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How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK Due to national shortages, the NHS in England has been struggling with ADHD assessments and treatment. This has resulted in long waiting for patients to receive their diagnosis and medications. There are ways to get help without waiting around. You can visit private psychiatrists for a specialist review and the titration. 1. Visit a Psychiatrist One of the easiest methods of obtaining ADHD medication in the UK is to consult a psychiatrist. If you think your symptoms could be related to ADHD, a psychiatrist can assist you in understanding them, make a diagnosis if necessary and provide you with a treatment plan. This is a free service for those with NHS funding, and only requires the cost of a standard prescription in the event of a need. You should first visit your doctor and explain what you're experiencing. Take note of their comments and be open with them. They might suggest that your symptoms are a result of other issues or that they don't believe that you are suffering from ADHD. If they believe you are suffering from 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 could mean a long wait. You can ask your GP to make use of the NHS Right to Choose option to speed up your wait time. On the Psychiatry UK website you will find more information on this, but generally, if you GP accepts that you should be referred to a provider who does NHS assessments in your community you have the legal right to select. In the meantime, if you have a sufficient amount of money there are online companies that can assess your symptoms for ADHD over video call. This is a great and cost-effective solution for people living in rural areas. There are many kinds of ADHD medications in the UK that include stimulants such as amphetamine-based methylphenidate, and more recent amphetamine- such as lisdexamfetamine, as alternatives that are not stimulants such as Atomoxetine. These medications work by increasing levels of noradrenaline in the brain which is a kind of chemical messenger that passes information, so they help to decrease impulses and boost concentration. Some people were told not to start new treatments from their GPs due to supply issues with ADHD medication in the last year. This resulted in a long waiting list, and a few patients were advised to stop taking their medication on the recommendation of their specialist who took into account product availability. 2. Ask for a Referral to a Psychiatrist If you think that your child or yourself might have ADHD the first thing to talk to your GP. They should consider your concerns seriously and inquire about the symptoms you've experienced. They will then ask you to fill out an assessment tool, also known as an ASRS form, and then refer you for evaluation. For some who are suffering from ADHD, it can be a long time to get an NHS referral for an ADHD assessment. There are many reasons for this. The NHS is a large organization and delays are typical due to bureaucracy and high demand. Fortunately, people in England have the right to choose their mental health care provider which makes the process much more efficient. In some cases it may be difficult to receive a diagnosis since medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears like. This can be especially difficult for women, a person of color, or a non-native English language speaker. While awareness of these biases is increasing, they are still an issue that can hinder people from getting the help they require. One of the most effective ways to act to determine if you or your child may have ADHD is to reach out to an individual psychiatrist and make an appointment. This option can be much faster than waiting for an NHS appointment, and you can find a specialist who is experienced in working with ADHD. The psychiatrist can determine whether or not you have ADHD and will develop a treatment plan specifically for you. This will most likely include an amalgamation of medication and talk therapy. Treatments for ADHD are typically stimulants that increase dopamine levels in the brain and improve concentration as well as impulsivity, focus and concentration. They are a controlled drug because they can be addictive so they must be monitored carefully by the psychiatrist who prescribes them. Some people opt to engage in therapy instead of taking medication. You don't have to take medication, and no psychiatrist will ever try to force you to. For adults, a psychiatrist will generally suggest that you begin with talk therapy before deciding on medications, as this may change any negative coping mechanisms and behaviors that have developed. 3. Speak to Your GP Your first step should always be to see your GP. They should take your symptoms seriously and inquire about the reason you think you may have ADHD. They will then need to refer you to an assessment. This could be a long procedure as waiting lists for local services can be long. If your GP thinks you might have ADHD, he or she will issue you a document referred to as a shared-care agreement. This will permit your doctor to write prescriptions for you and also pass these on to your GP who can monitor the regular use of your medication. The GP will also send a letter to the local ADHD service, stating they think you might have ADHD and that it's worth considering referral for an assessment. They'll need to include your information and a brief description of your medical history, which includes any treatment you have had previously. This information will assist the ADHD specialist assess your condition quickly. They can then decide whether 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 of your initial psychiatric evaluation. Many people suffering from ADHD prefer to be diagnosed privately and treated with medication. After managing adhd without medication , they will receive a diagnosis from the doctor, along with an written treatment plan. They will then attend a series of follow up appointments initially beginning with weekly appointments and then monthly ones with their psychiatrist. This will help ensure that their medication is working properly and is optimised. After they have established that their medication is working the majority of people suffering from ADHD will be sent back to their primary care physician. The doctor can prescribe medication to the patient just as he would with any other NHS prescription. This is because they will have an original report from their psychiatrist and they will know that it meets NICE guidelines. This is a great alternative for those who have not had much success with trying to get on the NHS waiting list, or who do not have the patience to wait for an assessment. It is also an excellent option for parents of children who exhibit symptoms of ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a real medical condition, and is not merely a reason to excuse bad behaviour. 4. Request a Psychiatrist Referral Letter It is essential for those seeking ADHD medication to be aware that only psychiatric physicians can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication. This is why it's important to get a referral from your GP to ensure that you are properly evaluated. If you visit your psychiatrist, it's helpful to bring the list of your symptoms and any medications that you're currently taking (even when they're not connected to ADHD). This will assist your doctor in determining the most effective treatment for you. It is also important to discuss your family history, as genetic predispositions could make ADHD more likely. Your psychiatrist will take the time to listen to your concerns and ask questions. They might also provide you with the opportunity to complete a questionnaire such as the Generalised Anxiety Disorder assessment or Patient Health Questionnaire, which can be used to evaluate depression and anxiety in addition to ADHD. This is important because many of these symptoms can be incorrectly diagnosed and treated with antidepressants. When your psychiatric assessment is completed, you'll receive a prescription or other medications. It is crucial to remember that ADHD diagnosis is a complicated process. Your psychiatrist will need time to determine the best treatment for you. In this period you'll need to be patient and follow the directions provided by your psychiatrist for dosage and monitoring of side effects. In this period it is important to make sure that your doctor is aware of any other medical issues you have, as many people with ADHD have co-existing disorders such as anxiety and depression. The best combination of treatments can help you manage all your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. If you're looking to try ADHD medication, we can help you connect with some of the UK's top psychiatrists, each with a minimum of 20 years of experience. They are well-versed in the different kinds of ADHD and have a vast knowledge about all of the other disorders that are often confused with it.