Laboratory Testing

Shier Private Practice may perform laboratory testing when clinically indicated to rule out medical causes of psychiatric symptoms. Routine monitoring may be necessary for individuals with certain conditions such as eating and addictive disorders. Individuals that are on medications used to treat bipolar disorder or schizophrenia may also require routine laboratory monitoring to evaluate drug levels as well as immune cell, thyroid, liver and kidney functioning. Most individuals receiving medications to treat depression and anxiety do not require routine laboratory monitoring. In otherwise healthy individuals, a standard annual blood panel is adequate and may be performed by a primary care physician.