Can you go to your gynecologist for anxiety or depression problems?

March 16th, 2010 | by admin |

I need to go in for my yearly visit but lately i’ve been having some anxiety and depression issues that seem to be becoming worse. Becuase of insurance I realize I need to be reffered by a doctor and just can’t make an appoint with a psychiatrist. Can I go to the gynecologist and while I’m there get a refferal to a psychiatrist for counseling and medication?

Your depression and anxiety could actually be caused by a hormonal imbalance and you should actually bring that up at your appointment with your gyno anyways. They may not give you a referral to a psychiatrist, but she could discuss other options for you, such as birth control. Hormones play a big part in depression and mental health related issues. A simple change of pills or getting put on birth control pills could help your problem tremendously. So, yes, talk to your gyno about it and if she suggests going to your GP, then schedule an appt with them. Usually, if you go in for your yearly exam (with my doc anyways) and you have another issue, she will at least hear it and decide if it can be treated or not by her. At the very least, she will tell you to go to your primary care doc. You just can’t schedule an appointment with a gyno for unrelated problems to their specialty, but there is no harm in bringing it up while you are there. Most will be understanding that going to a doctor takes time away from work and family and can be a hassle, not to mention expensive, so they will usually at least try to help if they can. Another thing you might want to consider doing, is calling around or research some general practitioners in your area. Some have double specialties or sub-specialties, actually most, and there are GP’s that also specialize in being a gyno as well. That could, in the future, prove to be useful in your case.

  1. 3 Responses to “Can you go to your gynecologist for anxiety or depression problems?”

  2. By self-employed on Mar 17, 2010 | Reply

    This shouldn’t be a problem.
    References :

  3. By scottclear on Mar 17, 2010 | Reply

    Sure, they’re MDs and can treat any illness. But they may refer you to specialists, especially if illness-specific drugs are involved in the treatment.
    References :

  4. By Jackie on Mar 17, 2010 | Reply

    Your depression and anxiety could actually be caused by a hormonal imbalance and you should actually bring that up at your appointment with your gyno anyways. They may not give you a referral to a psychiatrist, but she could discuss other options for you, such as birth control. Hormones play a big part in depression and mental health related issues. A simple change of pills or getting put on birth control pills could help your problem tremendously. So, yes, talk to your gyno about it and if she suggests going to your GP, then schedule an appt with them. Usually, if you go in for your yearly exam (with my doc anyways) and you have another issue, she will at least hear it and decide if it can be treated or not by her. At the very least, she will tell you to go to your primary care doc. You just can’t schedule an appointment with a gyno for unrelated problems to their specialty, but there is no harm in bringing it up while you are there. Most will be understanding that going to a doctor takes time away from work and family and can be a hassle, not to mention expensive, so they will usually at least try to help if they can. Another thing you might want to consider doing, is calling around or research some general practitioners in your area. Some have double specialties or sub-specialties, actually most, and there are GP’s that also specialize in being a gyno as well. That could, in the future, prove to be useful in your case.
    References :
    med field x 8 yrs.

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