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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 resulted in long waiting for patients to receive their diagnosis and medications.
There are ways to get assistance without waiting around. You can visit an individual psychiatrist for a specialist review.
1. See a psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is the simplest method to obtain ADHD medication in UK. If you suspect that your symptoms could be ADHD related, the psychiatrist can help you get a better understanding of them, arrive at a diagnosis (if relevant) and place you on a treatment plan to treat the symptoms. This service is free for those with NHS funding. It's all you need is an ordinary prescription fee if applicable.
To begin with it's best to visit your GP and explain what you're experiencing. Be honest and open with them, and listen to their feedback. They may say that your symptoms are caused by other issues or that they don't believe you have ADHD.
If they believe you suffer from ADHD, your GP will recommend you to a child and adolescent mental health service (CaMHS) or a Community Mental Health Service (CMHT) depending on your age. This can be a lengthy wait.
You can request your GP to select the NHS Right to Choose to cut down on the amount of time you'll wait. On the Psychiatry UK website you can learn more about this, however in general, if you GP accepts that you should be referred to a specialist who conducts NHS assessments in your locality, you have a legal right to choose.
If you're willing to spend some money and get an online service to test your condition for ADHD via video call. This is a practical and cost-effective solution for those living in rural areas.
In the UK, there are several varieties of ADHD medications available. These include stimulants such as amphetamine, newer amphetamine tablets like lisdexamfetamine as well as non-stimulant alternatives like Atomoxetine. These medications work by increasing noradrenaline levels within the brain. Noradrenaline is an important chemical messenger that can transmit information. non prescription adhd medication help to reduce impulses and improve focus.
Some people were told not to begin new treatments by their doctors due to supply issues with ADHD medication over the last year. This led to a long waiting list and certain patients were advised to take breaks from their medications based on the specialist's recommendation that takes into consideration product availability.
2. Request a Referral to a psychiatrist
If you believe that your child or you might have ADHD, the first thing you should talk to your GP. They must be attentive to your concerns and inquire about the symptoms you've been experiencing. They should ask you to complete a screening instrument, known as an ASRS form, and then send you to an evaluation.
It may take a while for some people to get an invitation from the NHS for an ADHD assessment. This can be due to a variety of factors. The NHS is a massive organization and delays are typical because of bureaucracy and demand. Fortunately, patients in England now have the right to pick their mental health provider which can make this process much quicker.
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD in some instances because of preconceived notions of how someone suffering from ADHD should look. This is especially true if you are a person of colour, female or non-native English speaking. While awareness of these biases is growing however, they remain an issue and can prevent people from receiving the assistance that they need.
One of the best options to take if you are concerned that you or your child could have ADHD is to reach out to a private psychiatrist and request an appointment. This can be quicker than waiting to get an NHS appointment and it is possible to find someone who has experience working with ADHD.
The psychiatrist can assess whether you suffer from ADHD and formulate an treatment plan. Most likely, this will comprise a combination talk therapy and medication. Treatments for ADHD are usually stimulants which increase the levels of dopamine in your brain, which improve concentration as well as impulsivity, focus and concentration. They are controlled drugs because they can be addictive. The psychiatrist who prescribes these drugs must closely monitor them.
Some people prefer to engage in talk therapy instead of taking medication. You don't have to take medication, and no psychiatrist will ever force you to. For adults A psychiatrist will typically suggest that you begin with talking therapies prior to pursuing meds, as this can alter any negative coping strategies and behavior patterns that have been developed.
3. Speak to Your GP
If you'd like to receive medication through the NHS, your first step is to speak to your GP. They should take your symptoms very serious and ask you to explain what you think you may have ADHD. They'll need to refer you for assessment. This can be a long process, as the waiting lists for local services may be lengthy.
If your GP believes that you may have ADHD the doctor will issue you a document known as a shared-care agreement. This agreement allows your psychiatrist to write your prescriptions and then pass them to your GP who will then be able to monitor your medication regularly.
The GP will also send a letter to your local ADHD service saying they believe you may have ADHD and that it's worth considering referral for an assessment. They'll require your contact information as well as a summary of your past history, including any prior treatments.
Having this information on file will help the ADHD specialist to assess your needs quickly. The specialist can then decide if you are suitable for treatment. If they think you are, they will set up an appointment with a clinical team member. The appointment must be scheduled within two weeks following your initial psychiatric examination.
Many people with ADHD prefer to be treated privately and diagnosed with medication. After a private psychiatric assessment, they will receive a diagnosis from the doctor, along with a written treatment plan. The next step is several follow-up appointments, before moving to weekly appointments and then monthly ones with their psychiatrist. This will ensure their medication is functioning properly and optimised.
Once they have confirmed that the medication they are taking is working the majority of people suffering from ADHD are discharged to their GP. The doctor can then prescribe them medication, just like any other NHS prescription. This is because they have an official copy of the report from their psychiatrist and they will know that it meets NICE guidelines.
This is a great alternative for those who have had little success in getting on the NHS waiting lists or do not have the patience to await an assessment. This is an ideal option for parents whose children exhibit signs of ADHD. It is important to remember that ADHD is a real medical condition and is not merely a reason to excuse bad behaviour.
4. Request a Referral Letter through a psychiatrist
For those seeking ADHD medication in the UK it is crucial to know that psychiatric experts are the only healthcare professionals who can identify ADHD and prescribe medication. It's important to get an appointment for ADHD medication from your GP to ensure that you get a thorough assessment.
It's important to bring your list of symptoms to your psychiatrist (even even if the medication is not associated with ADHD). This will help your psychiatrist determine the best treatment for you. It is also important to discuss your family history, as genetic predispositions can make ADHD more likely.
Your psychiatrist will listen to your concerns and will ask questions. You may be offered a questionnaire like a Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment or Patient Health Questionnaire. These are used to determine anxiety, depression and ADHD. This can be useful since a lot of these symptoms are commonly incorrectly diagnosed as ADHD and treated with antidepressants.
When your psychiatric assessment is complete, you will receive a prescription for medication or medication. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD diagnosis is a complicated process. Your psychiatrist will need time to determine the best treatment for you. In this time you'll have to be patient while following the instructions of your psychiatrist on dosage and side effects monitoring.
In this time, you should make sure your psychiatrist is aware about any medical conditions you might have. Many people with ADHD also suffer from co-existing disorders, such as depression and anxiety. The right combination of these can help you manage your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
If you're interested in trying ADHD medication, we can connect you with some of the UK's top psychiatrists who have at least 20 years' experience. They are knowledgeable about the various types of ADHD and have extensive knowledge about the different disorders that are often mistaken for it.
