Decision Report 201600399

Summary

Mr C complained that although he suffered from mental health issues, the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome he had been given was incorrect.

Mr C said that he had not been listened to by medical staff and that his opinion and symptoms had been ignored. Mr C believed that medical staff had chosen to inaccurately record his symptoms, in order to protect their colleagues who had given him the original diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome. Mr C said his assessments had not been properly carried out and the appropriate diagnostic tools and techniques had not been used. Mr C said the board were unreasonably refusing to provide him with a second opinion.

We took independent medical advice and found that Mr C had been diagnosed following a period of observation and assessment. This included a detailed history as well as information supplied by other mental health professionals and direct observation of Mr C. The diagnostic process was reasonable and in keeping with the current guidelines and had taken place over four separate assessments. The adviser said it was reasonable for further assessments to be refused by the board, as Mr C had had a number of assessments by different doctors, which had all reached the same conclusion. Additionally, Mr C's focus on his diagnosis was preventing him from following his treatment programme. As another assessment was unlikely to reach a different conclusion, it would not be helpful for Mr C. We found Mr C was assessed reasonably by the board, who were able to demonstrate they had followed the appropriate guidance. We therefore did not uphold Mr C's complaint.