I Have a Chronic Medical Illness; Does that Matter with Treatment for Mental Health?

I offer 15 minute free consultations to patients to see if we would be a good fit for each other as a doctor/patient dyad. The other day someone asked me on the call, “I have a chronic medical illness; does that matter with treatment for mental health?”

Having other illnesses while simultaneously having mental health concerns does make a difference in a person's treatment. I actually love talking about the relationship between chronic medical illnesses and mental health concerns and helping people who experience difficulties with both body and mind, because the separation we perceive between body and mind is not real; we are each a whole person that is connected.

Someone that has one or more medical illnesses along with mental health concerns will need a psychiatrist that is comfortable with and knowledgeable about medical conditions as there are special considerations. The psychiatrist will have to pay attention to the medications you are taking to make sure there are no unsafe interactions between them. Your psychiatrist will also have to know the better options of medications for mental health treatment that will either also help your medical condition or at least not make it worse.

 For example, some psychiatric medications also calm nerve pain, so those medications can help to treat both the mental health concerns and the medical condition of pain without opiate medication.

Also, for someone with diabetes, there are certain psychiatric medications that can make it more difficult to manage blood sugar levels. It is essential the psychiatrist pays close attention to your entire health history before prescribing medications.

With your permission, it can be helpful when your psychiatrist communicates with your primary care physician or specialist about any changes in your treatment so that everyone is on the same page for your care.

Most psychiatrists are comfortable with helping people with common medical conditions, but you should always ask questions of someone you are interviewing to be your new psychiatrist how comfortable they are with assisting people with your medical conditions. Feel free to also ask questions of your current psychiatrist regarding any drug interactions between what you take for your medical conditions and any new medications they are prescribing. Also ask if they are willing to talk to your primary care physician or your specialist that is treating your medical conditions about your treatment so there is an overall plan for your health.

If you would like me to be your psychiatrist who specializes in the relationship between mind and body, please click on the “Contact” button and schedule your free 15 minute consultation with me, Dr. Mills. 

Thanks for reading, have a great week, and remember, Mental Health is Freedom!