Will I Need To Give The Health Care Professional Personal Information About My Past And Other Family Members?
Dr. Whiteside answers the question: 'Providing Medical History To Doctors?'
— -- Question: Will I need to give the health care professional personal information about my past and other family members?
Answer: It's important to realize that there are a number of effective treatments for anxiety disorders. And, typically, to start off that treatment, it's important to talk with your doctor or a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. And part of that process is helping your doctor or psychologist understand your perspective, understand your experience.
Your doctor likely will ask a number of important questions about your family -- your current family, your family of origin -- and events in your life. However, for treatment to be effective, people need to feel comfortable with their doctor. And it's important to remember that you're always in control of the information that you share.
And if there's some things that you don't feel comfortable talking about, those can be discussed later when you've developed a relationship with your doctor or psychologist, and feel comfortable talking about those issues.
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