Hoping for some help from those who know how the system works

[smallchestofdrawers]

I have recently been contacted by a relative who says he has serious mental health problems and alcoholism. He says he has been diagnosed with depression by his GP and is on ADs.

He feels (is) isolated from his family. He is quite a difficult person to deal with at times and although he asks for support he quite often turns round and verbally attacks the family member trying to help. It is quite difficult to get a straight answer from him about what help he has been getting and what he has been diagnosed with as opposed to self diagnosis.

He tells me he believes he has major depression, bi polar disorder, PTSD and 4 kinds of personality disorder (along with alcoholism).

Anyhow although he can be rather difficult I do care about him and he had a terrible childhood.

I have said I would like to talk to his GP and find out why he hasn't had the help he says he needs, he is agreeable to this and will give his GP permission to talk to me, although a week later he still hasn't provided me with the GP's name and number.

My relative says he has not got a CPN.

After that long preamble my question is what is the sequence of events involved in getting a thorough examination from a psychiatrist etc.?

Once you have been to a GP and you believe ADs aren't helping what is the next step, are you referred to a CPN or a psychiatrist after that?

I'm not sure I ever will get to speak to the GP but if I do it would be very helpful to know what kind of more specialist help is available and how it can be accessed.

I'm not sure what to say because of the dual diagnosis (alcoholism + MH issues). Hopefully someone will come along who does.

It's probably a good idea to make a list of qus to ask, like the ones you've said.

Referrals on from the GP are usually to CMHT (community mental health team), so you may be seen by e.g. a nurse, social worker, OT, psychologist or psychiatrist (less likely) depending on the presenting issues, to assess the individual and decide what support may be needed.

Thanks for reply that is useful, so there is a whole team who (possibly) work together rather than say for a physical problem where you get referred to a consultant's clinic at a hospital?

At least I know now to refer to the CMHT if and when I get to speak to the GP.

He has such issues from his childhood and adolescence that I think he really needs long term therapy to start to come to terms but with no money...