Dr. Michael Scott Easton, MD

He needs to see a good therapist.

Dr. Michael Easton is 'Daaa Best! Go Bears! I remember the receptionist saying "That was quick" after I came out of my appointment with Dr. Michael Easton. I replied, "You don't have to stay long when you're seeing the best doctor there is!" Dr. Michael Easton has been my doctor for decades. I like that he says that I know my mind and body better than anyone else, and that he is there to work collaboratively with me when choosing medications. Even though I personally liked my previous psychiatrists, it wasn't until I met Dr. Easton that I was able to switch medication and really, for the first time, realize that the medication my previous doctors were giving me weren't working at all. Both my previous doctors were totally old school... They hated that drugs were now being advertised on tv. They said it should be up to the doctor to choose which drug a patient be on, and that patients have no business choosing or suggesting medicine since they don't have the medical degree.… I hated that I was always out of the loop with my old doctors, they never told what the side effects could be, and to realize that for years I was taking ineffective medicine from the 40's just because that's what they learned on - well, those meds never worked. It wasn't until Dr. Easton worked WITH me collaboratively to find the right drug, and as important, the right dosage that my life changed drastically for the better since meeting him. 1) He's da best, because he listens. 2) He's da best, because he's an expert and specializes in so many psychiatric conditions. 3) He's da best, because he values your input and works collaboratively WITH you. 4) He's da best, because he makes time for you and treats you like a friend rather than get you in and out like those treadmill doctors. 5) He's da best, because he diagnoses you correctly the first time... He has a huge team he consults with, he utilizes the Rush University resources (whole wings in the hospital devoted to involuntary movements in my case), they showed video of my twitching to hundreds of students (I signed off on that part), and the students were asked to guess at what the proper diagnoses should be, then he gathers all this information with his medical and professional team, and FIGURES out what is actually going on with me rather than being old school Drs using methods and medication from the 40's. I loved my old doctor, I really did. However, he told me I should get sterile, and I shouldn't have kids due to my genes. I'm not glad my old doctor died, but in all honesty, it was the best thing for me. Dr Easton at Rush University hospital was recommended to me by the CEO of a major pharmaceutical company. He's famously known as being the best there is in Chicago. Actually, I drive 50 minutes each way to see him, because I live in the suburbs, but he's way worth the drive. Dr. Easton is very compassionate with me. He looked me in the eye and told me head on, "There's no reason why I would think you shouldn't get married, have kids, start a family, and live a 'normal' life." And with his help, I got off my previous doctors drugs, he listened to me, and we worked collaboratively while choosing and experimenting with medication, and it didn't take more than 3 or 4 months to find the right combination and dosage of medication for me. I've prayed just to be "normal" for a long time... Today, I'm BETTER than normal. I feel great - have been for decades with Dr. Easton! And guess what, I now have a beautiful wife of 8 years, 2 of the nicest step kids, and 2.5 years ago, my wife delivered a beautiful red headed Irish boy, and just 9 months ago, she gave birth to another red headed Irish girl. I'm a family man now as a direct result of knowing him. I love my wife. I love my kids. I can compete with the best of them in the workforce, and today, I love my life! Thank you Dr. Easton for not only saving my life, but also for all the things you've done above that have made me so happy, so productive, and I have been having the best years of my life while in my 30's and 40's. Thanks especially for your caring attitude and empathy you show to me each time I see you. When I think about you, I think "I wish I could make such a dramatic change in someone's life such as the changes you've helped me get." Actually, I also think of your humor - you're a really funny guy. You save lives, and you save hearts, and you save souls! My immediate and extended family are also grateful to you for helping me so much! You Daaa Best - go Bears! Sincerely, M

I had been seeing another psychiatrist at Rush Hospital for a few years, that doctor, much to my regret had retired. I was assigned to doctor Easton. The doctor made it clear right from the onset that he didn't approve of the drug therapy I was on and which was helping and it was his intent to take me off as quickly as possible. I'm open to new ideas and not resistant to change if it makes sense. But when he told me that in his opinion I suffered from bipolar disorder, I was taken aback. I have seen over 15 psychiatrists in my lifetime and not one ever came close to that diagnosis. Doctor Easton made it in 15 minutes and he did most of the talking. Needless to say, that even if he were right, it would have been a lucky guess as his interview didn't cover anything other than previous medication management. I think it's fair to say that he made a snap judgment, and what's more, he seem almost combative about his defense of a quick diagnosis even though I was… practically speechless for the entire 15 minutes we were together. Everyone has to draw their own conclusion. I have never seen anything like this before of since. It was unique and frightening. I left his office and never heard anything from him again.

I had the misfortune to meet this doctor while in the Rush inpatient Mood Disorders unit. My depression was so bad I admitted myself to the hospital to be safe from self-harm. So... in pretty bad shape, in anybody's opinion. I met this doctor for medication consultation/care and because I have treatment-resistant depression and a good knowledge of medication available, I challenged his insistence on using anti-psychotics in depression (which is not psychosis). He is *sold* on their use, although that use is still not truly proven. Straight out doesn't work in many cases, and sometimes with permanent side effects. In short, the risk of harm vs. help profile is not great. He's also an ECT fan, so, just be warned. He took great umbrage at being challenged. He actually baited me a couple times. Anyhow, although I had been admitted only 12 hours before and admittedly was really frazzled, ill and scared, this psychiatric professional angrily declared, "I can't treat you," got up and… left the room. That's how he left me, still sitting in the chair, alone in the office. I had to go find the unit nurse to tell her what had happened and see if another doctor could see me. Yes, he actually stormed out of an appointment with an inpatient unit newbie. Astonishingly unprofessional and arguably abusive. Certainly egotistical, reckless, and not someone you'd want to entrust an at-risk loved one to. Not recommended in the strongest terms.

After seeking psychiatric care over a number of years for depression, and seeing different doctors because of changing needs or geography, I could easily recite my symptoms by rote. Most psychiatrists took my perfunctory listing of complaints as the starting and ending point. Not this doctor. His questions drove the appointment and I ended up with a more satisfactory result. His manner is subtle and refined. My relationship with him has been built over time. But even now, I can't just show up, and make small talk while he renews my prescriptions. This guy brings his "A" game every appointment. Regarding the other reviews citing a lack of response, my experience has been different. It's never been more than a day for him to get back to me (unless he was out of town) and his staff has been polite and professional.

Unprofessional, rude, no compassion (unless he knows your insurance will pay) If you don't mind the doctor calling you back 5 days after leaving concerning messages, then this is the doctor for you. One other word: bully.

He does not like to return pages. He enables poor behavior and is unprofessional

This doctor is calm and observant. He is a pretty good listener, overall. I've had some very good psychiatrists over the years (as well as some ridiculous ones), and I think he's on the upper side of average.

I have been seeing Dr. Easton for some 4 years now and I can confidently say, he saved my sanity and maybe my life. I was rough and bumpy as I started the med, but now my Bipolar is somewhat under control. Dr Easton listens and cares of what is going on in my life, which I think helps him finely tune the meds to tackle the illness, while not turning me into a zombie. Even though it took 3 months to get in for the initial appointment, it was well worth it.

He basically saved my live. And that was 21 years ago. I still follow up and see him yearly He Always asks about my family, hes the best. Like I said hes a life saver