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How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK In the UK, there are two kinds of ADHD treatment: stimulants and non-stimulants. The stimulants are typically prescribed first. They include methylphenidate also known as Ritalin, and the more recent amphetamine-based medicine lisdexamfetamine, or Elvanse. These drugs can be used to improve concentration and decrease the impulsive behavior. They can also aid in overcoming persistent negative coping strategies. Finding an accurate diagnosis Being diagnosed with ADHD can help you understand the reasons behind your issues with attention, and can help you access treatments and therapies. The signs of ADHD usually show up in the early years of childhood but they can last throughout adulthood. The symptoms may differ from one person to another. The symptoms could include hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and impulsive behavior. It is important to get an accurate assessment before treating them. Only psychiatrists are the only ones who can diagnose ADHD. They can also prescribe medication if they would like to try it. The medications for ADHD can work in different ways, but all of them boost the neurotransmitters in your brain. This improves attention and reduces hyperactivity and impulse control. Psychologists typically adjust the dosage of your medication to determine the best dosage for you. You can request a personal ADHD evaluation on the NHS through the Right to Choose path. If you choose to use this option, you have to consult a GP and provide the reasons why you believe you suffer from ADHD. They should take your concerns very serious and may ask you to fill in a diagnostic tool called an ASRS. They should then refer to the company of your choice. When you make your appointment with the psychiatrist, they will evaluate your symptoms and determine whether you need ADHD medication. They will then issue you with a prescription and you can get it at your local pharmacy. You can only get one month's worth ADHD medication. Psychiatrists typically prescribe licensed medications, although some will prescribe off-license medications. A medication that is not licensed is one that has been found to be effective in treating various conditions. The manufacturer has therefore decided not to license it for use in the UK. You must see your GP regularly to review your medication and discuss any adverse effects. You should also tell your GP when you alter your dose or stop taking it for any reason. If you don't, your symptoms will likely come back. You can receive CBT on the NHS when you suffer from other disorders that are concomitant, such as depression or anxiety. Requesting an introduction You must ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist if you are an adult suffering from ADHD. If you are still asking for an answer, they'll take note of your concerns and refer you to an assessor who is a psychiatrist. This is vital because only a psychiatrist is able to identify you as having ADHD, and a professional assessment can help you get reasonable adjustments and DSA. If your GP refuses the referral or denies it, you have the right to choice. Psychiatry UK is the principal provider of ADHD assessments through RTC. They have a guide available on their website with templates and letters that you can send to a GP in order to make an appointment. But, it's important to note that not all GPs accept the referral and some will refuse treatment, even if you have been diagnosed with ADHD by a private Psychiatrist. A referral to an psychiatric consultation is the first step towards getting your ADHD medication however, once you've got it, there are other options for treatment that can be continued. The NHS can offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for a limited time. It can help you improve your coping strategies and reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety. A therapist can help manage your ADHD and can suggest changes to your lifestyle or diet. In the UK stimulants and nonstimulants are both available as medications for ADHD. Stimulants, that increase brain activity, are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. These medicines are often most effective for people with ADHD. Non-stimulants such as methylphenidate and the newer amphetamine-based drug Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) are available, but are more likely to trigger side effects. ADHD symptoms can affect many areas of your life including education, work and relationships. Many people suffering from ADHD are not able to work in a workplace. It is not unusual for people who suffer from ADHD to be unable to keep a job. This can cause feelings such as shame and embarrassment. This can have a huge effect on their self-esteem and confidence. How to get a prescription The process of getting a diagnosis and prescription for ADHD medication for adults can be long and frustrating. It can be difficult to obtain a referral for ADHD from your GP. Some healthcare professionals may also have preconceived notions about how ADHD manifests in people of color or those who are assigned female at birth. This could make it difficult to identify the disorder. In the UK there are two main types of medication licenced for the treatment of ADHD that are stimulants and non-stimulants. Patients are usually first prescribed stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and lisdexamfetamine which is an amphetamine-based medicine. They are available in either long- or short-acting forms and are designed to alter the way neurotransmitters are processed in the brain, leading to greater concentration and decreased impulseivity. In most cases the dosage will have to be adjusted to find the right balance between the benefits and side effects. Regular check-ups are advised to observe the effects of medication and adjust dosage. There are also non-stimulant medications like Atomoxetine (Atomoxetine hydrochloride). They work in a different way from stimulants and increase the amount of noradrenaline in the brain, a chemical that functions as a messenger for information and assists in controlling impulses. These are not often prescribed however, they are a good option if other treatments don't work or have unpleasant side-effects. If you want to access treatment for your ADHD on the NHS, it is important to choose a doctor that is both suitable and affordable. Ask about the waiting times for an evaluation prior to choosing a service. Some have longer wait times than others. Also, you should ensure that your GP is willing to provide all or part of the provider you choose, once your ADHD service has discharged you and you are able to continue receiving follow-up treatment. After you've been referred for an ADHD assessment, the therapist will write to your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign an agreement on shared care or a customized clinical review. This agreement permits your GP to prescribe medication for you but only after a written recommendation from the ADHD service. Get assistance If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it is important to seek out the best treatment for your specific condition. This could include talk therapy or psychoeducation. These treatments will usually be followed by a prescription. There are many medicines that are approved to treat ADHD in the UK, and GPs will typically recommend methylphenidate, or the more recent amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). The psychiatrist will put the medication and then monitor your progress and any side effects. Typically 4 or 5 appointments are required to ensure that your dose is stable. In the UK medication is the first option for adults suffering from ADHD. However, it's not the only option and some individuals choose to explore alternative treatments prior to taking meds. These therapies can also assist those suffering from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety, which may be caused by ADHD symptoms. The most commonly used type of medication prescribed in the UK is stimulants, including methylphenidate (Ritalin) or atomoxetine (Atomoxetine) or guanfacine (Guanfacine). These drugs boost the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain that are involved in the process of regulating mood and attention and can enhance concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. However, these medications are addictive and may cause potential side effects. These medicines are sedating, and take a long while to work. It is best to only take them as directed by your physician. It isn't easy to find the right help if you are suffering from ADHD. Many people are not referred for an assessment because they believe that their issues are due to another issue. This could be a mental illness such as depression or anxiety or a physical condition such as an injury. It is possible to get an ADHD diagnosis on your own, however it can be costly. The NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD, and your GP should follow these guidelines. If medications for adhd disagrees with the diagnosis, then you can appeal it to the local medical board. Appealing is generally successful, however you must be supported by family members and friends. You can download a letter from ADHD UK, which you can give to your GP, urging them to refer you for an assessment.