Confusion, lack of communication between client and services.

Today I went to the doctors to ask for my medication to be increased.

The doctor was reading a letter that was sent from my psychiatrist on the 15th of December. I usually recieve a copy of these, but this time I didn't.

I saw him describe me as "la belle indifference" what does this mean?

Also something was said about acute mental illness, but I'm unable to recall.

Am I in my own rights to ask for a copy of this letter?

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Here is a definition I found on an online medical dictionary site: an air of unconcern displayed by some patients toward their physical symptoms. It is believed the physical symptoms may relieve anxiety and result in secondary gains in the form of sympathy and attention given by others.

Also, I would say you have a right to a copy of what's in your file so I wouldn't hesitate to ask for a copy of the letter.

Hi iditp, as you usually get a letter perhaps the psychiatrist's secretary forgot to send one out or they were slow in sending it out (busy time of year!!)?? Or perhaps a new/different secretary who omitted sending you one?? If you give them a call they may well send you a copy.
Some psychiatrists will send them out as standard practice to patients, some won't but by the sounds of it yours does so you should get one/be able to get one??
It might be an idea to talk to your psychiatrist when you next see them about what their interpretation of "la belle indifference" means though/why they thought that.
And maybe at the end of sessions ask them to summarise the session with you, and tell you what they think about how you're doing.
It should be their job to help you with any things they think may be a problem, and to do that they should be letting you know what they are. Maybe asking them straight up will help.
Hope the increase in medication helps though
Alison

You have the right to see your medical records. Ask the receptionist at your GP surgery how to make arrangements to do that. When you see your records if you are not sure what something means then ask.

In the United States I don't think a psychiatrist is required to release records to a patient. I tried to get them from a clinic I went to a long time ago and they refused. I was pissed so I looked up the law. From what I remember they have to send them to another medical institution on your behalf or your lawyer. I was dumb because years before that same office handed them all directly to me so I could give them to my new mental health provider. I never made copies. They must have changed policy. I got the records recently from when I was inpatient psyche ward twenty years ago no problem. So I guess it depends on policy but the law says they don't have to. My lawyer is getting every record ever made in the last twenty years for a disability hearing and I am gonna get a copy of every single page if I can.

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In the UK the Data Protection Act means you can make a formal subject access request, you pay a fee and public bodies (incluidng the NHS) have to share their records about you with you. I think from next year, the NHS have to make medical records available on request, some GP practices already do that anyway, others you have to make a Data Protection request. As your psychiatrist has written to your GP you would therefore be able to see a copy of that letter. I'd start by asking at the GP surgery or even just by asking your GP, they often will let you read the screen they are looking at, so if they are reading your psychiatrist's letter they just turn the screen round and let you read it. You could also ask your CPN if they got a copy of the letter and if they will let you see it.