1. dealing with psych pts is really frustrating, especially when they're inpt (ie i HATE getting consulted for a pt that is a psych pt when im on a different svc). too many hostile pts, etc. i just dont have the patience.
2. although i think meds are great for a lot of psych illnesses (and in many cases, thats the only way to go), as an med student (ie someone with less than 2 wks psych experience), it seems like most psych docs dont do much talking with pts and instead just prescribe. i saw a f/u visit for depression where its like "how do u rate ur depression on a scale of 1-10? etc". and the pt was talking abt feeling weepy, etc. if i had a psych issue like depression/anxiety, i think i would definitely see a psychologist and would consider a psychiatrist only if i wanted meds (or if they would do more than just do med checks). obviously psychiatrists are invaluable, but for those pts with less serious/acute conditions, i would probably recommend that they see someone (best would be a psychiatrist who does therapy) who would talk to them abt their problems and hopefully help them with CBT, etc.