Published on 12, July, 2020
So last year I saw my GP because my anxiety seemed to be gradually worse and medication (Citalopram) wasn't having much effect (I was also on anti migraine medication).
So we discussed whether there was an underlying reason for my stress and anxiety seemed to be getting worse over the last few years?
The result of this was for me to write 8 of notes pages that I gave my GP in order for him to seek advice as to whether there warranted further investigation.
However, after about 3 months, he said he could not find anyone to take a look and so I asked for a private referral.
This resulted in me seeing a Consultant Psychiatrist at the end of May, who said he was 95% sure that I had Aspergers. But in his letter to my GP stated he always seeked a second opinion but was having trouble finding a suitable available Psychologist.
Yesterday marked 6 weeks since my consultation and asked what was happening. Apparently, I had been referred to Hampshire & Surrey Psychology. I contacted them and was replied with their process for assessment.
To my irritation, it appears I have to pay (~£300) for another consultation to determine whether it is worth me having the full assessment (at an addition cost of £1500).
I just feel that my consultation with the Psychiatrist was a waste of time and money :(
I have to wait two weeks for my second consultation :(
Eccentric1 said:the NHS bean counter are afraid of the cost of diagnosing an adult who has had a lifetime coping/masking/hiding the condition.
So true
With me, I do not need a diagnosis (Equality Act 2010), have self funded an assessment but not got the answer my employer wants (must be in writing from a professional NHS Specialist).
Now the local NHS Screening result was that I am not on the spectrum but what a joke as so many experienced with the condition say I have Aspergers.
So, I will probably have to fund a further assessment because the NHS bean counter are afraid of the cost of diagnosing an adult who has had a lifetime coping/masking/hiding the condition.
The process is long and drawn out for sure, especially when Mental Health is such a big talking point/topic everywhere.
Good luck with it all and hope you get better results/support the second time.
Double bummer! At least you have an indication of the likely result so some encouragement to go forward. How exhausted you will be!
Best
Indeed it is :( The other bummer is that my "second" consultation is an hours drive from my house. So I'll arrive all calm and stress free no doubt :)
Assessment seems to be a very drawn out and painful process for many people and for you it's also proving expensive. All I can say is what other people have said to me on these boards, which is that it's a very on/off feeling. Unfortunately you must persevere if you want an answer.
It's not fair that we the patient should have to do all the proving and investigating for ourselves then ask the "great ones" (assessors) to kindly validate us. It's doubly unfair if you are paying out if your own pocket. But that's how it seems to be to me.
Hoping you get your results soon.