Diagnosis of mental health conditions ‘not taken lightly’ says College Chair

RCGP responds to Health Secretary’s comments on mental health diagnoses, Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said:

“As GPs, we are often the first port of call for patients who are experiencing issues with their mental health - many of whom have struggled with them for many years before seeking help. We are highly trained to come up with potential diagnoses and treatment plans with our patients based on the many factors potentially impacting on their health, in line with appropriate diagnostic criteria, clinical guidelines and where appropriate, screening tools. This isn’t a responsibility we take lightly.

“However, whilst GPs are highly trained medical professionals, we are not mental health specialists and for many conditions, formal diagnosis will need to be made in specialist care. There may also be some patients who don’t meet the criteria for a particular mental health diagnosis but who can still be very distressed and require help and support.

“What is important is that any patient who is struggling with their mental health has access to a safe, non-judgemental space to discuss the issues they are having, whether they could benefit from intervention, and the risks and benefits of the treatment options available. It’s also vital that GPs have the time to discuss what are often highly complex health issues with patients - and that they can access specialist care, including talking therapies, in a timely manner if required, in the community.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.