If you are depressed and have an NHS psychiatrist how often do you see them?

[SundaeSunday100]

After 20 years+ of depression which my GP handled terribly, he finally agreed to refer me to an NHS psychiatrist.

So far, I've been seen 3 times in 2 years (each time by a different person). Is this normal to be seen so infrequently?

Its frustrating being seen so infrequently when I know pretty quickly that what they've prescribed for me isn't a a good match and I then have to wait months to be prescribed something else to try.

The psychiatrists do talk about seeing me more frequently or to contact their secretary if there is a problem with my medication, but despite numerous calls I've still only managed to get 3 appointments in 2 years.

every 4-6 weeks since being referred by gp, not always the same psychiatrist as sometimes it's the consultant and sometimes it's one of the other non-consultant ones on the team

That's interesting to know. Can I ask are you going for depression? I wonder if every 9 months is unusual or just indicative of the NHS these days. And I've had to really hassle to get my 2nd and 3rd appointments.

Can I also ask if you are employed? I wonder if I'm deprioritised because I am well enough (sort of) to work part-time although I'm only just coping with that because its flexible.

I guess I will likely also be deprioritised because I'm not suicidal and haven't self-harmed.

Are you being seen by a psych in a community mental health team?

I don't think so. There is no mention of a team. I just get a phone call or video call with a psychiatrist. So I guess the answer must be no.

It would be useful to find out what MH service provider you're under. IDK where you are but this would normally (in the UK) be either a CMHT, Primary MH service or counselling via your GP surgery. In our area it would only be the CMHT who would prescribe medication. If the meds you are on are not working, or if you feel you MH is deteriorating, go back to your GP and let them know. They may be able to refer elsewhere or expedite your appointment.

Not with my GP. Impossible now to get an appointment. GP only knows about SSRIs. These don't work for me and give me horrific side effects. I have zero faith in getting any help from my GP even if I was able to see him.

Looked up the NHS correspondence. It describes itself as an NHS foundation and my local adult MH team. But there seems to be no evidence of a team. In fact when I've tried to ring for an appointment or to ask for help with my meds I'm invariably told that the psychiatrist has left and there is no-one at the moment (not sure if the psychiatrists are only temporary but there seems to be a huge turnover and they appear to have recruitment problems).

I see my psychiatrist every 12/18 months. My CPN every 3/4 weeks. And I've been on psychology waiting list for 2 years.

So to answer your question a bit more clearly I think I am under the care of a CMHT there just doesn't seem to be much of a team!

I have a video call with mine once a month. I have bipolar though and haven’t been very stable for the last year or so. I’m waiting to be assigned a care coordinator so shouldn’t have to see that psychiatrist as often once that’s in place.

Gosh that's not very often then every 12-18 months! And a long wait for a psychologist. So sorry you are having to wait so long. How frustrating for you.

there seems to be a huge turnover and they appear to have recruitment problems

The NHS is generally underfunded, and it’s widely accepted that mental health care is right at the bottom of the pile. If you’re well enough to not acutely need care of a psychiatrist (i.e. in crisis) then you’ll be pushed down the priority list. Of course, a stitch in time saves nine, etc and obviously if they gave you better consistent care you’d be less likely to ever experience a crisis, but it’s a funding issue. It’s shit, and I’m sorry.

The turnover of psychs seems to be a big problem. If you call them, ask if they have a duty clinician. We have 2 on every day. We also have an on duty medic. They deal with medication problems by liaising with a medic. They also speak to clients who are having major meltdowns. It shouldn't matter what the problem is, you should be able to speak to someone in the adult MH team. Have they made a diagnosis?

Have you looked at MIND? Mind.org helplines has a lot of information on your rights and who to speak to for information. They're excellent at advising on getting the right help.

Thanks that's really helpful to know. Next time I will specifically ask to speak to the duty clinician or duty medic. I thought it was odd when I rang them and they said that I would have to wait until they've recruited someone new and then I'll be seen!

They've not really talked about a diagnosis although I have gone private in the past and have been diagnosed with treatment resistant depression so I guess they are going with that. 1st psychiatrist was really good and was going to put me on a clinical trial but sadly she then left. 2nd one was awful so but fortunately the 3rd psychiatrist seems pretty reasonable, so hopefully he will stay long enough for my next appointment!

Yes for depression. I went to my gp for help and he gave me antidepressants which didn't help so after trying 2 different ones and increasing the dosage he said he wanted to refer me to the psychiatrist as they would be able to prescribe different types than he could. I think he referred me as urgent as I got an appointment a week later.

Not a self harmer but do have suicidal thoughts

I hadn't thought at all about contacting MIND. I will bear them in mind if it turns out to be another long wait for my next appointment as I really do need more regular appointments as the progress is painfully slow.

Mine was every 3-4 weeks, wasn't consistently the same person and I even got stood up once.

After 4/5 session I felt I just wasn't getting anywhere. I was getting really anxious about the appointments, not knowing who I'd see and if I'd feel comfortable with them.

So I found someone privately, they were in training (2nd year I think), and paid £25 for a 45minute session each week.

I did so for a year and it completely changed me. I have blips, so I book an appointment or two where we go over why I'm struggling and how to manage my emotions.

That's not great being stood up. I hope they were apologetic.

I think you are talking about psychologists / counsellors though and not psychiatrists?

After being discharged from hospital 5 years ago, I’ve been seen once. But do live in north wales so we’re a bit behind here when it comes to mental health.

I only had depression and suicide attempts though so no schizophrenia/psychotic symptoms. I would imagine you would be sen more regularly if that was the case to make sure meds were correct etc.

We have had no psychiatrists for 9 months where I work. Noone is being seen unless you are acutely unwell..that includes people with suicidal thoughts who aren't thought to be actively suicidal. used to have a great sector psychiatrist who I could email for advice on alternative antidepressants but now I am one of many GPs who are way out of their comfort zones with some of the people who need care. It's awful.

I was referred to psychiatry from the eating disorder service and saw them every month for a period of time, then decreasing over time until I was handed back to my GP (still under community ED team).
Initially it was not crisis as such but pretty urgent. Then when medication was stabilised and I was able to engage with the MH nurse and psychologist I didn't need to see them.

I have Schizoaffective disorder bipolar type.
My psychiatrist is supposed to see me every 3 months but only has appointments available every 4 months!
I don't have a CPN even though I still get symptoms of psychosis such as paranoia & audible hallucinations despite being on high doses of anti psychotics.
I can phone the duty worker at the cmht if I feel unwell, the advice I get is variable.