Consultations

Sometimes people feel anxious when their GP has suggested that it would be a good idea to seek an opinion from a Consultant Psychiatrist.

An initial appointment usually lasts one hour. If a patient has memory problems the initial appointment lasts one and a half hours.

The initial appointment with a Consultant Psychiatrist is primarily about diagnosis. As Consultant Psychiatrists are medically trained they can establish whether physical problems are playing a part in a patient's presenting symptoms.

During the first appointment the patient is asked about their family of origin, past medical and psychological problems, life story and relationships. The Psychiatrist will ask about any alcohol or drug useage.

The Psychiatrist then will then try and gain a deeper understanding of the core psychological symptoms that the patient is presenting with. This needs to be done with sensitivity as patients are sometimes frightened to tell someone else about what they are experiencing.

Towards the end of the initial appointment a working diagnosis is explained to the patient. The psychiatrist may sometimes recommend blood tests, brain scans or other medical investigations.

A treatment plan is then discussed with the patient.