Psychiatry-UK

Written by a NHS patient

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.

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Written by a NHS patient

My overall experience of PUK has been positive and ADHD diagnosis has been life changing in may ways (alongside stimulant medication). My overall experience of ADHD diagnosis and 'journey' towards understanding and healing, however, is definitely more mixed so far. Whilst diagnosis and stimulant medication is very much life changing in many aspects, I have personally found that it only provides the key to unlock the door to change and to understanding of the condition. On this front, I believe that early physiological support, alongside medication, is critical (for me personally at least). Several ADHD books later, I still feel that I have a novice's understanding of ADHD and still struggle with many aspects of the condition. To this end, I found that diagnosis was actually quite isolating when everything happens online (as was the case with diagnosis through PUK) and with little or no follow up support. So for me personally, some follow up advice and (ideally) some 1:1 support would have made all the difference. With this said, however, I fully appreciate that so many areas of the health service are hugely stretched beyond capacity. So I would also not want this (hopefully constructive) feedback to remotely detract from just how life changing a diagnosis and a stimulant medication prescription is. So thank you PUK for playing your part in this- especially given the limitations of funding and current service usage level :-)

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Written by a NHS patient

I've had a great experience overall with all the help and patience that's been recieved from that start. Dr. Sadiq was great. He was really easy to talk to and able to communicate clear information. I'm looking forward to the future and getting back on track with my life. Thank you, very much.

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Written by a NHS patient

I would absolutely recommend this clinic. Communication was excellent throughout my treatment, and I was able to guide my own treatment throughout the titration. I have recommended this clinic to others already.

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Written by a NHS patient

Psychiatry UK has helped me so much! My undiagnosed ADHD was ruining my life and I was on the verge of losing my job until I was referred to them and after the titration process I finally feel like I have control back over my life. The wait was quite long but worth it, and much better than it would have been without it. My psychiatrist was very understanding and my nurse was an absolute star who supported me throughout titration, and always responded quickly to any queries I had - I really can't praise the service enough! Thank you!

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Written by a NHS patient

Excellent, timely and friendly communication. Even on a Bank Holiday! When you're used to being treated like 'just a number' by medical professionals all your life, it's incredibly refreshing to receive such an attentive, caring and personal service. I haven't once felt dismissed, ignored, a burden or like I don't matter and it's clear that Psychiatry UK is really keen to provide excellent patient care, as are other members of his team. I would (and do) highly recommend the whole Psychiatry UK NHS Right to Choose service to anyone who suspects they may be ADHD or Autistic - they don't treat NHS patients any differently to paying clients and that really matters.

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Written by a NHS patient

Dr Sadiq, Debbie Linton and the whole titration team were all great communicators, very accommodating and answered all questions I had. They gave great reassurance and updates and generally diagnosed me very well and put me on a prescription which has changed my life for the better. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them and they even offered to support me in future after my titration process has finished, if I wish to speak to Dr. Sadiq or the team I was told I can. I'm extremely grateful and think the provide a great service to the NHS.

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Written by a NHS patient

Dr Soumaya Nasser El Din was very understanding and helpful. I felt at ease speaking about my difficulties during our appointment and was given a diagnosis and options at the end. The first appointment was followed up with lots of helpful advice and resources being sent to me which I will work through and I have been referred for treatment. Overall, I feel the service with Psychiatry UK has been fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone requiring their services. Thank you!

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Written by a NHS patient

I only got the first appointment so far, but it was good. Dr Muhammad Asif was very helpful and explained my options clearly.

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Written by a NHS patient

Although 15mins late to the appointment, when we did start, I felt in secure in the support and advice I was receiving. I was treated with dignity and respect throughout and it was very informative.

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