Royal College Of Psychiatrists Wales

Psychiatrists are not the arbiters of mental capacity.

That is the Law.

The Law dictates morally and socially acceptable behaviour as decided by society.

Not Doctors or Professors or any one person.

Had an assessment for Adult ADHD in Aug 2021 by one of your executive committee members, Consultant psychiatrist Dr Viola. Already have a diagnosis of autism and mental health difficulties but felt my diagnosis over the years hasnt been correct after learning that I was autistic on my 35th birthday. Cue my assessment and Dr Viola decides they didnt think I met the criteria for ADHD and that my current diagnosis is a "better fit".

He told me the only reason I had been asked to attend an in person appt with him was because at an MDT meeting following a initial screening via Zoom by a social worker (didnt even think social workers were qualified to assess for ADHD) they decided unanimously that I did not meet criteria and they go on to invite patients in as they think "its good practice to tell someone face to face". So basically using NHS resources ineffectively and unnecessarily when a letter or phone call would have sufficed.

On my way out of the room his closing remark to me was "youve already got one label (autism), why do you need another?"

Yes this is the conduct of a professional Consultant psychiatrist working in the mental health field and how they view patients with dual diagnoses.

Absolutely disgusting. Should be struck off and not allowed to practice again.

Working in a role like that demands a level of professionalism and if he cant conduct himself in such a manner then hes clearly in the wrong profession.