How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
The NHS in England is struggling to provide ADHD treatment and assessments due to shortages. This has led to long waiting for patients to receive their diagnosis and medications.
There are ways to get help without waiting around. You can go to a private psychiatrist to get an expert review.
1. Go to a Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is the simplest method to obtain ADHD medication in UK. If you think your symptoms could be ADHD related, a psychiatrist can help you get a better understanding of them, arrive at an assessment (if relevant), and put you on a treatment plan to manage them. This service is free for those who have NHS funding, and only requires an ordinary prescription fee in the event of a need.
It is recommended that you first see your doctor and explain to them the symptoms you are experiencing. Be honest and open with them, and listen to their suggestions. They may suggest that your symptoms may be related to other issues or they don't think you have ADHD at all.
If your GP believes that you suffer from ADHD, he or she will refer you to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CaMHS) of a Community Mental Health Service(CMHT), depending on your age. This can be a long wait.
You can request your GP to select the NHS Right to Choose to reduce the time you wait for an appointment. You can read more on this on the Psychiatry-UK website, but basically, if your GP agrees to recommend you for an NHS assessment by a certain provider, and they perform NHS assessments in your region, you have the legal right to select the provider.
If you're willing spend some money, you can have an online provider assess you for ADHD through video calls. This is a cost-effective and practical option for rural residents.
There are a few different types of ADHD medications in the UK, and they include stimulants such as amphetamine-based medications like methylphenidate as well as newer amphe like lisdexamfetamine as well as non-stimulant options such as Atomoxetine. They work by increasing the levels of noradrenaline within the brain which is a kind of chemical messenger that passes information, and they aid to lower impulses and increase concentration.
Some people were told not to start new treatments by their GPs due to supply issues related to ADHD medication in the last year. This led to a lengthy waiting list, and certain patients were advised to discontinue their medication based on a specialist's recommendation which is based on the availability of the product.
2. Ask for a Referral to a psychiatrist
If you think that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD, the first thing you need to do is speak to your GP. They should take your concerns seriously and inquire about the symptoms you've experienced. They should then ask you to fill out an assessment tool, also known as an ASRS form, and refer you to an assessment.
It can take a while for some people to get an appointment from the NHS for an ADHD assessment. There are many reasons for this. The NHS is a massive organization and delays are typical due to bureaucracy and high demand. Fortunately, people in England have the right to select their mental health care provider, which makes this process much easier.
In certain instances it may be hard to get a diagnosis because medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone suffering from ADHD is like. This can be especially difficult if you're a woman or someone of color, or a non-native English language speaker. While these biases are becoming more widely known, they can still prevent people from receiving the help they require.
If you think that your child or you may suffer from ADHD, you should contact an individual psychiatrist to make an appointment. This is a lot faster than waiting for an NHS appointment and it is possible to find someone with expertise working with ADHD.
The psychiatrist will determine whether you suffer from ADHD, and create a treatment program. It will likely consist of the use of talk therapy and medication. The drugs for ADHD are stimulants that boost dopamine levels in the brain. They improve concentration and focus and decrease the risk of impulsivity. They are a controlled substance because they can be addictive. The psychiatrist who prescribes these drugs must monitor them carefully.
Some people choose to talk therapy instead of taking medication. You don't have to take any medication and no psychiatrist will ever try to force you to. For adults psychiatrists generally recommend starting with talking therapies before considering medication, since this could alter any negative coping strategies and behaviors that have developed.
3. Speak to Your GP
Your first step should always be to see your GP. They must take your symptoms seriously and ask what you think you may have ADHD. They'll need to refer you for an assessment. This could be a long process as waiting lists for local services are often long.
If your GP believes that you have ADHD, he or she will issue you a document called a shared-care agreement. This agreement allows your psychiatrist to write your prescriptions and then pass them to your GP who can then monitor your medication regularly.
The GP will also send a letter to your local ADHD service stating they think you might be suffering from ADHD and that it is worth considering the referral for an assessment. They'll need to include your contact information as well as a summary of your medical history, which includes any previous treatments.
The information you have on file will help the ADHD specialist assess you quickly. The specialist can then decide whether you are a good candidate for treatment. If you are, they can set up an appointment with a team member. This should be arranged within two weeks of your initial psychotherapy assessment.
Many people with ADHD opt to be diagnosed privately and treated with medication. After their private psychiatric assessment they will receive a diagnosis from the doctor, along with a written treatment plan. They will then attend an array of follow-up appointments and then move to fortnightly and then monthly appointments with their psychiatrist. This will ensure that their medication is functioning properly and optimally.
After they've confirmed that the medication they are taking is working the majority of people suffering from ADHD are discharged to their GP. The doctor is able to prescribe medication to the patient just as he would with any other NHS prescription. This is because they will have an official copy of the report from their doctor and they will be aware that it is compliant with NICE guidelines.
This is a great alternative for those who have not had much success when trying to get on the NHS waiting list, or aren't able to wait for an assessment. This is an ideal option for parents whose children show signs of ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a real medical condition, and not merely an excuse for poor behavior.
4. Get a Psychiatrist Referral Form
For those who are seeking ADHD medication in the UK it is crucial to be aware that psychiatric specialists are the only healthcare professionals who are able to determine the presence of ADHD and prescribe medication. adhd medication and pregnancy to get a referral for ADHD medication from your GP so that you can get a thorough assessment.
It is essential to provide your list of symptoms to your psychiatrist (even even if the medication is not related to ADHD). This information will help your psychiatrist determine the best treatment option for you. It's also an excellent idea to discuss your family history as genetic predispositions can make ADHD more likely.
Your psychiatrist will take time to carefully listen to your concerns and questions. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires such as a generalised Anxiety disorder assessment or Patient Health Questionnaire. These can be used to evaluate anxiety, depression, and ADHD. This is crucial because many of these symptoms could be wrongly diagnosed and treated using antidepressants.
When your psychiatric assessment is completed, you'll be given a prescription for medication or medications. It is important to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD is an incredibly complex process and will require time for your psychiatrist to figure out the most effective treatment for you. In this period, you will need to be patient and follow the guidelines that your psychiatrist will provide for dosage and side effect monitoring.
In this period you must also make sure your doctor is aware of any other medical issues you may have, as many people with ADHD suffer from co-existing illnesses such as anxiety and depression. The right combination of treatments can help manage all of your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
If you're looking to try ADHD medication We can help you connect with some of the UK's top psychiatrists, each with at least 20 years of experience. They are knowledgeable about the various forms of ADHD and have extensive knowledge about the different conditions that can sometimes be confused with it.