They won't refer me!!!

It's hard enough struggling with Avpd & social anxiety.. but now it looks like im struggling against my GP aswell.
They are absolutely 100% not taking me seriously- it's driving me crazy. It can't be for any other reason other than the fact i am 18.
I went to my GP, sat in the waiting room for what seemed like 12 hours going over what i was going to say. I finally got in there...
the GP was like.. what do u get anxious about? i was like, everything! can't you see the state of me?
'well, you seem fine with me now let me take ur blood pressure etc etc' then started going over the 'its possibly a phase' then started weighing me! wtf has that got to do with anything? it was like he was going through random motions in order to get me away.
He would not refer me to a psychologist..............
I have visited that place over 10 times now, but how can i just give up?
I went on bps.org.uk, typed in social phobia & someone came up with an email address & phone no. Do you think i should ask him for advice?

The NHS won't go against their policy. What you want means nothing at all to them. It's free but it's worthless.

You'll see a psychologist soon enough. Why do you think you need one? Why do you think one will help? Can you be helped by people here? What is the difference with a psychologist?

If it's merely a trust thing, would you really trust an NHS psychologist? They'll follow policy just the same.

I don't know what NHS is all about. But I do think you need to try a new GP until you get one who will refer you to a therapist.

Trence, the NHS is the (UK) National Health Service. It is publically funded and the practioners hardly show any interest at all, it's like they must follow policy anyway so they don't bother to go beyond that.

verty wrote:Trence, the NHS is the (UK) National Health Service. It is publically funded and the practioners hardly show any interest at all, it's like they must follow policy anyway so they don't bother to go beyond that.

Oh, ok, thanks for that information. That sucks... it can be difficult finding a GP who cares here also, I think mostly because there aren't enough doctors and they are overbooked and overworked - burnt out. You sort of have to demand things... which can be hard for an AvPD... but sometimes it's necessary.

Good luck, WMU.

It never hurts to ask anyone for advice.

I know nothing about the NHS either, but if they're really that terrible, are there other options open to you, like private practices? Or is that going to be a problem financially?

If you're stuck with this NHS doctor, I'm going to suggest a radical approach: Tell him it's so bad you are having thoughts of suicide. He can't very well ignore that. Yes, it's a lie (hopefully), but since he's not taking you seriously you should return the favour. Under normal circumstances, I'd strongly advise against lying to your doctor, but he's obviously an ass.

Suicide may force the issue, but I think maybe the doctor would be required to notify your relations, so you would have to warn them ahead of time. I don't know if this is true in the UK, but here in the US, GPs seem to diagnose depression easily. If you have textbook depression symptoms you might try stating those.

ok
i am definitely going to try the desperate measures approach when i go back on thursday this also happens to be exam results day so feigning a suicidal frame of mind may not be too difficult
i have also emailed that guy who is apparently a specialist in the area of socially inept individuals like moi so if he actually replies i will share his wisdom
for some reason the punctuation is not working on this thing at the moment

Hey guys,
i thought you might be interested in his reply if you're living in the UK & going through this :

That's very frustrating that a GP doesn't recognise it- social phobia is experienced by about 1 in 20 people. If you are near London then the best people to see are the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at the Institute of Psychiatry - its a purely psychological, internationally renowned cognitive therapy approach - http://psychology.iop.kcl.ac.uk/cadat/.
If you are in the North West, then Adrian Wells is the person to contact.
Also, your GP should put you on a waiting list to see a cognitive therapist anyway as this is the recommended treatment for social phobia and avoidant personality.
Also, see the UK site for cognitive therapy: babcp.com, who have information and 'find a therapist'
Finally, try the Overcoming Series of books - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1854 ... e&n=266239
All the best!
Warren

Hey,
i went to the gp, they said there is a cognitive behaviour therapy centre in my area.
However, if i do this on the NHS there is an 18 month waiting list.
Or, i can pay £80 for each weekly session.
£80 per session seems like so much to me, but the 18 month waiting list doesnt sound too appealing either.
What do u think..