what is a psychiatric referral?

[Lii YourLost]

my doctors referring me to the psychiatric team, what does this mean? / involve?
etc i just want to be aware as im pretty nervous
xx

[Stellata]

Did your doctor explain why s/he was referring you?

First off you get an assessment, which lasts approximately an hour and a half. Then they ask re your background, your current difficulties, treatment you've had etc. What happens after then depends on why you're referred.

[xlaurenx]

I agree with katie, you have an assessment; about home life,family, work, background, friends, etc. Then depending on the assessment depends on what treatment you have.

Try not to be nervous because its not that bad going hun , though i can completely understand why you are i was always very nervous when i had to be assessed. hugs

laurenxx

[Cryptic.]

You'll be referred to someone who can help you, whether that be a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, they'll first assess you & your needs, & they'll start treating you, if you need it, in whatever way they feel best suits you.

[random.swirls]

Depending on your age you will either be referred to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) or the CMHT (Community Mental Health Team).

The exception to the above would be if you were referred to a specialist service e.g. the eating disorders service or Early intervention in psychosis team.

Your initial appointment will be an assesment where they will ask you a lot of questions relating to your current problems, your childhood up to now, your family background. They may also ask you questions surrounding a specific diagnosis if they feel that's what you may have. This maybe done by a psychiatrist, psychiatrist and member of the team or just a team member.

They can be long and quite draining but it's important to be as open as possible as if they don't have the full picture they can't accurately help you. If you are worried about getting things across don't be afraid to write salient details down.

The support offered will depend on your needs you may be given a care coordinator generally a CPN or Social Worker, you may be given follow up appointments with the psychiatrist, you may be referred for therapy or you may be discharged back into the care of your GP.