Seeing a psychiatrist...and other questions about this?

Question

Hey.

I saw my GP today in a follow up appointment for self harm. I was seeing a new doctor because the one i usually saw has left and she (this new doctor) was telling me quite a lot about my notes and what's going to happen next. It was quite a lot to take in and i can't remember everything she said and i didn't ask any of the questions which i now wish i had...

First of all why would i be seeing a psychiatrist? What do they do and why have i been referred?

In my last appointment i was told i was having an assessment in a few months and now i'm now seeing a psychiatrist in a few weeks? I don't understand why all this has suddenly changed...i'm not complaining or anything, just curious.

For the first time ever i was asked to show the cuts and stuff. Is this just because it was a different doctor or do doctors usually ask to see? I found it really hard to show her because i NEVER show anyone. Think she'll ask to see again and why did she even need to see?

She was also suggesting i bring a friend to the next appointment. Why does she want to see my friend?

Also i'm to go back more regularly now. I'm quite happy about this because things were getting a lot worse...i didn't tell her though. So although it's a good thing why is it happening?

Just a lot has changed recently and i don't understand it all. I wish i'd asked all this during the appointment but i was really nervous (as usual) and kind of froze up a bit and completly forgot.

Thanks for reading.

Answer 1

Self harm is considered a psychological issue and psychiatrists treat psychological disorders.  They have to have different training than a general practioner.  So the simple answer to why you are being referred to a psychiatrist is that you are being referred to a "specialist" for treatment instead of someone who is ill equipped to help you overcome a destructive behavior.

It is possible the psychiatrist will be the person performing your assessment.   It will just be getting more information from you so they are better able to treat you.  The clinic I went to didn't have the actual psychiatrist perform assessments.  They had psychiatric nurse practioners who did the assessments and then when the assessment was complete the psychiatrist performed the actual therapy sessions and prescribed mediations if needed.

I'm guessing you had to show the cuts so the doctor could evaluate them and determine they are real.  Sometimes people "fake" symptoms to get sympathy or because they have other psychological issues.

It is helpful in these situations to have a friend or relative with you because of exactly what you said at the beginning of your question.  Two people can remember everything better than one person.  What parts you forget, he/she may remember and what parts he/she forgets you may remember so between the two of you, you are able to retain ALL the information that is discussed.  It is also helpful to have a friend or relative as part of your overall support network of people who understand and are sympathetic to what you are experiencing.  

When you initially undergo psychiatric treatment, you will be seen often.  As your condition changes for the better, you won't need to be seen as often.  That's why you need to go back more regularly now since you are entering the "beginning" of your treatment.

It sounds like this new doctor is right on top of things.  You are very lucky to have seen someone whose evaluation of your needs was so comprehensive.

Best of luck to you.  Perhaps this will open a new chapter of your life where you will ultimately no longer engage in self destructive behaviors.

Answer 2

She referred you to a psychiatrist because shes concerned with your mental wellbeing, and thats what the psychiatrist deals with. The psychiatrist will talk with you ask you some questions and try to assess your state of mind so they can help you through rough times, depression, etc. She might diagnose you with a certain disorder, prescribe medication, or suggest more talk, behavioral, cognitive(etc) therapy.  You were referred because you have been cutting and that is a sign of some mental distress, they want to know the cause of this, and help you from further harming yourself, because cutting is not a usual, natural, or healthy reaction to stress.

They wanted to see the cuts to see how severe your cutting really is which can help them to get an idea of where you are mentally, if you are an immediate harm to yourself.  She might ask to see them again, to check for anymore of course you dont HAVE to.  

She might want to speak to friend or family to get another person point of view of you and your emotions, personality, etc.  It is helpful in diagnosis and is very therapeutic for the patient (you). Although it may not feel that way initially.  

You need to go back more, because they are concerned and want to help you get better.  Your condition may have gotten worse, or like you said, you could be going through some hard times and need the therapy to help you get through these trying times.  Its all for the better, and you know it.  Take it all in slowly and accept the change and the help that is coming your way.  It should only get better (not worse) from here on.