What happens in referral to psychiatrist

LegacyUser

Hi,

I will try to keep this short. Basically I was seeing a therapist who said she had serious concerns for my mental state and asked permission to speak to my GP. I said yes and I went to see my GP and was referred to a psychiatrist. I am experiencing low mood, excessive spending and hearing a voice. I am terrified now I have revealed too much and I am afraid to go to the appointment. I am afraid of my friends and family finding out, although I am sure I am not hiding how much I am struggling very well. So I suppose my question is will my next of kin be informed against my will? and what happens at the appointment?

Any information would be very much appreciated

JuliusCaesar

The psychiatrist will do a full mental health assessment, asking about your past, your upbringing, your social life, your state of mind, your assessment of what is going on with you, and your physical health.

Confidentiality is assured, within the treating team - that is, the mental health team and your GP.

The only time confidentiality is broken is if they think you are a danger to yourself or others, and they need to involve the gardai. They might ask if they can speak to family members, but will be guided by your decision. You get to decide.

LegacyUser

Thank you; they will let me leave won't they?

If what you describe is correct, then it seems like you'll need a lot of care. Especially given that this referral goes on the back of a recommendation by the counselor, who realized there was something more there. I get that you're afraid and worried, but you absolutely should not abandon your care. I'd also consider discussing it with your family, because you might need to have the added support they could provide.

Maybe I'm wrong about that and I'm sure someone smarter than me will say so.

JuliusCaesar

OP123 wrote: »

Thank you; they will let me leave won't they?

of course! Most treatment is in the community; people live in their homes and take medication and come in for check-ups, just like being under any other kind of consultant doctor.

You'll only be admitted if necessary, and generally with your agreement. You can be involuntarily admitted, but it's rare, and only if absolutely necessary i.e. you can't look after yourself.

Then there are half-way options like going to the day hospital, maybe once a week, maybe daily for a couple of weeks; being visited by the psychiatric nurse; being referred to a specialist service such as psychology or counselling.

But all of the options will be discussed with you first.

LegacyUser

Thank you very much

I'm sorry I just have some questions. Is it possible if you ask to be admitted until it stops? Or can it even get better or always come back

dudara

OP - no one here can tell you how it will go for you. We are not doctors and we cannot diagnose you. You are coming close to seeking medical advice, which is something we do not allow on Boards.

What I can say is that you shouldn't ignore this or not attend your appointment. This is a chance for you to get some help, which will be good for you and indirectly good for family & friends. There is no stigma to mental health. In fact, it takes a pretty strong person to admit that they need help.

Best of luck.

LegacyUser

Thanks. I'm sorry I'm really not asking anyone to diagnose me or medical advice. I know only a doctor can help and I've come to my own realisation I do need help but I'm scared. I'm going to the appointment but anxious because I have no idea what to expect and afraid to be told I am sick.

JuliusCaesar

Depends what you mean by sick. You should be given a diagnosis or at least a provisional diagnosis, and some idea of what treatment to expect. You can ask questions - write down a list and bring it with you. It's like seeing any other specialist.

Once the problem has been diagnosed, and treatment is sorted out, things should look a bit brighter.

LegacyUser

Hi,

Well I was told I have bipolar with psychotic depression. I have been taking anti depressants prescribed by my GP for ages so it is a bit of a relief to know why none worked but terrifying at the same time. I got an antipsychotic and I have to continue taking the antidepressant I am on. I have a nurse coming out during the week, and I have the option for a day hospital. I didn't ask enough questions because I was very upset but what does a day hospital involve? i've looked it up and I can't seem to find information. Is it just an appointment or actually there for the day?

thank you

JuliusCaesar

Write down all your questions as they occur to you, then you can discuss them with the nurse. He/she will be able to tell you more about the day hospital.

You might go in 9-4 three times a week, or for an hour once a week - it depends on what programmes they run and what is suitable for you.

ShineOnline has a lot of useful information.

Glad to hear you went to see the psychiatrist, hope it wasn't as bad as you had feared.