboptimal responses to therapy, and these individuals may require more time an...

Understanding Transference in Psychiatric Care: A Teen's Journey

Hello, Doctor: I have been seeing a male physician regularly since the third year of junior high school due to bullying in school and family background issues. Now I am in the second year of high school and have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I have weekly follow-up ...

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, online friend: I suggest considering a change of physician! It seems that this treatment relationship is bringing about negative emotions instead. Alternatively, you might need to incorporate psychotherapy alongside your treatment; discussing these feelings with your thera...

Can I Switch Mental Health Providers After Graduation?

Hello, doctor. I am about to graduate and will be moving away from the initial clinic where I have been receiving treatment. I have been taking medication for one to two months. Can I switch to a mental health clinic closer to my home on my own?

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Yiyi: Sure! However, when you visit other clinics, you need to clearly communicate your past treatment history, including any changes in medications and variations in symptoms. If you are not very clear about your past treatment, I recommend that you request a copy of your ...