How to Get ADHD Medication UK
The GPs are currently facing a shortage of ADHD medication. There is a shortage of ADHD medications like methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
If you have ADHD and are unable to get access to the NHS to determine diagnosis, you might consider a private assessment. But, the process could take some time. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals that can provide you with a formal diagnosis of ADHD and prescribe medication. You will need an assessment. This can be completed online and is usually quick. Psychiatrists are highly experienced in treating ADHD and are able to make patients feel comfortable. The assessment can be in person but more often than not it will be carried out via video call.
You may not have much time, but ADHD can be very disruptive to your relationships and work and therefore a quick turnaround for an appointment is crucial. It is also helpful to get an appointment with an GP. However, a majority of services are based on a Right to Choose model that allows you to choose the psychiatrist you would like to visit.
You have a range of options depending on where you are in the UK. You can choose to use the NHS which is free but you will have a long waiting list, or you can use the 'Right to Choose option, which allows you to access a private clinic for an ADHD assessment and treatment.
The assessment will be with an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist and will include a discussion of your symptoms, and details of any family history of mental illness you know about. The psychiatrist will assess your personal needs and determine whether medication is the best option for you. If they decide that medication is the best option for you, they will prescribe the right medicine. You will likely begin with stimulants like the methylphenidate, which is also called Ritalin or amphetamines, salts similar to Adderall. These are the most common medication prescribed in Europe and the UK. Stimulants can be short or long acting and are available as tablets or injections.
It is crucial to remember that you don't need to take medication and no psychiatrist should try to force you to take them. Medication is usually the first line of treatment for adults with ADHD however, some prefer to go through therapy on their own and then decide to take the medication later.
Ask Your GP
The NHS is unable to meet the demand for ADHD medication due to manufacturing issues and the global demand. However, GPs are still required to refer patients to specialists for evaluation and medication if needed.
The first step is to ask your GP for the referral to an ADHD specialist clinic. Some GPs may be reluctant to refer you, especially when you haven't discussed your symptoms with them prior to. It can help to prepare notes and print out information regarding adult ADHD and the importance of having a correct diagnosis prior to going in to ensure that your GP understands why you need this referral.
If you are directed to a specialist and they are in a position to begin you on ADHD medication and monitor your treatment with an agreement called Shared Care with your GP. This typically involves bi-weekly appointments (moving up to monthly) until symptoms are well controlled and stabilized on medication.
Stimulants are the most frequently used ADHD drugs and are used to increase activity in specific regions of the brain that regulate the flow of attention and impulses. These medications are available through GPs on prescription only if you have been diagnosed with ADHD.
There are also non-stimulants, however, they differ in their working. One common non-stimulant is Atomoxetine, an inhibitor of selective serotonin reuptake. This is different from other ADHD drugs because it doesn't increase the levels of noradrenaline within the brain, which is a type of messenger chemical that passes information throughout the body. This helps people with ADHD focus and reduce the impulsiveness.
Specialist services can recommend additional measures of support, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoeducation (education and instruction). These will help you improve your coping strategies and develop strategies to manage your symptoms, including effective communication and planning.
It can be challenging to determine the proper diagnosis of ADHD when you're an individual of color, a woman at birth or a non-native English speaker. This is partly because of the stigma associated with the condition, but it can also be because some healthcare professionals have preconceived ideas about what people suffering from ADHD appear to be. Citizens Advice can offer you advice and support on this issue.
Visit a Specialist Clinic
Psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals who can diagnose ADHD therefore, you have to go to one of these clinics if you are looking to obtain a medication prescription. This usually involves an appointment series beginning fortnightly, and moving to monthly, to track your improvement. This is an excellent method to ensure that your treatment is effective and that you get the most out of it.
If you're being referred for an appointment at an expert clinic, it is essential that you prepare in advance by familiarising yourself with the various characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD. This will assist you in recall them when you meet the clinician. It can also be helpful to record instances of these traits in your own life, since this can make it easier for you to explain them to your doctor.
You are now able to choose your own mental healthcare provider in England. This will allow you to access an assessment much faster than what you can get through the NHS. This is a great option, as you won't have to wait for years to get the treatment you require.
There are problems with the supply of certain medications used to treat ADHD. It's important to determine what products your psychiatrist can prescribe before your appointment. This will allow you to know the options available to you and whether there are any alternative ways of managing your symptoms.
It is important to know that doctors do not have to stop prescribing ADHD medication if stock is low. The shortages are not due to individual GP practice policies, but rather to manufacturing issues and an increase in global demand.
If you are prescribed a medication to manage your ADHD it's best to keep an inventory of the dosage you are prescribed in case any issues arise. it's also worth noting that the medication must be stored properly to preserve its effectiveness. It's best to keep it in a locked cabinet, with only those who will require it to have the key.
Request a Licensed Medication
ADHD is a condition that can be complicated, and people can experience various symptoms. The good thing is that there's various treatment options. Medications are often the first choice for treating ADHD and are a highly effective way to manage your symptoms. Medical treatment can improve your concentration, your ability to control your behavior, and also improve your overall quality of life.
Medication can improve your mood and make you feel more confident. Combining medications with other treatments, such as behavioural therapies can help you maximize the benefits of your treatment. It is beneficial to discuss your mental health concerns with your GP and specialist clinicians to understand how the medication is best suited for you and your circumstances.
Stimulants, which are the most popular medication prescribed to treat ADHD, are stimulants. They alter the levels of neurotransmitters within your brain, and are designed to improve your attention span, decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate. adhd medications for adults 's one that you might recognize by the brand name Ritalin. Stimulants are fast-acting, taking between 45 and 60 minutes to begin working.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a different medication approved to treat ADHD. It is often referred to as a non-stimulant since it is different from stimulants but still helps manage ADHD symptoms. It is more time-consuming to effect however it can provide stable 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms. It's important to note that ADHD medication isn't always appropriate, successful or desired by the person with ADHD and that it is generally recommended in conjunction with educational, behavioral, psychological and social interventions.
Patients suffering from ADHD may experience delays in receiving their medication due to ongoing drug shortages. GPs are advised to identify patients who are currently taking ADHD medications and include alerts in their medical records and communicate with the local and designated pharmacies whenever they are able to ensure that pharmacies are pre-emptively having enough stock of the needed medications. GPs should not write prescriptions for ADHD medication that go beyond 30 days, as this can increase the problem of supply. It is also recommended to speak to the relevant specialist service prior to when you're planning to travel and need an emergency prescription for your ADHD medication.