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Talking to Your Doctor

Talking To Your Doctor

Why is it important?

It is extremely important that you maintain open communication with your doctor. He or she can help you to understand your symptoms and treatment options. The first step is to find a doctor or medical professional that's right for you.

Once you have started a treatment plan, it is important for you to provide your doctor with updates about how you are feeling. Sometimes it is difficult to remember all of the points you want to discuss in your visit. The following checklist will help guide you so that you can prepare in advance and make the time with your doctor even more valuable.

When you're ready, the checklist will take approximately 2 to 5 minutes to complete. The results can be printed on your home printer or emailed to you.

Talking To Your Doctor
(Approximate Completion Time: 2 - 5 minutes)

1.  Reason for visit:

Tell your doctor exactly why you decided to make an appointment today. Are you interested in discussing particular symptoms? Would you like to talk about ways to better manage relationships with your friends and family? Are you interested in learning more about treatment plans, therapy, or medication? By knowing in advance what your needs are, your doctor will be fully prepared to help you.

2.  How you are feeling:

Rate how you have been feeling on the following scales from 1 to 10 (a rating of "1" signifies the worst your symptoms have ever felt, a rating of "10" is the best you've ever felt).

The Past 2 Weeks

  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10

The Past Month

  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10

The Past 6 Weeks

  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10
3.  Symptoms Checklist

Check the physical and mental symptoms that you have been experiencing. By thoroughly discussing your symptoms with your doctor, he or she will be able to provide the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Physical Symptoms

  Lethargy
  Drowsiness
  Headache
  Body Aches
  Dizziness
  Chest Pain
  Sleep Disturbances
  Change in Appetite
  Decreased Sexual Drive
  Muscle Tension
  Nausea
  Other

Mental Symptoms

  Lack of Concentration
  Memory Loss
  Irritability
  Loss of Pleasure
  Hopelessness
  Suicidal Thoughts
  Nightmares
  Racing Thoughts
  Hallucinations
  Other

Other Symptoms

List any other mental or physical symptoms you may be experiencing.


4.  Prescription Medications

List all of the prescription medications you are currently taking.

SSRI's (Zoloft, Effexor, Paxil, etc.)
MAOI's (Nardil, Parnate, etc.)
Benzodiazepines (Klonopin, Atavan, Xanax, etc.)
  Other
5.  Non-prescription Solutions

List all non-prescription solutions or medicines you are currently taking including over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements.

Vitamins
Herbal Supplements
OTC Medication
Other
6.  Current Treatment

Are you Satisfied with your current treatment?

  YES   NO
If NO, Why not?
  Side Effects
  Cost
  Doesn't Work
  Forget to take It
Additional Information
7.  Alternative Treatment Options

There are various alternative types of therapy currently available. Check any treatments you may be interested in trying.

  Cognitive Behavior Therapy
  Alternative Medicine (Herbs, vitamins, etc.)
  Self-Help
  Family Therapy
  Talk Therapy
  Counseling
  Other