How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
Due to the national shortages, the NHS in England has been struggling with ADHD assessments and treatment. The NHS in England has been struggling to diagnose and treat ADHD due to national shortages.
There are ways to get help without waiting around. You can go to private psychiatrists to get a specialized review and adjustment.
1. See a Psychiatrist
One of the easiest methods of obtaining ADHD medication in the UK is to visit a psychiatrist. If you think your symptoms could be related to ADHD, a psychiatrist can help you better understand them, make a diagnosis if necessary, and set you up with a treatment plan. This is a free service for those who have NHS funding. A prescription fee of standard might be required if necessary.
You should first visit your doctor and explain what you are experiencing. Be open and honest with them, but also listen to their feedback. They might suggest that your symptoms may be related to other issues or that they don't believe that you have ADHD in any way.
If they are of the opinion that you are suffering from ADHD, your GP will refer you to a child and adolescent mental health service (CaMHS) or a Community Mental Health Service (CMHT) according to your age. This will involve a lengthy wait.
You can ask your GP to choose the NHS Right to Choose to reduce the time you wait for an appointment. On the Psychiatry UK website you can find more information about this, but in general when your doctor agrees that you should be referred to a provider who conducts NHS assessments in your locality you have the legal right to choose.
If knowing it to invest a little money to get an online service to test you for ADHD via video call. This is a cost-effective and practical option for rural residents.
There are several types of ADHD medications in the UK which include stimulants like amphetamine-based medications like methylphenidate as well as newer amphe like lisdexamfetamine, as well as non-stimulant options such as Atomoxetine. These drugs work by increasing noradrenaline levels within the brain. Noradrenaline is an organic chemical messenger that carries information. They can help reduce impulses and increase focus.
Due to the shortage of ADHD medication last year, some people were told by their GPs not to start on new treatments until stock levels had increased. This led to a lengthy waiting list, and some patients were advised to take breaks from their medications based on the doctor's advice which is based on product availability.
2. Ask for an appointment with a psychiatrist
If you think that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first thing to discuss the issue with your GP. They should take you concerns seriously and ask about the symptoms you've experienced. They should ask you to fill out a screening tool known as an ASRS form and ask you to be evaluated.
For some it could be a long wait to get an NHS referral for an ADHD assessment. There are a number of reasons for this. The NHS is a massive organisation and often there are delays because of demand and bureaucracy. However, the people of England have the right to pick their mental health provider which makes the process much more efficient.
In some cases it may be difficult to receive a diagnosis because medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone with ADHD appears like. This can be especially difficult when you're a woman, someone of color, or a non-native English language speaker. While awareness of these biases is growing however, they remain an issue that can hinder people from receiving the help that they need.
If you think that you or your child is suffering from ADHD You should speak with a private psychiatrist to request an appointment. This option can be much faster than waiting for an NHS appointment and can help you find a specialist who is experienced in working with ADHD.
The psychiatrist can assess whether you suffer from ADHD and formulate an appropriate treatment program. It will likely consist of the use of therapy and medication. Treatments for ADHD are usually stimulants which boost the levels of dopamine in the brain, which improve concentration as well as impulsivity, focus and concentration. They are a controlled drug since they can be addictive and therefore must be carefully monitored by the psychiatrist who prescribes them.
Some people choose to talk therapy instead of taking medication. It is crucial to remember that you don't have to take meds and no doctor should ever try to convince you to take them. A psychiatrist will typically recommend talking therapies for adults before prescribing medication. This could help to change any negative coping strategies or behaviours.
3. Talk to Your GP
The first step should be to visit your GP. They should take your symptoms very seriously and ask what reasons you think you have ADHD. Then they will be required to refer you for an assessment. This can be a lengthy process because waiting lists for local services are usually long.
If your GP feels that you might have ADHD they will send you a document for what's known as a shared-care agreement. This will allow your psychiatrist to write prescriptions for you, and to forward them to your GP who can follow up on a regular basis of your medication.
The GP will also write a letter to your local ADHD service, stating they think you might be suffering from ADHD and that it's worth considering referral for an assessment. Your details and a summary of your previous experiences treatment, including any previous ones are required.
This information will aid the ADHD specialist evaluate your condition quickly. They will then determine if you are suitable for treatment and if so, arrange an appointment for you with a member of the clinical team. The appointment should be scheduled within two weeks after your initial psychiatric assessment.
Many people with ADHD prefer to be diagnosed privately and treated with medication. After their private psychiatric evaluation, they will receive a diagnosis from the doctor and an written treatment plan. The patient will have a series follow-up appointments at first, then moving on to bi-weekly appointments and monthly sessions with the psychiatrist. This will ensure that their medication is in good shape and effective.
Once they have confirmed that their medication is working, most people with ADHD will be sent back to their GP. The doctor can then prescribe them medication, just like any other NHS prescription. They will have the prescription from their psychiatrist, and be aware that the medication is compliant with NICE guidelines.
This is a great option for those who have not had much success when trying to join the NHS waiting list, or aren't able to wait for an assessment. This is a great option for parents whose children show symptoms of ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a medical condition, and not merely an excuse for poor behavior.
4. Request a Referral Letter from a Psychiatrist
For those seeking ADHD medication in the UK it is crucial to know that psychiatric experts are the only healthcare professionals who are able to determine the presence of ADHD and prescribe medication. This is why it's important to get a referral from your GP, so that you are properly assessed.
When you go to see your psychiatrist, you should be sure to bring an inventory of your symptoms along with any medications you're taking (even when they're not connected to ADHD). This information will help your psychiatrist determine the best treatment option for you. You should also discuss your family history as genetic predispositions can make ADHD more likely.
Your doctor will take the time to listen to your concerns and queries. You may be given an assessment 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 incorrectly diagnosed and treated with antidepressants.
After your psychiatric evaluation is complete, you will be given a prescription for medication or other medications. It is important to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is multifaceted and it may take time for your psychiatrist to work out the most effective treatment for you. During this time you'll need to remain patient while adhering to the guidelines of your psychiatrist on dosage and side effects monitoring.
During this time it is important to ensure that your doctor is aware of any other medical issues you may have because many people with ADHD suffer from co-existing illnesses like depression and anxiety. The right combination of treatments can help you manage all of your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
We can connect you to some of the best UK psychiatrists with at least 20 years of experience. They are knowledgeable about the various forms of ADHD and also are well-versed in other conditions that may be mistaken for it.