Is Medication the Only Option for OCD?
If you have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and are worried about treatment options, don’t be. While medication is one route to better mental health, it’s not the sole one.
When Is It Appropriate to Get a Second Opinion About a Psychiatric Diagnosis?
There’s no reason to distrust your current psychiatrist. After all, they have years of training and are committed to your care. But sometimes a psychiatrist and patient aren’t the perfect fit.
If you feel that something is off, you don’t accept the diagnosis, or you feel the treatment isn’t helping, seeking another opinion can be helpful.
As a board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Ifeanyi Olele of Genesis Psychiatric Solutions provides a second opinion for patients who want to have their diagnosis reviewed or their treatment options widened.
Reasons to consider a second psychiatric opinion
Your first consultation or evaluation may yield results you weren't expecting or prepared for. You might want a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis or to offer alternatives in case your provider overlooked or misinterpreted something.
A second opinion can clarify your case and help you come to terms with a diagnosis, or it may highlight other possibilities. Here are some signs that point to getting a second opinion before moving forward with treatment:
Potential for misdiagnosis
Multiple conditions could fit your diagnosis. Many psychiatric conditions have broad crossover when it comes to symptoms. This can lead to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment.
A psychiatrist might urge you to get a second opinion if your diagnosis could include one or more of these conditions.
Prescribed treatments are failing
If it’s been longer than 90 days and you’re receiving no help from prescribed treatment, you might need a different approach. Psychiatry isn’t one size fits all, but rather a trial-and-error process.
If you're starting to lose hope, getting a second opinion can help confirm or negate a diagnosis or treatment course and point out alternatives.
A general practitioner vs. a specialist
Some conditions are so complex and difficult to treat that it’s best to have a specialist step in. If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, have OCD symptoms, or are in the grips of another complex condition, a second opinion from someone with experience specific to your symptoms can help.
Finding the right psychiatrist
As a patient, having the right doctor on your side is crucial. Building trust is one of the first things a psychiatrist does with a patient. If you aren’t feeling sure about your psychiatrist’s diagnosis, seeking a second opinion from Dr. Olele can help bolster your confidence.
In many cases, the patients we see get a confirmation of their previous diagnosis. This can help you trust your current doctor more and have peace of mind that you are on the right treatment path.
In other cases, we may arrive at a different diagnosis. We’ll support our finding with documentation you can take back to your original doctor to discuss if you need to.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Olele, call our location closest to you or request an appointment online. We have offices in Alexandria and Fairfax, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Dr. Olele can also deliver services via telemedicine.
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