Decision Report 201508671

Summary

Miss C complained that a psychiatrist failed to reach a reasonable diagnosis on the basis of her circumstances and medical history. In particular, Miss C raised concerns that the psychiatrist did not appropriately address her reported history of abuse in reaching the diagnosis. Miss C also questioned whether the psychiatrist considered other factors that would have impacted on her presentation at the psychiatric consultation. Miss C said a different diagnosis should have been reached and that the psychiatrist did not engage appropriately with her spiritual beliefs. Miss C questioned whether the diagnosis was based on an appropriate level of assessment.

The board said the psychiatrist was appropriately concerned that Miss C was suffering from psychiatric illness.

After receiving independent psychiatric advice, we did not uphold Miss C's complaint. We found the psychiatrist appropriately considered Miss C's history and other factors impacting on her presentation at the consultation. We found that the psychiatrist conducted an appropriate assessment and that the diagnosis reached was reasonable in the circumstances.