THE DIAGNOSIS ROADMAP
If you think you or a loved one would benefit from receiving a mental health diagnosis, here’s the usual path to take…
See your GP
‘GPS are able to diagnose and initiate treatment for common mental health presentations such as stress, anxiety, depression and postnatal depression,’ says Dr Patel. ‘With more complex mental health conditions, we have a role in managing patients once they are diagnosed by a psychiatrist and have started on treatment.’
Get referred to a specialist
‘When you get into more complex conditions such as psychotic illnesses, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, eating disorders and neuropsychiatric issues, this is normally where psychiatrists come in,’ says Dr Seneviratne. ‘Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist in the same way they’d refer you to an obstetrician.’ In some areas, you may be able to self-refer, and you could choose to skip the GP and see a psychiatrist privately.
Psychiatric testing
A psychiatrist will provide a full examination, exploring whether the root of someone’s symptoms could be a physical issue. ‘We do biological investigations such as blood tests or checking someone’s thyroid, as well as looking at family history. We also look at psychological factors, and explore any social or cultural issues,’ says Dr Seneviratne. ‘We will then ask: is there a place for medication in this? Is a biological treatment needed, or psychological treatments such as talking therapies? Psychiatrists will also look at whether someone needs support with the social side of things, for example benefits, housing, or getting a job. We are qualified doctors who have then gone down the route of specialising in all things mental health, so it’s a very holistic approach.’
Getting diagnosed
The process could end with receiving a mental health diagnosis, and your psychiatrist will talk you through relevant treatment options, from medication to therapy, as well as peer support groups. It’s likely you’d then be handed back to GPS and local mental health support services for follow-up care.
For more information, visit mentalhealth.org.uk