Oh, one more thing about Primary Care Doc's and overprescribing antidepressants. The very typical and extremely common scenario is this: you are the PCP. You have 10 minutes to see your patient. You have to deal with severe hypertension, diabetes, and the cold they came in for. Oh, by the way, can you fill out my kid's school physical? Oh, and can you look at this weird growth on my skin? It's been growing for 6 months now. Now at 20 minutes for the visit, 10 minutes late. Add that to the 30 minutes from the last 2 patients. Nurse tells you your next patient is getting pissed. Patient in front of you doesn't want to leave. What's the matter, you look upset? Why are you crying? 'I'm sorry. I can't take it any more. My job is terrible, I don't make enough money, and I'm about to get fired, my husband is cheating on me, my son is in jail. I'm just so depressed' (starts crying and won't stop). Now 40 minutes late and you need 10 minutes to document the visit. I know a good therapist, let me give you his card. 'I can't afford that, doctor. It's too expensive, I have no money, and my insurance won't cover it. ' Isn't there something you can give me to help?'
What do you do? Honestly.
What do you do? Honestly.