GP practices

MrsNutkin · 26-06-2013, 04:52 PM

Should all medical practices have a Dr who 'gets' mental health?

My actual GP is great but because most of the others at the practice aren't it means the said GP has a huge list.

I have found on more than one occasion that I have seen a doctor and then seen my usual Dr and got to answer I needed/the right treatment but had to see usual GP to get this rather than getting it from first person I saw. This applies to physical stuff too but I'm just asking because I suppose I get the feeling it's a struggle to find the right GP and they are like golddust!

thoughts?

talaiporia · 26-06-2013, 04:55 PM

Some GP surgeries are so tiny they only have one part time doctor, so it would be highly unfair to expect all GP surgeries to have an expert in everything.

That said, my GP surgery has at least a half-dozen permenant doctors plus locums, so it could really do with at least one mental-health-GP. They did used to have a psychologist on the team, that was shared with several practices in the area, but she went on maternity leave and was never replaced.

I'd think it would be more useful to have better awareness for all doctors, rather than just having a specialist GP.

Cacoethes · 26-06-2013, 04:58 PM

I think because mental health affects so many people, it would be a good idea to have someone who knows a bit more about it in a gp surgery.

MrsNutkin · 26-06-2013, 04:58 PM

I'm not meaning a Doctor who deals with mental health all day just an awareness so they have a bit more empathy, understanding and willing to give AD's etc... not everyone agrees with meds but my personal view is that if well managed and monitored they can work and not necessarily without therapy. Anyway, the meds thing is another issue really. I just think more could and should be done

Freak3142 · 26-06-2013, 05:25 PM

Good GP's are like gold-dust unfortunately and it doesn't get better over the pond in Oz on the whole. My MIL's doc is useless when it comes to MH but her last before he retired was good, this one has let her come off meds when she wasn't ready.
I haven't even told the GP's in Oz about my past MH issues (and current) because of how hit and miss it can be and I found in the UK with that on my medical history every injury was considered possible SI even when I explained it wasn't. Including having to get a witness to an accident to back me up to my GP who was ready to escalate me as he put it because it needed so much medical care.
I think GP's and all docs in fact need more training on SH and MH in general. Empathy used to be essential for GP's but now it is just academics that get you in and through medical school.

Stellata · 26-06-2013, 07:41 PM

It would be nice... [she says with feeling...]
My previous GP really 'got' it though she specialises in something else entirely, officially speaking.

~Grace~ · 27-06-2013, 01:31 PM

I feel that yes, all GP practices should have someone knowledgeable of/trained in mental health.

But, in my situation I would rather see a GP I trust and can talk to as opposed to someone I've not really got on with or have a fear of, even though they are trained in mental health.

MrsNutkin · 27-06-2013, 01:39 PM

Maybe that's my point Grace :) That their should be someone easy to talk to in every GP practice.

I have seen too many Doctors who are insensitive, rude and don't really know what they are doing.

__T · 27-06-2013, 02:49 PM

Ideally, they should. Not trained to specialise in MH necessarily, but understanding of it's effects.
I got lucky with mine that there's quite a few GP's who get and do alot for MH patients, and it's never rushed :)

Eccentrics · 27-06-2013, 04:50 PM

That would be lovely.

I wouldn't expect little neighborhood surgeries of 1 or 2 doctors to always have an understanding doctor who knows a bit more about MH, but larger more popular GP practises yes.

The GP I go to has about 5 doctors and I have had some less-than-pleasant experiences when trying to explain mental health issues. Nothing terrible - I know many people who have had a lot worse - but still enough that I almost refused to go back.

I think it may have been partially due to me being under 18 because my Mum seems happy enough with her treatment, but in my opinion that makes it even more important that they be trained. That kind of attitude that 'kids cant get stressed/depressed/etc. etc.' may be preventing many other young people from receiving help.

Imperfect.Star · 28-06-2013, 02:35 AM

All GPs should have good mental health awareness and be easy to talk to however the latter will also depend on the patient. I've seen some wonderful doctors but find it generally hard to talk about MH things to them so I find them 'difficult to talk to' without it being their fault.
Psychiatry is part of general medical training and a lot of GPs do also undertake further training in it as it is such a common problem they come across.
Remember though that there is a difference between knowing about psychiatry/MH and knowing a person's MH problems/how best to help an individual.

caz23 · 28-06-2013, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Imperfect.Star

Remember though that there is a difference between knowing about psychiatry/MH and knowing a person's MH problems/how best to help an individual.

I would be inclined to agree with that statement. I feel a bit mean saying this, but I wouldn't rate my GP's expertise on MH issues too highly if I'm honest. BUT, she has taken the time to get to know me and my problems in detail; she listens emapthetically to my woes, and just, 'gets it'. In all honesty, she has probably helped me more than any shrink or CPN I've ever seen.