Explore managing anxiety with Dr. Jessi Gold, from non-pharmacological to 2nd and 3rd line medications. Learn about cannabis use, diagnosing anxiety in primary care, and medication considerations. Discover self-care strategies, medication challenges, and innovative mental health solutions.
Starting with SSRIs for anxiety medication due to lower side effects and considering patient preferences and past history.
Approaching dose adjustments cautiously, starting with lower doses and closely monitoring patient symptoms and feedback.
Balancing the risk of side effects with treatment efficacy when adjusting medication doses and supporting patients through potential adverse effects.
Utilizing patient preferences, past medication responses, and side effect profiles to create individualized treatment plans for managing anxiety disorders effectively.
Deep dives
Starting Treatment with Medication
When initiating medication for anxiety, Jesse typically starts with SSRIs due to their lower side effects compared to older medications. Preference and past history are considered, with patient input being crucial. Lower doses are often initially prescribed, like halving the starting dose for a week to mitigate potential increase in anxiety. Jesse sometimes starts with bupropion if weight gain or sexual side effects are concerns.
Medication Dose Adjustment
Dose adjustments are approached cautiously, with lower doses initially to monitor for side effects like increased anxiety. Jesse may start with half the standard starting dose and gradually titrate to full dose. Careful monitoring of patient symptoms and feedback guides dose adjustments to minimize adverse effects.
Managing Side Effects and Efficacy
Clinicians need to balance the risk of side effects with treatment efficacy when adjusting medication doses. Patients may report increased anxiety or inadequate symptom improvement, prompting consideration for slower dose escalation or modifications. Supporting patients through possible side effects and ensuring close follow-up are essential during the adjustment period.
Considerations in Treatment Approach
Patient preferences, past medication responses, and medication side effect profiles influence the choice of initial medications. A stepwise approach with lower initial doses, patient collaboration, and close monitoring allows for individualized treatment plans for managing anxiety disorders effectively.
Importance of Seeking Psychiatric Consultation
Seeking psychiatric consultation is vital when primary care providers begin feeling uncomfortable managing certain mental health conditions beyond their expertise. Referring to a psychiatrist ensures that patients receive specialized care and treatment tailored to their mental health needs.
Utilizing Empathy and Understanding in Mental Health Encounters
In mental health encounters, it is crucial for healthcare providers to demonstrate empathy and understanding by acknowledging patients' terminology and concerns, delving into what truly troubles them, and comprehending their perspectives on medications and treatment. Building a rapport based on empathy facilitates effective communication and patient buy-in.
Proactive Mental Health Screening and Early Intervention
Early detection of mental health issues through proactive screening in primary care settings offers opportunities for early intervention and support. Providers should recognize that mental health challenges exist along a spectrum and can impact various aspects of a person's life, not solely academic or work performance. By addressing mental health concerns proactively, clinicians can prevent conditions from escalating and tailor appropriate care to patients.
Elevate your primary care management of anxiety. Become confident in counseling patients about a new anxiety diagnosis, 2nd and 3rd line medications, augmentation for anxiety treatment, and options for non-pharmacological anxiety treatment. We are joined by psychiatrist and mental health expert Dr. Jessi Gold, @drjessigold (University of Tennessee System; drjessigold.com).
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