I had no problem being referred. My GP even offered. I had an initial assessment with a trainee psychiatrist who agreed I needed to be seen by a consultant. Yet again a long wait.... My anxiety went through the roof. I decided to go private, and its the best thing I have done. I saw a caring and sympathetic pyschiatrist who diagnosed me, and devised a care plan. I was involved in every part of it. We discussed my difficulties for about 90 minutes, far longer than my GP's 10 minute appointment. Suffer from anxiety, and have tried SSRI's like prozac, citalopram. Luckily the pyschiatrist isn't keen on anti depressants and through his experience recommends pregabalin. I had to pay for the first prescription, but he has sent a letter to my GP so it should be prescribed on the NHS.Originally Posted by kittikat
Not at all...I really value your input!! I asked my GP if he thinks I need to be referred to a pyschiatrist back in December when I was having a really bad time with my anx/panic/agoraphobia and he said I didn't. He did refer me to clinical psychologist for CBT but I won't hold my breath, theres a really long waiting list...funding issues again lol. So my question is this- how do I get a referral if my GP thinks I don't need a shrink! Did you have problems being referred? What are your specific problems (if it's not rude to be so nosey) and did you find it beneficial?
Thanks again for your comments and thoughtsxx
Experts aren't cheap, and your health is worth a lot. Personally I would want to see a specialist. He told me quite a few things the GP told me was ********, I got violent and aggressive after trying prozac, and the GP blamed the withdrawal of citalopram which in his words is ******** because the half life of citalopram is short. He explained it all but I cant remember. In his opinion antidepressants are over used in anxiety disorders because they are cheap. Same as IAPT where undertrained staff offer CBT. A pschyologst is far better qualified than a wellness practitioner.
Forgot to mention my shrink saw me without a referral. Your GP cannot refuse, insist on a referral. It's your health and so your decision not your GP's.
Lastly the BNF said this on diazepam. Benzodiazepines are indicated for the short-term relief (two to four weeks only) of anxiety that is severe, disabling, or causing the patient unacceptable distress, occurring alone or in association with insomnia or short-term psychosomatic, organic, or psychotic illness.
A shrink may be willing to prescribe diazepam for such a length of time, but I would be uneasy with a GP.
Sorry I'm writing an essay, but I think therapy or CBT is a good idea alongside meds.
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) I think the Diaz actually saved me if you get what I mean. He has started talking about weaning down now but this leaves me worried that the bad times will rear their ugly heads again.
