Question

A 15-year-old boy attends your GP surgery with his mother, complaining of low mood and social withdrawal. He asks to speak to you alone and then discloses that he is gay but does not want his parents to know. He does not currently have suicidal thoughts. What is the most appropriate response regarding confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Respect his confidentiality if he is competent, and do not disclose his sexual orientation to his parents without his consent

Answer

Inform his mother because she is responsible for his welfare

Answer

Tell him you must record this so the whole family can see

Answer

Encourage him to tell his parents and refuse to discuss it otherwise

Answer

Inform social services immediately

Practice question