Can psychologist and GP work together to provide medical certification and medication without seeing a psychiatrist?

[supersaiyannn]

Hi All,

My first post here.

After speaking to a web chat employee about my symptoms, history and family history she confirmed my suspicions that I may have adult ADHD.

I am going to see a psychologist today after being referred by my GP. I am on a wait list to see a psychiatrist but its a couple months wait (and that was the soonest appointment I could find after many attempts).

So my questions are:

1. If the Psychologist confirms my diagnosis and relays that diagnosis to my GP, can the GP begin providing medical intervention? Or do I have to wait to see a psychiatrist.

2. I am drastically behind in my university work (due to the nature of my condition) and have extreme anxiety and depression surrounding this fact. Is it possible for the psychologist to write a letter to my GP suggesting that he might write me a medical certificate so I can get extensions on my assignments/exams etc?

Any insight is greatly appreciated.

[Croix]

Dear Supersaiyannn~

I'd like to welcome you here. I'm sorry things are so bad for you at the moment. Having studies bank up like that can make one feel pretty hopeless and frustrated. Hopefully once your diagnosis is confirmed your life can start to get better.

I'd suggest you talk to your doctor about this. I'd set out what is happening to you in terms of anxiety and depression and also say how far away the psychiatrist's appointment is. You can point out the state of your studies and how something needs to be done urgently.

Your doctor may wish to wait for a psychologist's report or may feel it is appropriate to take steps based on his or her own diagnosis. I'd also ask about a certificate for your university's Disability Services. They in turn can assist with extensions, deferrals and so on.

Please let us know how you get on, it is a very worry time for you.

Croix

[Just Sara]

Hi SuperS;

I just wanted to add to Croix's great response. Only a Clinical Psychologist can provide a formal diagnosis. If they're not qualified as such, a psychiatrist is required.

Your GP (in consultation with your psych) can give an informal diagnosis and prescribe medication based on symptoms. A psychiatrist will probably just reiterate their views unless there's extenuating circumstances.

I hope this helps...

Sez

[geoff]

Hi Supersaiyannn~, please let me welcome you to the site.

Your doctor may give you a diagnosis, then refer you to a psychologist, after prescribing medication if that's what they want to do.

If the psychologist feels as though you need to see a psychiatrist they will send a letter back to your doctor and then you will be referred to a psychiatrist by your doctor.

There is a difference between these psy's, and as Sez has said only your psychologist can give you a formal diagnosis, but your GP can provide the medication you need.

I would ask both of them to provide a letter to allow you time for any extension/s.

All the best.

Geoff.

[itselsie]

Hi!

I know this post is old (I'm new so I am reading lots of old posts) and I'm sure you have sorted this out by now but if not I wanted to address your post.

I was diagnosed in Janurary at 24. I initally self diagnosed, eventually went to me GP, got a referral to a psychiatrist, got diagnosed and started treatment. It was such a good decision.

I'd advise caution in doing the psychologist/ GP work around especially because ADHD is diagnosed by a process of elimiation and can be quite complicated. Also you may not even be able to start treatment anyway as the medications are heavily regulated. In WA stimulants have to be prescribed by a specialist (with a few exceptions) and a GP doesn't qualify. They also can't diagnose ADHD here. I'm not sure if this is the same nationwide but I suspect its fairly similar seeing as national guidelines apply.

Consult your uni on what paper work you need- I had to have a note from my psychiatrist not my GP but it might depend on your uni. Uni wise, be careful getting extensions for things (learnt the hard way). Treatment doesn't automatically rewire years of bad procrastination habits and extensions that slowly eat away at semester time can be more detrimental especially to exam preparation than submitting assignments on the inital due date.

Best of luck with uni and your ADHD journey!

If you want any more info on my diagnosis process and adjusting to a diagnosis and medication while at uni feel free to reach out 🙂

Elsie

[Just Sara]

Hi and welcome Elsie;

What a great response! This is just a short hello to thank you for reaching out as you have. Your writing style and helpful manner is just what this forum needs. Only your 3rd post and giving with such care is a credit to you hun.

Have a lovely day and don't be a stranger ok.

Kind thoughts;

Sez

[itselsie]

Hi Sez,

Thanks so much for the warm welcome! When I was first looking into ADHD and getting diagnosed I found it really difficult to find accurate and useful resources about ADHD. In hindsight this lack of information stopped me from accessing support straight away which I really regret. So I'm trying to help out anyone else who has this problem. I did notice a horrendous number of spelling errors in my 3 posts though. Whoops!

Thanks again for welcoming me to the forum. Have a great day!

Elsie 🙂