Premenstrual Disorders

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Who can diagnose a psychiatric disorder?

• psychiatrists

• psychiatric advanced practice nurses

• medical doctors

• clinical nurse specialists

• nurse psychiatrists

• social workers

• psychologists

However, in most of the United States only medical doctors, psy-

chiatrists, clinical nurse specialists, nurse psychiatrists, and ad-

vanced practice nurses can prescribe psychotropic medication.

treatment schedule could be decreased

side effects and a longer drug

tolerance

One of the most important precau-

tions to remember about taking Zoloft

or Prozac is that there can be a very dan-

gerous or fatal reaction between these

drugs and MAOIs. If you are presently

taking any of the MAOIs—drugs such

as Nardil, Parnate, and Marplan—or

have quit taking one within the past two

weeks, do not begin taking Zoloft or Pro-

zac without telling your physician about

your drug history.

Many researchers have studied the effectiveness and safety of

Prozac and Zoloft. The drugs are now considered safe to use but

must be monitored by a doctor regularly, because each person re-

acts differently to medication. Some people are so sensitive they

tolerance

: The capacity

of the body to endure

or become less respon-

sive to a substance (as

a drug) or a physiolog-

ical insult with repeat-

ed use or exposure.