Less paperwork when the last patient leaves

FORMALITIES

Legal status under the Mental Health Care Act: Voluntary care, cf. section 2-1. No indication of a need for compulsory mental health care.

Referral received: 15.07.2026 from GP.

Reason for referral: 42-year-old man, married with two children aged 8 and 11. Works as a chef, currently on full sick leave. Over the last 3–4 months the GP describes increasing low mood, loss of energy, sleep problems, reduced interest and initiative, difficulty concentrating and a sense of inadequacy. The patient has withdrawn socially and functions less well both at home and at work. No known previous serious mental illness.

Intake assessment: Assessed as entitled to necessary care in specialist health services. Assessment within the applicable deadline. No particular instructions from the intake team.

THE PATIENT'S DESCRIPTION OF THE SITUATION

The patient largely confirms the information in the referral. He describes gradually becoming more low, tired and unmotivated over the last 3–4 months. He feels that "everything has become a chore". He used to enjoy his work as a chef, but now dreads going to work, finds it harder to keep track and quickly becomes mentally exhausted.

He describes reduced interest in activities he used to enjoy. He used to like cooking at home, exercising and seeing friends, but now does little of this. He describes markedly reduced energy and initiative.

His sleep is reduced. He takes a long time to fall asleep and wakes several times during the night. He wakes early and does not feel rested. His appetite is somewhat reduced, and he has lost about 3 kg over the last 2 months without trying to lose weight.