Ask Dr. Schwartz: Psychotherapy and Mental Health questions
Archive · Ask a Question · Read the Disclaimer · Biographical Statement · RSS Feed

I have been diagnosed with Major depression and have had my meds changed 3 times within one months period. I am out of work on sick leave at this time and am having a HORRIBLE time dealing with this depression. My Family doctor has referred me to a Psychiatrist, in which I am on a waiting list to be seen! I have been out of work for 4 weeks trying to "get right". I am having a hard time dealing with myself let alone other people. My position requires me to problem solve and make high priority decisions. --- The company I am employeed with has a "company" doctor that I have to see every other week to review my progress. As of 3 days ago, the "company" doctor told me that he is clearing me to return to work!!! How can this be? He is NOT my treating physician. I told my family doctor about this in which my family doctor still has me out of work for another 3 weeks and is leaving it up to the Psychiatrist to "release me to work". The company doctor talks as if this will just go away on its own if I return to work and "get on with the program!" I KNOW I am not able nor ready to return with my condition. I live in Ohio. Is there anything I can do? Do I listen to my Family physician who has filled out paperwork who has disabled me from work OR does my company doctor have the right to override him??? Lost and going around in a circle!!!!

THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION WILL NOT BE DISPLAYED UNTIL YOU HAVE INDICATED YOUR AGREEMENT WITH THE DISCLAIMER PRINTED JUST BELOW. CLICK THE 'I AGREE' BUTTON TO AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND SEE THE RESPONSE.

Disclaimer

• Dr. Schwartz responds to questions about psychotherapy and mental health problems, from the perspective of his training in clinical psychology.
• Dr. Schwartz intends his responses to provide general educational information to the readership of this website; answers should not be understood to be specific advice intended for any particular individual(s).
• Questions submitted to this column are not guaranteed to receive responses.
• No correspondence takes place.
• No ongoing relationship of any sort (including but not limited to any form of professional relationship) is implied or offered by Dr. Schwartz to people submitting questions.
• Dr. Schwartz, Mental Help Net and CenterSite, LLC make no warranties, express or implied, about the information presented in this column. Dr. Schwartz and Mental Help Net disclaim any and all merchantability or warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or liability in connection with the use or misuse of this service.
• Always consult with your psychotherapist, physician, or psychiatrist first before changing any aspect of your treatment regimen. Do not stop your medication or change the dose of your medication without first consulting with your physician.