To ask if it’s worth speaking to a psychiatrist to

[Happiestyearofmylife]

Get their views on this. It’s been recommend that dd2 goes on the conception pill. She’s worried how this might affect her moods.

I don’t think a psychiatrist is necessary it will be able to help really. Does dd have a psychiatric history?

Really it’s a case of researching it herself and maybe seeing how she tolerates it? A psychiatrist won’t be able to predict that.

If she has an existing mental health issue and knows she is hormone sensitive then it might be worth it but otherwise no point. Also, nhs mental health services are so stretched that the threshold for referral is extremely high, it’s not going to be considered necessary for this.

She is under a cmht under a consultant.

Ok in that case she could ask them at her next appointment or ask her key either in the meantime

Key worker

It is up to her if she follows the recommendation but if she is under cmht she can call and ask to speak to someone about it to help her make an informed decision. It may be that they have a pharmacist who would be more knowledgable about medication interactions

The problem is, she won't know how it will affect her until she tries it. I'm progesterone intolerant so can't take the pill, but many others have no problems. Unfortunately the only way to know is to try it.

Who has recommended she goes on it, and what for? If the psychiatrist is responsible for prescribing other meds, it would be reasonable to ask their opinion on this.

Better that than an injection or something not reversible, because with the pill if symptoms are bad she just stops taking the pill. Sounds like a plan.

Why do they think she needs to be on a contraceptive pill anyway?
Is it because she doesn’t understand that unprotected sex leads to babies and is likely to get pregnant?

PS the nhs queue for adult psychiatric appointments in my area is two years according to a friend who works in the nhs.

No it’s to regulate her periods

They won't be able to give you an answer, as every type of contraceptive will react differently. All they will be able to provide is anecdotal evidence if there has been any records kept of the pill she is considering vs her diagnosis.

Honestly…they could mention it at their next review but I wouldn’t think it needs a special consult
DOI: psychiatrist
It may affect her moods depending on lots of different factors (her diagnosis, current meds, past presentation) but very difficult to predict, and obviously that’s a generalisation as there is very little information in the OP
I’d think she should tell her care coordinator and keep an eye, and not make any other medication changes at the same time
Often find contraceptive pill helps those with cyclical mood changes…
Hormones can obviously play a huge part in the presentation of some illness- lots of theories around the aetiology of post partum illness
Unless in very specific niche situation I think I’d be saying I’d no objection if they were otherwise appraised of risk and benefits. There is no consensus on the contraceptive pills overall impact on mood / mental health and how it may exert those effects- it’s very down to the individual

How is she with the thought of needles?

Another option if you have the money is private acupuncture.

It has a good track record with all female reproductive issues. £60 a session where I am.

Can regulate periods, make them the right length and amount for the age of the person (mine were shortened, lightened and regulated as I’m peri menopausal). It can regulate mood and sleep too.

No risk of cancer or side effects you can get with pills or injections. The needles don’t usually hurt except the odd one might a bit, and it’s totally worth it as you get such good results!

It’s a long term thing and really complimentary to whatever other meds she is getting.

You will need a few sessions to get a baseline and then perhaps one every month I’m guessing, as the cycle is monthly. I go monthly anyway for other things so I don’t know if that’s the norm or not!