How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
The NHS in England is struggling to provide ADHD assessment and treatment due to shortages. This has led to long waiting periods for patients to receive their diagnosis and medication.
There are ways to receive the help you need without waiting. You can go to private psychiatrists for a specialist review and adjustment.
1. Visit a psychiatrist
One of the easiest methods of obtaining ADHD medication in the UK is to visit an expert psychiatrist. If you suspect that your symptoms could be related to ADHD the psychiatrist will assist you in understanding them and, should it be necessary and then set you up with a treatment plan. This is a free service for those with NHS funding, and only requires a standard prescription charge if applicable.
It is recommended that you first see your doctor and explain to them what you are experiencing. Be open and honest with them, and listen to their suggestions. They might suggest that your symptoms are linked to other issues or that they don't think you have ADHD at all.
If your GP is of the opinion that you have ADHD The doctor will refer you to a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CaMHS) of a Community Mental Health Service(CMHT) according to your age. This could mean a long wait.
You can request your GP to make use of the NHS Right to Choose option to shorten your waiting time. On the Psychiatry UK website you will find more information on this, however in general, if you GP agrees that you should be referred to a specialist who performs NHS assessments in your locality you have the legal right to choose.
If you are willing to spend some money to ask an online provider to assess your condition for ADHD through video calls. This can be a convenient and cost-effective solution for people living in rural areas.
In the UK there are many different types of ADHD medication. These include stimulants like amphetamine, newer amphetamine tablets like lisdexamfetamine, and non-stimulant alternatives such as Atomoxetine. These drugs work by increasing noradrenaline levels within the brain. Noradrenaline is a chemical messenger that transmits information. They aid in reducing impulses and improve focus.
Due to the shortage of ADHD medication in the past year, some patients were told by their GPs not to begin new treatments until stock levels were increasing. This resulted in a long wait list, and some patients were advised to quit taking their medication based on the recommendation of their specialist who took into account product availability.
2. Ask for a Referral to a psychiatrist
Speak to your GP If you suspect you or your child is suffering from ADHD. They must consider your concerns seriously and inquire about the symptoms you've been experiencing. They should request that you complete a screening tool, known as an ASRS form, and then ask you to be evaluated.
It may take a while for some people to receive an invitation from the NHS for an ADHD assessment. This can be due to many reasons. The NHS is a huge organisation and delays are typical due to bureaucracy as well as high demand. Fortunately, people in England have the right to choose their mental health care provider, which makes this process much easier.
In certain cases, it can also be hard to get a diagnosis because medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD is like. This can be particularly difficult if you're a woman or a person of color, or non-native English language speaker. While these biases are becoming more well-known, they could hinder people from receiving the help they require.
One of the best things you can do to determine if you or your child might have ADHD is to reach out to a private psychiatrist and request an appointment. This is an option that can be much faster than waiting for an NHS appointment and also you can locate an expert who is skilled in working with ADHD.
The psychiatrist can determine whether you suffer from ADHD and formulate a treatment plan. Most likely, this will comprise the combination of talk therapy and medication. The drugs for ADHD are stimulants that enhance dopamine in the brain, increase focus and concentration and reduce impulsivity. They are a controlled drug because they can be addictive. The psychiatrist who prescribes these medications must monitor them carefully.
Some people opt to engage in therapy instead of taking medication. It is crucial to be aware that you do not have to take medication and no psychiatrist should ever try to convince you to take them. adhd stimulant medication is likely to recommend therapy for adults to talk before prescribing medication. This can help change any negative coping strategies or behaviours.
3. Talk to Your GP
If you'd like to be treated with medication through the NHS the first step should be to go and talk to your GP. They should take your symptoms seriously and ask why you think you may have ADHD. They will then need to refer you for assessment. This could be a long procedure as waiting lists for local services are often long.
If your GP believes that you may have ADHD They will give you a document for what's known as a shared-care agreement. This will permit your psychiatrist to write prescriptions on behalf of you, and to pass these on to your GP who can then carry out regular monitoring of your medication.
The GP will also send a letter to the local ADHD service stating they believe you might be suffering from ADHD and that it's worth considering referral for an assessment. They will need to include your information and a brief description of your history, including any treatment you have had previously.
Having this information on file will enable the ADHD specialist evaluate your needs quickly. The specialist can then decide if you are suitable for treatment and, if they are, they can set up an appointment with a team member. This should be done 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 evaluation the doctor will give the diagnosis and a written treatment plan. The patient will be required to attend a series follow-up appointments at first, before moving on to bi-weekly and monthly appointments with the psychiatrist. This will ensure that their medication is working correctly and optimised.
After they've established that the medication they are taking is working, most people with ADHD will be sent back to their primary care physician. 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 in accordance with NICE guidelines.
This is a viable alternative for those who have been unsuccessful in getting on NHS waiting lists or do not have the patience to wait for an assessment. It is also an excellent option for parents of children who have symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to remember that ADHD is a medical condition, and is not merely a reason to excuse poor behavior.
4. Request a Referral Letter through a Psychiatrist
It is important for those who seek ADHD medication to know that only psychiatric physicians can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication. It's essential to receive an appointment for ADHD medication from your GP to ensure that you get a thorough assessment.
It is important to present your list of symptoms to your psychiatrist (even even if the medication is not related to ADHD). This will help your psychiatrist decide 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 listen carefully to your concerns and questions. They may also give you the opportunity to complete a questionnaire like the Generalised Anxiety Disorder assessment or Patient Health Questionnaire, which can be used to evaluate anxiety and depression in addition to ADHD. This is helpful since a lot of these symptoms are commonly mistakenly identified as ADHD and treated with antidepressants.
When your psychiatric assessment is complete, you will receive a prescription or medication. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD diagnosis is a complex process. Your psychiatrist will need time to determine the most effective treatment for you. During this time you'll need to be patient and follow the directions provided by your psychiatrist for dosage and monitoring of side effects.
During this period you must ensure that your psychiatrist knows about any other medical conditions you may have. Many people suffering from ADHD also have co-existing conditions, such as anxiety and depression. A well-balanced treatment can help manage all your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
We can connect you with some of the best UK psychiatrists who have at least 20 years of experience. They are experts in the various types of ADHD and have a deep understanding about the different disorders that are often confused with it.