Tips on Attending Psychiatric Appointment

Before the Appointment

  1.  Write down important details that your doctor may ask. Use our forms to write notes and as a guide.
  2.  Bring
  • Trusted friend or family (optional) - they may stay at the waiting area or come with you at the interview room. Psychiatrist however may ask very personal question and you are allowed to politely decline to answer or ask your chaperone to go back at the waiting area.
  • List of your medications
  • Manners - psychiatrist will try to establish rapport and therapeutic relationship. They are human beings too that if intimidated, can lead to unhelpful outcome.
  • Have an idea of the outcome you wish for whether it is for diagnosis, understanding your symptoms, medication or support.

During the Psychiatric Assessment

  1.  New patient appointment lasts an average of 45-60 minutes. You will be surprised on how time flies and some actually finds it not long enough.
  2.  Confidentiality
Doctors practice confidentiality but there are exceptions such as when asked by court. Ask your doctors what are the other limitation of confidentiality.
  3.  If not sure, ask. Clarify any language or questions you don't understand. You can ask them to write it down if not clear particularly names of medications.
  4.  When finishing the appointment, you may ask:
  • Your possible diagnosis.
  • Any medications, its indication, common side-effect or how long will it take before you feel any benefits..
  • Any investigations needed such as routine blood test.
  • Will there be other professionals involve in your care such as community nurse, psychologist, social worker etc.
  • Who to contact if you have any questions after appointment such as medication side-effect.
  • What to do if in crisis.
  • Any support groups.
  • Any follow-up appointment.

After the Appointment

You may write down what you can remember. You are also allowed to write during interview but this is quite unusual and may break the flow of conversation.
You may also ask for copy of your assessment which you may perhaps collect. Sending by post can be problematic especially if it has so much confidential details about you.