How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
Due to national shortages the NHS in England has been battling with ADHD assessments and treatment. This has led to long waiting for patients to receive their diagnosis and treatment.
There are ways to get the assistance you require without waiting around. You can go to an individual psychiatrist for an expert review.
1. See a psychiatrist
One of the easiest ways to get ADHD medication in the UK is to see an expert psychiatrist. If you suspect that your symptoms may be ADHD-related the psychiatrist will help you better understand them and will make a diagnosis if necessary and provide you with a treatment plan. This route is free for those with NHS funding and just requires a standard prescription charge if applicable.
To begin, you need to visit your GP and explain the issues you're experiencing. Be uk adhd medication and honest with them, but also take note of their comments. They might say that your symptoms are caused by other issues or they don't believe you have ADHD.
If they believe you have ADHD, your GP will recommend you to an adult and child mental health service (CaMHS) or a Community Mental Health Service (CMHT) dependent on your age. This can be a lengthy wait.
You can ask your GP to choose the NHS Right to Choose to reduce your waiting time. You can read more on this on the Psychiatry-UK website and, in general when your doctor agrees to refer you for an NHS assessment with a specific provider, and they perform NHS assessments in your area you are entitled to the legal right to select them.
If you have a sufficient amount of money to spend there are online services that can evaluate you for ADHD over video call. This can be a convenient and cost-effective solution for those living in rural areas.
There are a few different kinds of ADHD medications available in the UK which include stimulants such as amphetamine-based medications like methylphenidate as well as newer amphe like lisdexamfetamine, as well alternatives that are not stimulants such as atomoxetine. These medications work by increasing noradrenaline levels in the brain. Noradrenaline is an organic chemical messenger that carries information. They help to reduce impulses and increase focus.
Some patients were advised not to begin new treatments from their GPs due to supply issues with ADHD medication in the last year. This resulted in a long waiting list, and a few patients were advised to stop taking their medication on the advice of their specialist who took into account product availability.
2. Request a referral to a Psychiatrist
Speak with your GP if you suspect that you or your child has ADHD. They should take you concerns seriously and ask about the symptoms you've been experiencing. They should ask you to fill out a screening tool known as an ASRS form and refer you for evaluation.
For some people it could be a long time to get an NHS referral for an ADHD assessment. This could be due to a variety of factors. The NHS is a massive organization, and delays are common due to bureaucracy as well as high demand. Fortunately, people in England now have the right to pick their mental health provider which can make this process much more efficient.
It isn't easy to identify ADHD in certain cases because of preconceived notions about the way someone with ADHD should appear. This is especially true when you're a woman or an individual of color, or a non-native English language speaker. While awareness of these biases is increasing but they remain an issue that can hinder people from getting the help that they need.
If you believe that your child or you is suffering from ADHD You should speak with an individual psychiatrist to make an appointment. This can be quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment and it is possible to find someone who has expertise working with ADHD.
The psychiatrist can determine whether you suffer from ADHD and develop an treatment program. This could include the use of medication and talk therapy. The drugs for ADHD are stimulants that increase dopamine in the brain, improve concentration and focus and reduce the risk of impulsivity. They are a controlled drug because they can be addictive, so they should be monitored carefully by the psychiatrist who prescribes them.
Some people do not want to take meds and instead opt for talk therapy. It is important to keep in mind that you don't need to take any medication, and no psychiatrist should ever force you to do so. For adults, a psychiatrist will generally recommend starting with talk therapy before deciding on medication, since this could alter any negative coping mechanisms and behavior patterns that have been developed.
3. Talk to Your GP
Your first step should always be to visit your GP. They will take your complaints seriously and ask what you think you may be suffering from ADHD. Then, they'll be required to refer you for an assessment. This can be a long process, since waiting lists for local services can be long.
If your GP thinks you might have ADHD the doctor will give you paperwork referred to as a shared-care agreement. This will allow your doctor to write prescriptions for you and also give them to your GP who will then carry out regular monitoring of your medication.
The GP will also send a letter to the local ADHD service stating they believe you might have ADHD and that it is worth considering referral for an assessment. Your information and a brief description about your history, including previous treatments, will be required.
This information will aid the ADHD specialist evaluate you quickly. The specialist can then decide whether you are a suitable candidate for treatment and, if they are, they can schedule an appointment with a clinical team member. This appointment should be made within two weeks of your initial psychiatric evaluation.
Many people with ADHD opt to be privately diagnosed and treated with medication. After their private psychiatric evaluation, they will receive a diagnosis from the doctor and a written treatment plan. They will then attend a series of follow up appointments and then move to weekly appointments and then monthly ones with their psychiatrist. This will ensure that their medication is in good shape and effective.
After they have established that the medication they are taking is working Most people with ADHD will be sent back to their GP. Their GP can then prescribe them medication, just like any other NHS prescription. They will receive an official copy from their psychiatrist, and know that the medication is compliant with NICE guidelines.
This is a great option for those who have not had a lot of success with trying to get on the NHS waiting list, or who aren't able to wait for an assessment. It's also a great option for parents of children with symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD is not a merely excuse for bad behavior, but a real medical issue.
4. Get a Psychiatrist Referral Letter
It is crucial for those who are seeking ADHD medication to be aware that only psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication. This is why it's important to get a referral from your GP to ensure that you can be properly evaluated.
It is important to present your list of symptoms to your psychiatrist (even if the medications are not related to ADHD). This information will help your psychiatric specialist determine what the most effective treatment options may be for you. It's also recommended to discuss your family history, since genetic predispositions can make ADHD more likely.
Your psychiatrist will listen to your concerns and will ask questions. You may be offered an assessment like a Generalised Anxiety disorder assessment or Patient Health Questionnaire. These can be used to evaluate depression, anxiety and ADHD. This is important because many of these symptoms could be incorrectly diagnosed and treated with antidepressants.
When your psychiatric assessment is complete, you will receive a prescription or medications. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD diagnosis is a complicated process. Your psychiatrist will require time to determine the most effective treatment for you. During this time you'll need to remain patient and follow the directions of your psychiatrist in regards to dosage and side effects monitoring.
In this period, you should also ensure that your doctor is aware of any other medical issues that you might have since many people suffering from ADHD suffer from co-existing illnesses such as anxiety and depression. The right combination can assist you in managing your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
We can connect you to some of the top UK psychiatrists who have at least 20 years of experience. They are knowledgeable about the different types of ADHD, and also have a deep understanding of other conditions that can be misinterpreted as ADHD.