Abuse Law What can I expect at my psychiatric appointment

Not all doctors will ask for the same information, but many will. It is important that the survivor is prepared with information (either written down for reference, or prepared in their head) to answer questions about the following common things. 

• The survivor’s complete work history. Some doctors may want to know a bit about the types of duties/roles the survivor has done throughout their working life. The doctor may also wish to know about any periods of unemployment and a survivor’s reasoning for leaving any jobs.
• The survivor’s relevant medical and psychiatric history (e.g. any and all previous injuries or illnesses of a significant nature).  
• The doctor will probably ask the survivor how the injuries occurred (i.e. discussions about the history of the abuse).
• Details of the survivor’s injury, including the nature of the injury, and all treatment received since it happened (including medication treatment).
• How the injury affects the survivor now, both at work and at home (e.g. housework, gardening, etc) and any impact on the survivors hobbies, social, and/or recreational
  This means things the survivor used to enjoy or do, and now either can no longer do them or can do them but it hurts/impacts the survivor.
• The emotional impact that the injury has had on the survivor, including the survivor’s ability to function, and on the survivor’s relationships with friends and family.
  
  

We are specialist abuse lawyers and can help you receive acknowledgement, meaningful apology and financial resolution from those institutions and systems of power that failed to protect you from harm. If you would like advice in relation to a childhood or adult sexual, physical and/or psychological/emotional abuse claim, please reach out to the author and Littles Lawyers today.