Dr. Elliott’s goal is to minimize the number and dosages of medications needed to maintain safety and stability. Dr. Elliott will work collaboratively with you, to find the best medication regimen to meet your needs. Whenever possible, Dr. Elliott will incorporate your medication preferences into your care plan, as long as it is safe and medically sound to do so. However, what patients want is not always what they need, or the safest, most effective approach to care. In those cases, Dr. Elliott will offer medication that is best for you even if it is not what you prefer. Ultimately, you must provide consent for any medications you take, so the choice to accept Dr. Elliott’s recommendations always remains with you. If an agreement cannot be reached, Dr. Elliott will offer a list of other Psychiatrists in the area to whom you can transfer your care.
CYCLE OF CARE. The typical cycle of care is as follows: 1) Initial visit to obtain history, determine diagnosis, formulate preliminary treatment plan, and begin initial treatment; 2) Follow up approximately every 1-3 months to induce remission of symptoms; 3) Once symptoms are in remission, and treatment goals are reached, follow ups will be every 6-12 months.
NON-PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATIONS. Dr. Elliott will work with your other doctors to minimize conflict between psychotropic medications and those you take for your other medical problems. In order to avoid conflicts with your medical care outside Psychiatry, Dr. Elliott does not prescribe non-psychiatric medications (including erectile dysfunction medications). You will need to continue to get those medications from your other doctors.
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES. Dr. Elliott does not prescribe controlled of any kind. Medications like Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, etc. are never meant to be taken long term. They work on the same receptor systems in the brain as alcohol, which is why they can be used to prevent withdrawal symptoms during detox programs. There is a near epidemic of over prescribing these medications, which leaves many patients struggling through their lives intoxicated on prescription medications. Chronic use of these medications can lead to mood instability and functional problems that cannot be treated effectively with other medications, similar to those seen with alcohol and illicit drug use. Consequently, Dr. Elliott cannot knowingly harm patients by prescribing controlled substances.
STIMULANTS. There is a growing epidemic of stimulant (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, etc.) overuse, as well. Prescriptions for these addictive medications are growing at exponential rates. There is a perception that these medications are harmless general mood and performance enhancers, whether or not a person has Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). That is simply not the case. These are serious medications that should only be used for patients with ADHD confirmed through specific diagnostic procedures. Stimulants can increase heart rate and blood pressure, and there is growing evidence that long term use of stimulants in adults will increase risks of heart disease and stroke. Consequently, Dr. Elliott does not prescribe addictive stimulants, or treat ADHD.
Dr. Frank Scot Elliott, Psychiatrist, PLLC 