Preparing for an appointment

In addition to a medical evaluation, your primary care provider may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for evaluation and treatment.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including when they first occurred and how they impact your daily life
• Key personal information, including traumatic events in your past and any stressful, major events
• Medical information, including other physical or mental health conditions that you have
• Medications, vitamins, herbs and other supplements, and the dosages
• Questions to ask your medical care provider or mental health professional

Ask a trusted family member or friend to go with you to your appointment, if possible, to lend support and help you remember information.

Questions to ask may include:

• Do I have somatic symptom disorder?
• What treatment approach do you recommend?
• Would therapy be helpful in my case?
• If you're recommending therapy, how often will I need it and for how long?
• If you're recommending medications, are there any possible side effects?
• For how long will I need to take medication?
• How will you monitor whether my treatment is working?
• Are there any self-care steps I can take to help manage my condition?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can have?
• What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your medical care provider or mental health professional may ask you questions, such as:

• What are your symptoms, and when did they first occur?
• How do your symptoms affect your life, such as at school, at work and in personal relationships?
• Have you or any of your close relatives been diagnosed with a mental health disorder?
• Have you been diagnosed with any medical conditions?
• Do you use alcohol or recreational drugs? How often?
• Do you get regular physical activity?

Your medical care provider or mental health professional will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your appointment time.