Rudolph had a very shiny nose, in a routine consultation with his GP, Dr Touchy-Feely, the latter said that it was medically unexplained and he could be referred/or refer himself to IAPT.
He replied that it was a long term physical condition and he didn’t think a psychological service was appropriate. The GP opined that he might have persistent somatic symptom disorder and entered this in his notes. . Later that day Rudolph had a telephone conversation with Father Christmas who wondered whether he could help him out that evening. Rudolph mentioned in passing his conversation with the GP. Father Christmas observed that everyone knew he had a very shiny nose and could on occasion feel left out or ridiculed but was this really a psychological problem, didn’t IAPT have enough to do with all the anxious and depressed people! Rudolph replied sheepishly, perhaps I should ring IAPT in the New Year, after all the GP is saying I have got persistent somatic disorder. Father Christmas replied Dr Touchy-Feely, does not know what evidence based criteria are for anything and added whimsically ‘he doesn’t even believe in me’.
Have a great Christmas Folks
Dr Mike Scott