Doctor Appointments
Making the Most of Your Time With the Doctor
This information is to help you communicate with your doctor. Either print this out or write information down on a piece of paper before each appointment with your doctor. If you are seeing the doctor for the first time, please be aware that you may be asked to fill out documentation when you arrive that requests some of the same information.
Bring a list of all your current medications. Your list should include:
- All medications prescribed by a doctor
- Herbal supplements
- Vitamins
- Over the counter medications
Make a list of any side effects you might be having
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Sexual dysfunctions
- Memory problems
- Tiredness
- Restlessness
- Increase/decrease in appetite
- Increase/decrease in sleep
Discuss with your doctor any substances that you use or have used:
- Alcohol
- Prescription drugs
- Drugs
Make a list of your symptoms
- Note how long you have been experiencing these symptoms and how they interfere with your daily activities:
- Differences in your sleep
- Sleeping too much
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Differences in your appetite:
- Eating more
- Eating less
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
- Differences in your social activities:
- Spending less time with friends
- Not wanting to be alone
- Not wanting to be around others
Depression
Shame
Mood Swings
Irritability
Slow Thinking
Spending Sprees
Trying to stop certain thoughts
Seeing things that others do not
Feel others are looking at me
Flashbacks of painful events
Thoughts of hurting yourself
Paranoia
History of fighting
Suspicious of others
Frightened of something
Difficulty of making decisions
More talkative then usual
Avoid things or people
Nightmares of painful events
Feel others talking about me
Increased/decreased energy level
Thoughts of hurting someone else
Change in sex drive
Rapid racing thoughts
Poor concentration
Crying a lot
Anger
Anxiety
Worthlessness
Hopelessness
Forgetfulness
Grieving
Sadness
Manic
Confusion
Panic attacks
Repeating Thoughts
Guilt
Thoughts that others are trying to hurt you