Second opinion in psychiatry
A careful reassessment of diagnosis and treatment when there are doubts or when results fall short of what was expected.
When it may make sense
Asking for a second opinion is a normal step in medicine and does not imply mistrust of your current doctor. It offers a fresh look at the situation so that decisions can be made with more confidence.
It may make sense when:
- you have doubts about the diagnosis you were given;
- treatment is not working, or is only partly working;
- you have tried several medicines without enough improvement;
- side effects are outweighing the benefits;
- you are about to make an important decision, such as starting, changing or stopping a treatment;
- other medical conditions make treatment more complex.
How it works
A second-opinion consultation begins with a full assessment: the history of your symptoms, the treatments already tried, the dose and duration of each, how well they worked and any side effects. Available tests and your general health are also reviewed.
At the end, we discuss whether the diagnosis still holds, what alternatives exist and what could be adjusted. With your consent, the conclusions can be shared with the doctor who looks after you.
What to bring
It helps a great deal to bring previous reports, a list of the medicines you take and have taken in the past (with doses), and any recent blood tests or other investigations. You are welcome to bring someone close to you.
A second opinion can help you decide with more confidence.
Get in touch to book an appointment.