Share review of Psychiatry-UK

Psychiatry-UK 2023-01-09 Person 3 5 0

My overall experience is positive regarding the speed of diagnosis and medication titration period. I found out about Psychiatry UK through a local website following on going discussions with a practitioner nurse at my GP surgery. This website knowledge [ADHD AWARE] allowed me to self refer using Patient Right To Choose process which meant a letter to my GP first The GP had to agree to my referral I was assessed in October Diagnosed in November I made a self referral in May However the communication method with Psychiatry UK is based around a computer , phone or Zoom which I found difficult because in addition to ADHD I was previously diagnosed with Dyslexia and Dyspraxia this has made the form filling more stressful and I needed to get help with completing the forms. There were several computer glitches on the side of Psychiatry UK with submitting the forms which was really frustrating as it looked like I had not completed the forms when I definitely had. This made me feel terrible as the process had to be started again and I felt like I had been in the wrong. The clinician did apologise for their error. I found some of the first lot of forms had words directed for children which is great for children but challenging and undermining for adults. I think it is a fairly simple adjustment that Psychiatry UK needs to make to the forms and one that could improve communication going forward especially as they knew I was dyslexic I cannot be the only dyslexic person they have treated. There was a lot of written information which was helpful but far too much for me to read. I feel very surprised and disappointed that given dyslexia is common with ADHD that there has not been more thoughtful ways to deliver better communication. I use a Mac system which caused problems for Psychiatry UK as they had to keep resending forms in a suitable format this delayed getting started. The courier service for the medication delivery was sometimes difficult in terms of communication and understanding when they would deliver, It is a real tragedy that there is such a long waiting list for getting help with ADHD with a face to face Doctor and Nurse as e communication leaves a lot to be desired especially with the busy routine of working hours , travel to work time and not being available to talk privately whilst at work. Medication directions could have been simplified as it caused confusion for me. I did not feel that I was understood. There was a period of time when I communicated how I was struggling to manage my time and the forms and other appointments such as private counselling which resulted in no usual routine responses from Psychiatry UK for about 3 weeks. I did not understand their approach. I feel the lack of response could have resulted in poor outcomes vulnerable people. During this period of time I tried to re order medication I received a negative response suggesting I had been signed off which was not the case. I was also asked where was I getting medication supplies from which made me feel quite angry. I have taken ADHD seriously and remain committed to the process safely. I received an apology for the lack of understanding shown to me at this point which was very hurtful. I was challenged by the end of treatment review as the appointment was made but changed by Psychiatry UK. This change caused further problems for me because I could not easily process the change due to work which had allowed me to take time off to manage my original appointment. I have written a thank you note to the Titration staff as I do respect how they work I found the Doctor assigned to me was respectful and overall I can see that it has been better to be diagnosed sooner than the waiting list.