Published on 12, July, 2020
So basically I've just returned from my first appointment at my local community mental health centre after being referred by my GP.
I felt that the conversation I had when there was very broad and didn't really take into account any wider points, specifically more related to Asperger's. The majority of the question were about the social side of things, which I understand is obviously a big part of AS, but other characteristics affects me too and make life difficult.
All in all we spoke for only 15 to 20 minutes before she concluded I don't have AS, that I have social anxiety and depression and tried to pit me on a course of anti-depressants. She said she'd book me another appointment to see her in 3 months, and one to see a psychiatrist about the social anxiety. I declined the medication, not least because I'm not depressed, but also because I am put off by side effects and such.
I understand how social anxiety can be very closely related to AS, but I feel she didn't listen to or pay any attention to the other characteristics and such that are covered by the umbrella that is AS. Obviously some days I feel 'down' about things, but it's very far from being depressed and I feel as if they've just made an extremely quick decision in trying to offer me anti depressants before fully understanding everything.
Should I just continue and go to the appointment in 3 months, and the one with the psychiatrist, or should I go back to my GP and try and get referred to someone else who may pay more attention to me?
I probably should've mentioned, I'm 20.
Thanks for any advice/help :)
hi Dave V + Hope - when looking at some of the posts something occured to me. Certain situations are easier for you to cope with because you know what's expected. Other situations are more difficult. A lot of people who aren't on the spectrum tend to do the same things in that they suss out how they're supposed to behave and then behave as expected, especially in more formal situations. They work out the rules. This could be seen as "putting on a front" in that you don't show the real person to others. A doctor who doesn't know much about ASD may be unaware of this "front" and take things at "face value". So a dr who is knowledgeable about ASD is vital or you could spend a lot of time, energy and emotion without getting any further on. Some NHS Trusts have psychs who are knowledgeable about autism. They tend to be in the Trust's Learning Disabilities Dept, because that's where they or the NHS thinks they should be. Of course mental health, learning disabilities and autism can all overlap, so it's a rather false separation, department-wise. It would be worthwhile, in my opinion, seeking out one of these doctors. Not because of the learning disability label, but because they also know about ASD