How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
The NHS in England is struggling to provide ADHD assessments and treatment due to a shortage of staff. This has resulted in long waiting times for patients to get their diagnosis and medication.
There are ways to get the assistance you need without waiting around. You can go to a private psychiatrist to get an expert review.
1. See a Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is the easiest method to obtain ADHD medication in UK. If you suspect that your symptoms could be related to ADHD the psychiatrist will help you better understand them and, if necessary and provide you with an appropriate treatment plan. This is a free service for those who have NHS funding. A standard prescription cost could be required, if applicable.
In the beginning, you need to go to your GP and explain what you're experiencing. Be attentive to their comments and be honest to their suggestions. They may suggest that your symptoms may be related to other issues, or they don't believe you have ADHD at all.
If they believe you have ADHD If they agree, your GP will refer you to an adult and child mental health service (CaMHS) or a Community Mental Health Service (CMHT) dependent on your age. This will involve a lengthy wait.
You can request your GP to utilize the NHS Right to Choose option to shorten your waiting time. On the Psychiatry UK website you can find more information about this, however in general the event that your GP accepts that you should be referred to a service who does NHS assessments in your area you have the legal right to choose.
If you are willing to spend some money, you can ask an online provider to assess you for ADHD through video calls. This is a cost-effective and convenient option for rural residents.
There are several types of ADHD medications available in the UK that include stimulants like amphetamine-based medications like methylphenidate as well as newer amphe such as lisdexamfetamine, as other non-stimulant options like Atomoxetine. These work by increasing the levels of noradrenaline within the brain which is a kind of chemical messenger passing information. They also help to reduce impulses and improve concentration.
Due to issues with supply of ADHD medication this year, a few people were told by their GPs not to start new treatments until the stock were increasing. This resulted in a lengthy waiting list and certain patients were advised to take breaks from their medication based on the specialist's recommendation that takes into consideration product availability.
2. Ask for an appointment with a psychiatrist
If you believe that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first thing to talk to your GP. They should take you concerns seriously and ask about the symptoms you've been experiencing. They should ask you to complete a screening instrument, called an ASRS form, and ask you to be evaluated.
It may take a while for some people to receive a referral from the NHS for an ADHD assessment. This could be due a variety of reasons. The NHS is a large organization, and delays are common due to bureaucracy as well as high demand. The right to select the mental health provider in England can to speed up the process.
It can be difficult to determine ADHD in some instances due to preconceived notions about how someone with ADHD should appear. This is especially true for women, a person of color, or non-native English language speaker. While awareness of these biases is increasing, they are still an issue and can prevent people from receiving the help they require.
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, you should contact a private psychiatrist to request an appointment. This is a lot faster than waiting for an NHS appointment and you can locate someone with expertise working with ADHD.
The psychiatrist will determine whether you suffer from ADHD, and create an appropriate treatment plan. Most likely, this will include the combination of treatment with talk therapy and medication. Treatments for ADHD are typically stimulants that increase the levels of dopamine in your brain and improve concentration, focus and 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 prefer to engage in talk therapy instead of taking medication. It is important to keep in mind that you don't need to take medication and no doctor should ever pressure you to take them. A psychiatrist will usually suggest therapy for adults to talk before prescribing medications. This could help to change any coping strategies that are negative and behaviours.
3. Talk to Your GP
If you'd like to receive treatment through the NHS, your first step is to talk to your GP. They must take your concerns seriously and ask you why you think you may have ADHD. They will then be required to refer you for an assessment. This can be a lengthy process, as the waiting lists for local services can be high.
If your GP feels that you might have ADHD, they will give you a form for what is called a shared care agreement. This agreement permits your psychiatrist to write your prescriptions and then pass them on to your GP who can then monitor your medication regularly.
The GP may also write a note to your local ADHD service, stating that they believe you may have ADHD and it would be worth requesting an evaluation. The details of your medical history and a summary about your past treatment, including any previous ones will be required.
Inputting this information in your file will enable the ADHD specialist assess your needs quickly. The specialist can then decide if you are suitable for treatment. If you are, they can schedule an appointment with a team member. This appointment should be scheduled within two weeks after your initial psychiatric assessment.
Many people with ADHD prefer to have their ADHD treated privately and diagnosed with medication. After a private psychiatric assessment they will be given a diagnosis by the doctor, along with a written treatment plan. They will then have a series of follow up appointments initially and then move to monthly appointments with their psychiatrist. This will ensure that their medication is functioning properly and is optimised.
Most people with ADHD are referred to their doctor once they've established that their medication is working. Their GP can then prescribe them medication, just like any other NHS prescription. They will receive a copy from their psychiatrist, and will know that the medication is in accordance with NICE guidelines.
This is a viable alternative for those who've had little success in getting on NHS waiting lists or who do not have the patience to wait for an evaluation. This is an excellent option for parents whose children exhibit symptoms of ADHD. most effective adhd medication for adults is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a real medical condition and not merely an excuse for bad behaviour.
4. Get a Psychiatrist Referral Form
For those seeking ADHD medication in the UK It is important to know that psychiatric specialists are the only healthcare professionals who are able to determine the presence of ADHD and prescribe medications. This is why it's a good idea to seek an appointment from your GP, so you can be appropriately evaluated.
It is essential to provide your list of symptoms to your psychiatrist (even if the medications are not connected to ADHD). This information can help your psychiatric specialist determine what the most effective treatment options may be for you. It's also a good idea to talk about your family history as genetic predispositions can make ADHD more likely.
Your psychiatrist will listen to your concerns and ask questions. You may be offered an assessment, such as a Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment or Patient Health Questionnaire. These can be used to assess depression, anxiety as well as ADHD. This is crucial because many of these symptoms can be wrongly diagnosed and treated using antidepressants.
After your psychiatric evaluation is completed, you will receive a prescription for medication or medications. It's important to note 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'll need to be patient and follow the guidelines that your psychiatrist will provide for dosage and monitoring of the side effects.
In this time it is important to ensure that your psychiatrist knows about any other medical conditions you may have. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have co-existing issues like depression and anxiety. The right combination can assist you in managing your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
We can help you connect with some of the UK’s top psychiatrists who have at least 20 years of experience. They are experts in the various types of ADHD and have extensive knowledge about the different disorders that are often confused with it.