Posted by lizzyg on March 8, 2002, at 4:22:20
In reply to Re: Doctors and medications, posted by Daky on March 7, 2002, at 17:00:43
> Lizzy,
> Since you are in the UK perhaps you can shed some light on how one does go about finding a psychiatrist there. My daughter is studying in London this year and is currently on medication for depression (Wellbutrin) and also takes a small dose of Lorazepam. She went to the doctor today (a family doctor recommended by her school)because she is more depressed and he wants her off all psych meds. He said he doesn't agree with the American system and thinks all psych drugs are bad and mask the real problems. He wants her in group therapy for an eating disorder, which he diagnosed by asking her a bunch of questions. She is overeating because she is depressed (she doesn't binge, purge or starve.) I want another opinion but how do you go directly to a pdoc in the UK? I am so frustrated I could scream!Daky - the situation over here is that you have to be referred to a psychiatrist by your GP (family doctor). I've lived in London for 16 years, and have been with four different GP practices in different areas, and haven't found one where there is a doctor with a decent knowledge of depression/anxiety. A couple have grudgingly prescribed medication but insisted I also see a psychotherapist, who has promptly confirmed what I already knew - that my problem is biochemical. There seems to be some sort of puritanical attitude amongst the generalist doctors that medications are 'bad' and talking therapies are 'good'.
You can either see a psychiatrist free of charge on the National Health System, but they have a limited amount of time to spend with you, or you can pay to see a private practitioner. In both cases, however, you have to have a referral note from your GP. Your daughter can either try to find a different and more sympathetic GP, or go directly to a private doctor who might be more willing to refer. Two sources to look at are e-med.co.uk and doctorcall.co.uk. The Priory Clinic is the best-known private psychiatric facility in London; I've just looked at their website and you can actually contact them directly, so she might want to try that. It's prioryhealthcare.co.uk.
Good luck.
Lizzy
poster:lizzyg
thread:96683
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020307/msgs/97015.html