How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
The NHS in England is struggling to provide ADHD treatment and assessments because of a lack of resources. This has resulted in long waiting times for patients to get their diagnosis and medication.
There are many ways to receive help without waiting. You can go to a private psychiatrist for a specialist review.
1. See a psychiatrist
One of the most straightforward ways to get ADHD medication in the UK is to consult a psychiatrist. If you suspect that your symptoms may be ADHD-related, a psychiatrist will help you understand the causes and, should it be necessary and provide you with a treatment plan. This service is free for those who have NHS funding. It's all you need is a standard prescription charge when applicable.
To begin it's best to visit your GP and explain what you're experiencing. Be honest and open with them, but also listen to their feedback. They might suggest that your symptoms are due to other problems or that they don't believe that you are suffering from ADHD.
If your GP believes that you suffer from ADHD The doctor will refer you either to a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CaMHS) of a Community Mental Health Service(CMHT) in accordance with your age. This could mean a long wait.
You can ask your GP to select the NHS Right to Choose to reduce the time you wait for an appointment. You can learn more about this on the website of Psychiatry UK, but basically, if your GP agrees to recommend you to an NHS assessment with a specific provider and they do NHS assessments in your area you are entitled to the legal right to select the provider.
In the meantime, if you have a decent amount of money to spend there are online services that can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD over video call. This is a low-cost and efficient solution for rural people.
There are many types of ADHD medications available in the UK, and they include stimulants such as amphetamine-based methylphenidate, and more recent amphetamine- like lisdexamfetamine, as well alternatives that are not stimulants such as Atomoxetine. They work by increasing the levels of noradrenaline in the brain which is a type of chemical messenger that transmits information, so they help to lower impulses and increase concentration.
Due to the shortage of ADHD medication last year, some people were advised by their doctors not to begin new treatments until stock levels were increasing. This resulted in a lengthy waiting list, and certain patients were advised to stop their medication based on a specialist's recommendation which is based on the availability of the product.
2. Request inattentive adhd medication to a Psychiatrist
Speak to your GP If you suspect you or your child is suffering from ADHD. They should take your concerns seriously and inquire about the symptoms you've experienced. They should then ask you to fill in the screening tool, known as an ASRS form, and then refer you for evaluation.
It can take a while for some people to receive an appointment from the NHS for an ADHD assessment. There are many reasons for this. The NHS is a huge organization and delays are frequently due to demand and bureaucracy. Fortunately, people in England have the right to select their mental health care provider, which makes this process much easier.
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD in some instances because of preconceived notions about how someone suffering from ADHD should look. This can be especially difficult when you're a woman or a person of color, or a non-native English language speaker. While awareness of these biases is growing but they remain an issue that can hinder people from receiving the assistance that they need.
If you believe that you or your child is suffering from ADHD If you suspect that your child has ADHD, you should call an individual psychiatrist to make an appointment. This is a lot faster than waiting to get an NHS appointment, and you'll be able to find someone with expertise working with ADHD.
The psychiatrist will be able to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD and can create a treatment plan specifically for you. This could include the use of therapy and medication. The medications for ADHD are stimulants that increase dopamine levels in the brain, increase focus and concentration and reduce impulsivity. They are a 'controlled' drug because they can be addictive so they must be carefully monitored by the psychiatrist who prescribes them.
Some people opt to engage in therapy instead of taking medication. There is no need to take any medication and no psychiatrist will ever pressure you to. For adults psychiatrists generally recommend starting with talking therapies prior to pursuing meds, as this can alter any negative coping mechanisms and behavior patterns that have been developed.
3. Talk to Your GP
If you want to receive medication through the NHS the first step should be to speak to your GP. They should take your symptoms seriously and ask you why you believe you might have ADHD. They'll need to refer you to an assessment. This could be a long process as waiting lists for local services are usually long.
If your GP feels that you might have ADHD, they will give you a document for what's known as 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 frequently.
The GP will also send a letter to your local ADHD service, stating they think you might have ADHD and that it is worth considering the referral for an assessment. Your information and a brief description of your previous experiences treatments, as well as any prior ones will be required.
Inputting this information in your file will allow the ADHD specialist evaluate your condition quickly. The specialist will then determine whether you are a good candidate for treatment. If they are, they can arrange an appointment with a team member. This appointment should be scheduled within two weeks of your initial psychotherapy assessment.
Many people with ADHD choose to be privately diagnosed and treated with medication. After their private psychiatric evaluation, they will receive a diagnosis from the doctor, along with an outline of their treatment plan. They will then attend a series of follow up appointments to start with beginning with monthly appointments with their psychiatrist. This will ensure that their medication is optimised and is working effectively.
After they've established that their medication is working, most people with ADHD will be discharged back to their GP. Their GP can then prescribe medications, similar to any other NHS prescription. This is because they will have an original report from their psychiatrist and they will be aware that it meets NICE guidelines.
This is a viable alternative for those who have not had much success being placed on NHS waiting lists or aren't able to wait for an assessment. This is an excellent option for parents whose children show symptoms of ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not simply a bad behavior excuse, but a real medical condition.
4. Request medication for inattentive adhd
For those who are seeking ADHD medication in the UK it is crucial to know that psychiatric experts are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication. This is why it's a good idea to seek an appointment with your GP, so you can be appropriately evaluated.
When you visit your psychiatrist, it's helpful to bring the list of your symptoms as well as any medications that you're currently taking (even even if they're not related to ADHD). This will aid your psychiatric professional in determining what the best treatment options might be for you. You should also discuss your family history with your doctor as genetic predispositions could cause ADHD more likely.
Your psychiatrist will take time to listen carefully to your concerns and queries. You may be given a questionnaire such as a generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment or Patient Health Questionnaire. These are used to determine depression, anxiety and ADHD. This is important because a number of these symptoms are commonly misdiagnosed as ADHD and treated with antidepressants.
After your psychiatric evaluation is completed, you'll receive a prescription for medication or medication. It is important to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD is multifaceted, and it will take time for your psychiatrist to figure out the most effective treatments for you. During this time, you will need to be patient and follow the instructions provided by your psychiatrist for dosage and monitoring of the side effects.
During this period, you should make sure your psychiatrist is aware about any medical conditions you may have. Many people suffering from ADHD also have co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety. The right combination of these can aid in managing your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
We can help you connect with some of the UK’s top psychiatrists who have at least 20 years of experience. They are well-versed in the various types of ADHD and have a vast knowledge about the various disorders that are often mistaken for it.