Whats the deal with going to see a psychiatrist in this country?

Question

My mum has schizophrenia and I'm just incredibly scared/paranoid about getting it as well.

As far as I can tell everything seems real, but obviously I wouldnt know either way and would feel a lot better if a psychiatrist actually told me that I was alright, if you know what I mean.

Whats deal with going to see a psychiatrist in this country? Are they employed by the NHS? Are they free? Im living in Scotland btw

Also any other advice would be well appreciated, thanks, John

Thanks for the replies. Are all doctors employed by the NHS as well? I havent been to a doctor since i was like 7 and I'm a student now living with flatmates. Can I just walk into any doctors surgery or hospital and ask to see a doctor?

Also I have 4 older sisters all of whome seem fine, so theres technically a 50% chance that one of us will develop schizophrenia, know what I mean?

Thanks

Also I drink and smoke daily, and would smoke some weed from time to time, just trying to give you as much info as possible, cheers

Answer 1

You can referred to a free NHS psychiatrist by your doctor or you can pay to ralk to one. Talk to your GP first. You may not need help.

Answer 2

John,

I live in the United States. I read what you wrote. You sound concerned and maybe somewhat anxious. In the United States Psychiatrists are also Medical Practitioners ( Physicians). Many times people that do psychiatric evaluations can be Psychologists and even Social Workers.

Answer 3

well your gp can sort out you with a psychiatrist, but i would stop smoking the weed as it is proven that smoking drugs can give you mental health problems. i have seen this first hand my self when i was in my local mental health hospital, most of the patients had been smoking illegal drugs and now had mental problems that wont go away, and they will have to keep on medication for the rest of their lives.i dont blame you in wanting to know if you are going to inherit your moms problem, i also worry about my children inheriting my mental health probs off me when they get older. i know it isnt a nice thing to worry about, good luck anyway.

Answer 4

Go to your GP, explain your concerns, and ask to be referred to a psychiatrist. It might take a while on the NHS, but you will get seen.

Answer 5

I am in the USA, so I can't answer your main question. However, statistically speaking, only 10% of people with one parent who is schizophrenic also develop schizophrenia.

Answer 6

Do what the voices tell you to do.