Communicating With Your Doctor
Helpful hints to take the anxiety out of doctor visits.

Doctor appointments can be stressful for anyone, but even more so for the anxious person. How do you make sure to remember the questions you want to ask? How do you get beyond your anxiety and discuss the important issues? Following are some tips to help you make the most out of your doctor visits.

Be Prepared
Before your next appointment, take time to think about what you want to discuss. Do you have questions? Write them down and take the list with you, as a reminder. Are you on any medications? Note which ones, how often you take them, and whether or not you have side effects. Don't forget also to make a list of any symptoms you may have. It's important for your doctor to know about all of these issues to treat you effectively.

Be Honest
It is essential to be open and honest with your doctor, even when sharing information you find embarrassing. Learning about your health and lifestyle-such as alcohol intake and smoking habits, symptoms, exercise, life stressors and diet-is standard practice for health care providers who need this information to diagnose and treat you properly.

If you find a particular topic embarrassing, let your doctor know you have a difficult time discussing it, so he or she will understand your reluctance. Chances are your doctor has heard before what you are about to say and will not judge you negatively. Remember, your doctor is a trained professional and anything you discuss will be kept confidential.

Ask Questions
If you don't understand something, or if you want more information, say so! If you don't, your doctor will assume you received all the help you need or want and not offer anything further. If you don't have any questions during the appointment, ask how you can contact the doctor in the future if necessary.

If you feel rushed, explain to your doctor that you want to talk further. Find out what would be a good way for you to do this. Should you speak with a nurse or assistant in the office? Can you schedule another time to come in? Can you talk over the phone?

Take Notes
Jotting down notes during your appointment can help you keep track of the information you received, particularly concerning your medications. Write down when to take them, how many to take, etc., so you won't have to worry about forgetting these instructions after you leave.

Finally, make certain you understand what happens next before the appointment ends. Do you need a follow up visit? Do you have homework to prepare for your next therapy session? If necessary, review your notes with the doctor to ensure you leave with the correct information.

Let Your Doctor Know How You Feel
If you feel like you and your doctor are not communicating well, let your doctor know. He or she may be unaware of your concerns. Once you explain them, you and your doctor should come up with a plan on how to increase communication so that both of you get the most out of each visit.

You should feel comfortable having open and honest discussions with your doctor. If your discomfort persists, you may want to consider seeing another doctor with whom you can discuss your health openly.

Having a hard time locating a therapist in your area? Find a Therapist now.

Discussing Your Medications
Whether your medications are prescribed or over-the-counter, it's important for your doctor to know about each and every one you take. Here are some ways to help you effectively talk with your doctor about your medications.

• Let your doctor know all medications you are taking. This includes any prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, herbal or dietary supplements and vitamins.
  
• When your doctor prescribes a new medication for you, make sure you get all of the information you need. Find out how the medication will help you, any side-effects to be aware of, any foods or drinks to avoid while on the medication, and any drug interactions that may occur. Make sure you know when you should take it and how-on any empty stomach or with food? Take notes on these instructions.
  " Find out how long it should take for the medication to start working and what you should expect when this happens.
  
• Ask about what you should do if you develop any side effects. Do you stop the medication? Should you call the doctor? If so, how can you reach him or her if it is after office hours?
  
• Your pharmacist is another great source of information on medications and over-the-counter products if you still have questions. He or she should be made aware of all your prescriptions in order to advise you properly about possible drug interactions, side effects, and instructions for use.

Learn more about medications.