How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
In the UK there are two kinds of ADHD medications that include stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are typically prescribed first, and include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the more recent amphetamine-based medication, lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). These medications can help improve concentration and reduce impulsive behaviors. They can also help with longstanding negative coping behaviors.
Finding an accurate diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can help you understand why you have issues with attention, and it can allow you to get treatments and therapies. adhd and depression medication of ADHD usually show up in the early years of childhood but they can last into adulthood. The symptoms may vary from one person to another. They could be characterized by inattention hyperactive symptoms, as well as aggressive behavior. The best approach to deal with them is to obtain a proper assessment.
Psychiatrists are the sole mental health professionals that can provide you with an official diagnosis of ADHD. If you'd like to try medication, they can prescribe it. The medications for ADHD are effective in different ways but they all increase the quantity of neurotransmitters that your brain produces to improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Psychiatrists will often titrate your medication to determine the right dosage for you.
You can request a personal ADHD assessment on the NHS through the Right to Choose pathway. To use this option, you have to visit a GP and describe the reasons you believe you are suffering from ADHD. They must be attentive to your concerns and may ask you to complete a diagnostic screening tool known as an ASRS form. They will then refer you to the provider you choose.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms at your appointment and determine if you need ADHD medication. The psychiatrist will then write you a prescription that you can take to your local pharmacy. Contrary to other medications you can only get one month's worth of ADHD medication at the same time. The psychiatric physician usually prescribes licensed medicines, but some will offer off-license medications. A medication that is not licensed is one that has been proved to be effective in treating other conditions. The manufacturer has decided not to allow it to be used in the UK.
You must see your GP frequently to review your medication and discuss any adverse effects. Inform your GP if your medication dose changes or if your taking it. If you don't do this, your symptoms will likely come back. You can receive CBT on the NHS when you suffer from multiple disorders that are comorbid, like anxiety or depression.
Receiving the referral
If you're an adult with ADHD and you'd like to get an prescription for medication, you should visit your doctor and request them for an appointment. They may not provide a diagnosis straight away but if you keep asking with them, they should take note of your concerns and recommend you to an expert psychiatrist for an assessment. This is crucial because only a psychiatrist will be capable of diagnosing you with ADHD. A professional assessment will help you gain access to reasonable accommodations and DSA.
If your GP does not approve of the referral, you may exercise your right to choice. Psychiatry UK is the main service provider of ADHD assessments through RTC and they provide a helpful guide on their website with templates and letters that you can hand to your GP to request a referral. However, it's important to note that not all GPs will accept the referral, and some may refuse to prescribe treatment, even if you have been diagnosed with ADHD by a private psychiatrist.
A referral for a psychiatrist is the first step to getting your ADHD medication, but once you have it, there are many other options available for ongoing treatment. For instance, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be offered by the NHS for a brief period of time. It can assist in improving your coping strategies and decrease symptoms of anxiety or depression. A therapist can help you manage your ADHD and suggest lifestyle or dietary adjustments.
In the UK both stimulants as well as nonstimulants are available as medications for ADHD. Stimulants, that increase brain activity, are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. These medicines are often the most effective for adults suffering from ADHD. Non-stimulants, such as methylphenidate and the newest amphetamine-based medication, Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) may also be prescribed, but they are more likely to cause side effects.
The symptoms of ADHD can impact many different areas of life such as education, employment and relationships. In reality, some people suffering from ADHD experience being unable to function in the workplace at all. It is not uncommon to find that they are not able to do a job, which can result in feelings of shame and embarrassment. This can have a significant impact on their self-esteem as well as confidence.
How do I get a prescription?
The process of getting the diagnosis and prescription for ADHD medication for adults can be lengthy and frustrating. It can be challenging to obtain a referral from your GP and some healthcare professionals may have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like for people of color or born female and makes it difficult to recognize the disorder.
In the UK there are two main types of medication licenced for the treatment of ADHD including stimulants and non-stimulants. Patients are usually prescribed stimulants such as methylphenidate, (Ritalin) and lisdexamfetamine, an amphetamine-based medicine. They can be taken in short or long-acting forms and are designed to affect the way neurotransmitters in the brain are processed, resulting in increased concentration and less impulsivity. In the majority of instances, the dosage will need to be adjusted to find the right balance between the benefits and side effects. It is recommended to regularly check-up on the effects and adjust dosage.
Non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride) are also available. These medications function slightly differently than stimulants. They increase the amount noradrenaline, a chemical in the brain that acts as a messenger and assists control impulses. These are not prescribed as frequently however they can be useful if other treatments fail or cause unpleasant side effects.
If you're looking to receive treatment for your ADHD on the NHS, it is important that you choose a provider that is both suitable and affordable. Ask about the waiting times for an evaluation before choosing a provider. Some have longer wait lists than others. Also, you should ensure that your GP is willing to provide full or shared-care with your chosen provider after your ADHD treatment has been discharged, so you can continue receiving follow-up treatments.
If you've been referred for an ADHD assessment, your therapist will send paperwork to your GP for a shared-care agreement or a personalised review. The agreement allows your doctor to prescribe medication for you, but only after a written referral from the ADHD service.
Get help
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it's important to find the right treatment for your specific condition. This might include psychoeducation or talk therapy. These treatments will usually be supported by medication. There are several medications that are licensed to treat ADHD in the UK and doctors will often recommend methylphenidate or the more recent amphetamine-based medicine lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). The psychiatrist will prescribe medication and keep track of side effects and your improvement. Typically 4 or 5 appointments will be needed to stabilise your dose.
In the UK, medication is the first treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD. However, it's not the only option, and some people opt to explore alternative treatments prior to taking medication. These therapies can help with the comorbidity of disorders such as anxiety and depression that could be caused by ADHD.
The main kind of medication that is prescribed in the UK is stimulants, including methylphenidate (Ritalin), the atomoxetine (Atomoxetine) or guanfacine (Guanfacine). These drugs increase levels of neurotransmitters that are involved in mood and attention in the brain. They also help improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. However, these drugs can be addictive and have potential adverse effects. They can also be sedating and take a long time work, so they must be taken only as instructed by your doctor.
Finding the right support for getting the right treatment for ADHD isn't easy. Many people are not referred for an evaluation because they believe their problems are due to another issue. It could be a mental disorder such as depression or anxiety or a physical-related issue like an injury. You can obtain an ADHD diagnosis in private, but it is expensive.
The NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD, and your GP should follow these. If your GP disagrees with the diagnosis, you may appeal to your local medical board. Appealing is generally successful, however you must be supported by family members and friends. You can download an appeal letter from ADHD UK, which you can hand to your GP and ask them to refer you to an assessment.