How many pyschiatrist appointments will it take to be diagnosed?

[quautia]

I'm being assessed by a pyschiatrist at the moment, and was wondering how many assessments it usually takes to get a diagnosis and be prescribed medication and refered for therapy?

I've got my 2nd assessment on Monday.

They said they need to 'investigate further' before doing anything. What does this mean?

[this too shall pass]

By the time i saw a phychiatrist i already hada diagnosis (not in my opinion the right one) n he has just dealt with meds ever since (one year) finally i have the courage to question that diagnosis and ask for the help i thionk i need

i think iots important to have the help of a phy7chatrtist but thats not the be all and end all no1 will ever get you as you get you and you need to continue to stress your thoughts and feelings even when medicated as your diagnoisis may change

[Bitter_Angel]

That is a difficult question. It depends upon how hones you are and what your symptoms are. It can take many months to get a diagnosis. However, after a few sessionsthe psych should start to make some recomendations. However, please remember that a diagnosis os mearley a word and not something you have to comply to, nor something which should greatly affect you. Its something psychs can use to help oyu, bt in the long term it should be of litle importance to you. Try to ocus moroe on the way you feel an the things going on. Otherwise people have a tendancy to suddenly get symptoms from their diagnoisis.

Also, you may need to be aware, that if you are not an emergency patient and you live in the UK, there maybe a long waiting list for the treatment you require.

Take care
Kim

[quautia]

Who normally does the diagnosising? I've only ever seen various GP's, who just said I had depression and anxiety, and then had an assessment with an Occupational Therapist. The OT said that I might have PTSD or other stuff, so they need to get a consultant to see me. Is that bad?

I'm not that worried about having a label, I just want to know what is wrong with me, get some medication and get some treatment. My GP is very annoyed at them leaving me unmedicated.

[hammy]

i'm so sorry, i just deleted the long waffle i just wrote for you....it left me feeling too exposed, i'm so sorry. feel free to pm me if you want anything.

I'll just say i have seen many pyschs, each one is different, they all have their own thoughts on the illnesses. Some will diagnose immediatly, others take more time exploring what your needs are. In the long run I have found that the pyschs who take more than one session to ask about you and your history are the best, and can make the most accurate treatment plan.

Good luck
let us know how it goes
xxx