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Just had my first appointment, need some help.

Dave V
over 12 years ago

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 :)

Parents
  • over 12 years ago

    Hey, Some One, I completely agree. To be totally honest, I'm not sure what credentials/experience the woman I saw actually had. I don't know if he was a psychiatrist, a psychologist, just another doctor or anything. 

    She did mention that there's only one person at the centre who actually diagnoses AS, but didn't say anything about referring me to them and getting me an appointment. It was very much as if she made up her mind there and then.

    I also noticed when writing out my notes she had a book next to them she kept referring to before asking me questions. That didn't really help with putting any faith in her. This may just be a stereotypical thing, but she was also rather young, no later than her early 30's. I'd just have expected someone with more experience in the area as you said.

    I think I'll certainly talk to my GP again about seeing someone else.

Reply
  • over 12 years ago

    Hey, Some One, I completely agree. To be totally honest, I'm not sure what credentials/experience the woman I saw actually had. I don't know if he was a psychiatrist, a psychologist, just another doctor or anything. 

    She did mention that there's only one person at the centre who actually diagnoses AS, but didn't say anything about referring me to them and getting me an appointment. It was very much as if she made up her mind there and then.

    I also noticed when writing out my notes she had a book next to them she kept referring to before asking me questions. That didn't really help with putting any faith in her. This may just be a stereotypical thing, but she was also rather young, no later than her early 30's. I'd just have expected someone with more experience in the area as you said.

    I think I'll certainly talk to my GP again about seeing someone else.

Children
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