the nature of psychiatric appointments (outpatient)

sandalwood · 03-07-2022, 02:01 PM

Has your psychiatrist evaluations changed drastically over the last 10 years?

I'm asking because my evaluations aren't anything to do with assessing my mental health anymore.

It used to be a lengthy and thorough investigation of my mind from a consultant about psychosis, mood, etc but now it's about if I can take a bath, if I go out for a walk, if I go for a holiday, and 'what I do to cope,' (which is essentially what my Care Navigator monitors every week.)

I'm completely confused as to what is going on.

Pi.R^2 · 10-07-2022, 05:24 PM

I don't have personal experience of this but I'd suggest that you ask your care navigator or the consultant themselves about the rationale behind this. The way that you fill your time can be an indicator of mental health but I agree that I'd expect a little more mental health specific discussion to occur too!

sandalwood · 10-07-2022, 07:40 PM

Thanks for the reply!

He isn't my consultant. I used to see a consultant regularly but my team changed a few years ago.

There was a time where I could voice what I thought to doctors (like discussing rationale), but that time has changed. I feel anxious about this. The closest relationship I have is with my Care-Navigator, who isn't a nurse or social worker. I would like to see the consultant really, next time or soon to discuss things that matter to me. I remember the time when I was active in my care, it was such a long while back. At that time I was told I need to voice why I'd like to change psychiatrist etc. I don't see why this would be a bother now, as all I'd like to do is see my consultant and see how he responds to me.

I'll discuss this with my Care-Navigator soon.