Posted by Nickengland on July 25, 2005, at 8:34:18
In reply to Re: Finding doctors in the USA/Australia, posted by Meri-Tuuli on July 25, 2005, at 4:07:36
>I get the feeling that GPs let us down. They just stick you on a med, and thats it - and often with little knowledge of the actual medication.
This is very true. But in all fairness if the original problem you have requires medication and then expert assistantance - then this is why your GP refers you to a specialist i.e psychiatrist, as GP's have little knowledge of psychiatric medications in the first place.
In theory its then the respnsibilty of the psychiatrist to oversee your mental health...and the GP is just there to do what the psychiatirst tells him to do, which is prescibe the medication..
That said, its therefore very important I think that you have/find a GP that will take you seriously...as to avoid being felt let down. (I've been there I know how frustrating that can feel :-( '
>I suppose you might get a few sessions with a CPN, but I personally didn't find them helpful. I guess the upside is that its free to see a doc?
I agree the up side is that the NHS is free :-) Privite treatment can be very expensive and funnily enough you can end up seeing the *exact* same doctors that treat you on the NHS anyway. Albeit the treatment is alot quicker with regards to waiting lists and they will treat you alot nicer with a big smile on their face - but hey..thats what your paying them for ;-)
>I wonder what US people's experiences are? Is it any better in the US? PLus what do you do if you can't afford it/have no health insurance?
I would say in my opinon that American medical treatment - be it psychiatric or any other treatment for that matter is alot better than the UK. An American I know came here and went to A&E and couldn't believe how bad the conditions were...he said he thought it was like a 3rd world country with regards to medical care. (perhaps alittle extream)
Personally I think no health system is perfect. Some however, are worse than others and ours is worse than either Australia or America.
When it comes to psychiatry, we (UK) tend to under prescribe medication and are afraid of using combinations. Also there is not enough emphasis on the use of after care with 'talking treatments' like CBT, like having a therapist etc. Waiting lists are huge for these and sometimes when you get one you can only see that person once every 6 weeks - CBT just will not be effective seeing someone once every 6 week I don't think..for severe problems anyway, that dont fall into the need to be hospitilised but you still need extra help.
I actually think that the treatment In America is in some ways the oppisite of the UK...in that where as we maybe under prescribe..over in the states they over-prescribe. Theres no worries with massive combinations compared to here. Maybe its something to do with the fact that theres so much more $$ involved with medications over there like with all the marketing and adverts and things. I don't know and I could be wrong.
Given the choice I would much prefer to be treated in the US vs the UK. I think the treatment is far better over there. If you've got too much medication you can always cut back if you felt over medicated. Whereas here its bloody hard trying to get more treatment when they just refuse to give it to you for one reason or another.
As for Australia, again - Id much prefer to be treated there vs the UK.
Thing is, coming from the Uk Tom and going to the other side of the world to Oz for treatment is a huge step. I would have thought the US would work out perhaps cheaper as its nearer?..like alohashirt said with flights etc. To include a holiday sounds a great idea! :-) Of course Australia would be excellent too if you can manage to get over there...
I admire your persevearence Tom in getting proper treatment..I know you've been struggling the past few months and I think this sounds a great idea what you're on to here...
Kind regards
Nick
poster:Nickengland
thread:532773
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050723/msgs/533179.html