How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
The NHS in England is struggling to provide ADHD assessment and treatment because of a lack of resources. This has led to 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 to get a specialist review.
1. See a Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is the simplest method to obtain ADHD medication in UK. If you believe your symptoms may be ADHD related, an experienced psychiatrist can help get a better understanding of them, arrive at an accurate diagnosis (if relevant) and place you on a treatment program to treat them. This is a free service for those with NHS funding and just requires the cost of a standard prescription if applicable.
You should first visit your doctor and explain to them the symptoms you are experiencing. Be honest and open with them, but listen to their suggestions. They might suggest that your symptoms are due to other problems or that they don't believe that you are suffering from ADHD.
If they agree that you have ADHD, your GP will refer you to an adult and child mental health service (CaMHS) or a Community Mental Health Service (CMHT) according to your age. This could mean a long wait.
You can ask your GP to utilize the NHS Right to Choose option to speed up your wait time. On the Psychiatry UK website, you can find more information about this, however in general, if you GP is in agreement that you should be referred to a service who does NHS assessments in your area you are entitled to the legal right to choose.
If you are willing to invest a little money to ask an online provider to assess you for ADHD by video conference. This is a cost-effective and practical solution for rural residents.
In the UK, there are several different kinds of ADHD medications available. These include stimulants such as amphetamine, newer amphetamine tablets such as lisdexamfetamine and non-stimulant alternatives like Atomoxetine. These work by increasing the levels of noradrenaline in the brain which is a kind of chemical messenger that passes information, so they help to reduce impulses and improve concentration.
Due to supply problems with ADHD medication this year, a few people were advised by their doctors not to start on new treatments until stocks had increased. This resulted in a long wait list, and some patients were advised to quit taking their medication based on the advice of their doctor, who takes into consideration the availability of the product.
2. Ask for an appointment with a psychiatrist
If you suspect that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first thing you need to do is speak to your GP. They should take you concerns seriously and ask about the symptoms you've experienced. They should then request you to fill in the screening tool, known as an ASRS form, and refer you for assessment.
It may take a while for some individuals to receive a referral from the NHS for an ADHD assessment. There are many reasons for this. The NHS is a massive organization and delays are typical because of bureaucracy and demand. However, the people of England have the right to select their mental health care provider which can make this process much easier.
It can be difficult to determine ADHD in certain cases because of preconceived notions about the way someone with ADHD should look. This can be especially difficult if you're a woman or an individual of color, or a non-native English language speaker. While awareness of these biases is growing but they remain an issue and can prevent people from getting the help they require.
If you think 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 option can be much more efficient than waiting for an NHS appointment and also you can locate an expert who has experience in dealing with ADHD.
The psychiatrist can assess if you have ADHD, and create an treatment program. This will most likely include the use of talk therapy and medication. The drugs for ADHD are stimulants that boost dopamine levels in the brain, increase focus and concentration and reduce the impulsivity. They are a controlled drug because they may be addictive. The doctor who prescribes these medications must monitor them carefully.
Some people choose to talk therapy instead of taking medication. There is no need to take any medication and no psychiatrist will ever pressure you to. A psychiatrist will usually suggest talking therapies for adults prior to prescribing medication. This can help you change any negative coping strategies and behavior.
3. Talk to Your GP
The first step should be to visit your GP. They must take your symptoms seriously and ask what you think you may be suffering from ADHD. Then they will be required to refer you for an assessment. This could be a long process because waiting lists for local services can be long.
If your GP thinks you might have ADHD the doctor will provide you with a form known as a shared-care agreement. buy adhd medication online allows your psychiatrist to write your prescriptions and pass them to your GP who will then be able to monitor your medication frequently.
The GP will also write a letter to your local ADHD service stating that they feel that you might be suffering from ADHD and that it's worth considering referral for an assessment. They'll need to include your contact information as well as a summary of your history, including any previous treatments.
Inputting this information in your file will allow the ADHD specialist evaluate you quickly. They will then determine if you are a good candidate for treatment and if they are, they can schedule an appointment with a member of the clinical team. The appointment must be scheduled within two weeks after your initial psychiatric examination.
Many people with ADHD choose to be privately treated and diagnosed with medication. After a private psychiatric assessment they will be given a diagnosis by the doctor and an written treatment plan. They will then attend an array of follow-up appointments initially beginning with fortnightly and then monthly appointments with their psychiatrist. This will ensure that their medication is in good shape and is working effectively.
Once they have confirmed that their medication is working well the majority of people suffering from ADHD will be discharged back to their GP. Their doctor will then be able to prescribe them medication, just like any other NHS prescription. They will have the prescription from their psychiatrist, and will be aware that the medication is in line with NICE guidelines.
This is a good option for people who have not had much success when trying to be on the NHS waiting list, or who don't have the patience to wait for an assessment. This is an ideal option for parents whose children display signs of ADHD. It is crucial to remember that ADHD is not just excuse for bad behavior, but a real medical issue.
4. Request a Referral Letter from an Psychiatrist
It is crucial for those who are seeking ADHD medication to know that only psychiatrists are able to diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication. It's important to get a referral for ADHD medication from your GP so that you can be properly assessed.
If you visit your psychiatrist, it's beneficial to bring an inventory of your symptoms as well as any medications you're taking (even if they are unrelated to ADHD). This information can aid your psychiatric professional in determining what the best treatment options might be for you. It's also an excellent idea to discuss your family history, since genetic predispositions can make ADHD more likely.
Your psychiatrist will take the time to listen carefully to your concerns and queries. You may be given an assessment such as a generalised Anxiety Disorder assessment or Patient Health Questionnaire. These are used to determine anxiety, depression 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'll be given a prescription for medication or other medications. It is important to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is an incredibly complex process, and it will take time for your psychiatrist to figure out the most effective treatment for you. In this period you must be patient and follow the guidelines that your psychiatrist will provide for dosage and monitoring of the side effects.
During this time, you should also make sure that your psychiatrist is aware of any other medical issues you have because many people with ADHD have 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.
We can help you connect with some of the best UK psychiatrists who have at least 20 years of experience. They are well-versed in the various forms of ADHD and have a deep understanding about the various conditions that can sometimes be confused with it.