How much does a GP know?

I'm finally biting the bullet and booking an appointment to see my doctor about my possible ADHD. But how much, in others experience, does your GP know about mental health before they palm you off? Also, how do I approach the subject without sounding like a know-all hypochondriac?

((((Rob))))It's so good that you are going to see your doctor. Trust your instincts. You know when something is not right. It's your body. You are your best friend when it comes to going to the MD.

I learned a long time ago that part of being a good patient is sharing my concerns with my doc. Whatever they are. Not to hide anything. And to throw out thoughts.

But I NEVER reference any online medical-related tool, though (because it seems they tend to disregard it, and sort of stop listening).

Hopefully, s/he will refer you to a Pdoc that specializes in your concern.

If not, then ask if s/he has any referrals for you.

If yes, then Great!

If not, then it's back to your research tools until you receive the help you deserve

Please keep us posted on how you are doing!

My GP is fantastic for routine physical stuff, and even then she sometimes admits that she doesn't know stuff, which I like her being honest about. Several years ago, my blood wasn't clotting normally so she ordered a bunch of tests, and then when the tests came back she looked things up in a hemaetology text with me there, and then refered me on to a speciailist. But she freely says that she's out of her league when it comes to dealing with my psych meds and is quite happy that I have a psychiatrist who handles my prescribing. She's just happy that I'm getting decent help.

I think being part of a good GP is having a good network of specialists who you can refer out to.

splitimage

Thanks for the info/advice guys. I really appreciate it. The appointment is booked for Monday, so here's hoping I remember to go this time!

They know enough to know if they don't know, I think. Good article:

http://www.acpinternist.org/archives/2006/09/adhd.htm

G.P's know everything - (I thought you knew that.)

Mine does anyhow - 'not' that it makes much difference - lol....xxx

They are supposed to know enough to manage uncomplicated psychiatric care. That means, they are supposed to be able to prescribe antidepressants for a patient with depression or anxiety and follow them. Or prescribe stimulants to someone with adhd. Or even antipsychotics to someone with psychosis. They refer out when the psychiatric history is 'complicated' -- e.g. multiple comordbidities, a history of failed drugs, or first-line treatments haven't worked. That kind of thing.

I've just got in from the doctors quite frustrated, as expected. After a two minute chat he denounced I look depressed so gave me a tick box form to fill out and is sending me for blood tests to see if I have a thyroid problem(?!). It caught me a bit off guard really, I wasn't expecting it to get so deep, so quickly! I couldn't answer properly because I need time to process what I have to say. It's annoying really, knowing myself what's wrong, but not being able to tell him for fear of being dismissed as hog wash.

The balls rolling at least, but I get the feeling he's already made his mind up about me.