First Psychiatrist Visit - aka Road to Diagnosis (UK) Part 2

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So, for background I am linking to my two previous threads:

http://www.wrongplanet.net/postp3379138.html - my "new here .. these are things I have problems with" message

http://www.wrongplanet.net/postp3555386.html - The road to diagnosis (UK)

In summary form: I have a history of depression, anxiety & stress (for which I have been treated in the past - with no success and no explanation for the reason), and have reason to suspect that ASD is behind it all. About 5 weeks ago, I approached my GP, explained by "letter" the difficulties I was having and asked if she could refer me for an assessment.

She referred me to a psychiatrist. I had that appointment this afternoon. I was terrified - too many unknowns and the thought that I would have to talk about myself.

Any hoo... go there a little early... then right on time the psychiatrist came out and called my name. He offered his hand for shaking (I took it but let him do the shaking ). I went with him to a tiny wee office where I proceeded to read everything on his walls, while he faffed about with some papers.

He asked the basics - name, age, where do you live, who do you live with and then "Your GP referred you, can you explain why?"

My response: "Because I gave her a letter which explains a bit. Did she give it to you?".

He said yes, and that he had read it. I told him that was the "short version" but I had the "long version" with me if he wanted to read it. Which he did.

And then he went on to ask me many questions about what I had written, about my history - family, school, uni, work and interests.

At the end of the appointment (which lasted 1.5 hours - my appointment letter said 1 hour, so clearly I talked more than expected... his fault for getting me on to my special interest ! ! ) he said several things:

- He is not an expert but does work closely with the local Autistic Society and is very interested in autism in adults who haven't been diagnosed as children.

- He thinks that from what I wrote, and (more importantly) the way I expressed myself and interacted during our meeting that I probably am on the spectrum.

- He wants to discuss my case with the psychologist at the local Autistic Society to determine what, if any, further assessment is needed. The local Autistic Society does not diagnose adults, and there is no adult diagnostic service in my area which presents a slight difficulty.

- Apart from depression/anxiety/stress as a result of the difficulties I experience due to my differences (he liked this word, and so do I!), he doesn't see any sign of any other mental health problems or psychiatric disorders. (Can I just add how relieved I am to know that I am NOT crazy! )

- He acknowledged that I have clearly worked hard over the years to understand my difficulties and find ways to cope but that at times I get overloaded.

- If he recommends any treatment it will be to help me find better ways to deal with things so that I don't reach that point of overload, and to find healthier ways to deal with it when I do.

- He will see me in about 4 weeks time.

Overall it was a surprisingly positive experience. I surprised myself by how much I talked once he had read what I had written, and I actually felt like he was listening to me.

YAY!

It would appear you found one that actually LISTENS. Can you share him?

That sounds like a very positive and productive outcome, and I'm really happy for you.

I'm really glad to hear you're getting a positive response. I had a similar referral experience. My psychiatrist referred me to a clinical psychologist, who diagnosed me within half an hour of talking to me. This guy you've spoken to sounds like he'll look out for you, and help you get what you need.

I hope that you get diagnosed, and even more, I hope that it gives you the framework of understanding and support to help you cope.

I didn't find him ... somehow the NHS did! Hurrah. So I'd happily share him, but you'd need to come live in the UK and hope your random referral ended with you seeing him. It's a definite lottery here - so many horror stories. I got lucky.

Kittendumpling - I notice you are in Dundee. I am also in Scotland (not Dundee) ... I wonder if the Scottish NHS just happens to deal with this sort of thing very well ...

I am *so* tired today ... I think from yesterdays exertions. But fortunately, looking at my work diary, I have a quiet day ahead with few student/staff interactions. I also have the office to myself as my colleague is working from home today. So I should be able to recover my energy.

I actually found the appointment quite revealing. It turns out that I have bigger issues with change to my "routines" than I thought I did - apparently things I never considered routines, actually are! - and that when I lose control over being able to schedule my own time (during which I would naturally balance interaction with recovery time) I really struggle to cope. It was interesting.

I really wish that everyone would have this kind of experience instead of all the horror stories you hear. I'm just relieved to know that I am *not* crazy, and that I wasn't just told there was nothing wrong and I should just get it together. And I wish that everyone who wanted it would have the chance to go for diagnosis (I know that in some areas it is impossible if you don't have the money to pay for it).

Anyway, I'm not officially diagnosed yet ... but it seems that I probably will be in time. I am relieved. Self-diagnosis is one thing - I was pleased to find an explanation for my differences/difficulties. But I was always wondering if I was just making excuses; second-guessing myself. For me, going through the diagnosis process is really important for my own peace of mind that the things I experience are *real* and really are *different* to most of my "friends". That doesn't mean that if/when I get my formal diagnosis that I will stop trying as hard to overcome the challenges ... it just means that I (hopefully) won't beat myself up so badly about it every time I "fail". I hope I'll be able to pick myself up more quickly knowing that there is a reason (not an excuse). Does that make sense?