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How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK In the UK there are two kinds of ADHD medication: stimulants and non-stimulants. The stimulants are usually prescribed first. They include methylphenidate also known as Ritalin and the more recent amphetamine-based medication Lisdexamfetamine, also known as Elvanse. These drugs can aid in improving concentration and decrease impulsive behavior. They also can help with longstanding negative coping behaviors. Finding a diagnosis Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can help you understand the reason you have problems with attention, and it can also enable you to get treatments and therapies. ADHD symptoms usually appear in childhood but can persist into adulthood. The symptoms can differ from one person to another. These symptoms can include hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and the tendency to be impulsive. It is best to get an accurate assessment prior to treating them. Only psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD. If you wish to try medication, they can recommend it. The medications for ADHD may work in various ways but they all boost the neurotransmitters in your brain. This improves the focus of your brain and decreases hyperactivity and impulse control. Psychiatrists often titrate the dosage of your medication to determine what works best for you. You can request a personal ADHD assessment through the NHS by using the Right to Choose pathway. To avail this option, you have to consult a GP and explain why you think you are suffering from ADHD. They should take your concerns very seriously and may ask you to fill out a diagnostic tool called an ASRS. They will then direct you to the service of your choice. When you make your appointment with a psychiatrist, they will evaluate your symptoms and determine whether you require ADHD medication. They will then give you an prescription, and you can get it from your local pharmacy. Contrary to other medications you can only get one month's worth of ADHD medication at a time. Psychiatrists generally only prescribe medication that are licensed, but some may offer off-license medication. A medication that is not licensed is one that has been found to be effective in treating various conditions. The manufacturer has decided to not permit its use in the UK. You must visit your GP regularly to check your medication and discuss any side effects. You should also tell your GP when you alter your dose or stop taking it for any reason. You will most likely have the same symptoms even if you don't. If you have comorbid disorders, such as anxiety or depression or both, you can seek CBT treatment on the NHS. Referrals are easy to find You should ask your physician for a referral if are an adult suffering from ADHD. They may not give you a diagnosis straight away but if you keep asking in expressing concerns, they should be able to listen to your concerns and recommend you to an expert psychiatrist for an assessment. This is vital because only a psychiatrist can be able to diagnose you with ADHD. A professional assessment can help you get reasonable accommodations and DSA. If your GP is unable to make the referral then you may exercise your right to select. Psychiatry UK is the primary provider of ADHD assessments through RTC. They have a manual on their website with templates and letters that you can give to an GP to request referral. It is important to know that not all doctors will accept the referral, and some will refuse treatment, even if you have been diagnosed with ADHD by a private psychiatrist. If you've been prescribed ADHD medication, there are many alternatives for treatment. The NHS offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for a limited period of time. It can help you improve your coping skills and reduce depression or anxiety symptoms. A therapist can help you manage your ADHD and can suggest lifestyle or dietary changes. In the UK both stimulants as well as nonstimulants are available as treatments for ADHD. These are the most frequently prescribed stimulants, and they are effective by boosting the activity of the brain. These medications are typically the most effective for adults suffering from ADHD. Non-stimulants such as methylphenidate and the amphetamine-based drug Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse), are also available however, they are more likely to cause side effects. ADHD symptoms can affect many aspects of your life, like education, employment and relationships. Some people with ADHD are unable to work in the workplace. It is not uncommon for those who suffer from ADHD to be unable to maintain a job. This can lead to feelings such as shame and embarrassment. This can have a huge impact on their self-esteem. How to get a prescription The process of obtaining an assessment and prescription for ADHD medication for an adult can be long and frustrating. It can be difficult to obtain a prescription for ADHD from your GP. Some healthcare professionals might also have preconceived notions about the way ADHD manifests in people of color or those who are assigned female at birth. This could make it difficult for them to recognize the disorder. In the UK there are two main kinds of medication licenced for the treatment of ADHD that are stimulants and non-stimulants. The stimulants, like the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse), are typically initially recommended to patients. They can be taken in short or long-acting forms and are designed to alter the way that neurotransmitters in the brain are processed, which results in greater concentration and decreased impulsivity. In most instances the dosage will have to be adjusted in order to find the right balance between benefits and adverse effects. It is recommended that you regularly check-up on the effects and adjust dosage. Non-stimulant drugs, like atomoxetine (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride), are also available. These work slightly differently from stimulants and boost the amount of noradrenaline that is present in the brain, a chemical that functions as a messenger for information and assists in controlling impulses. They aren't often prescribed, but they can be useful if other treatments don't work or cause unpleasant side effects. If you want to access treatment for your ADHD through the NHS It is essential to choose a doctor that is both appropriate and affordable. It is important to inquire about waiting times for an assessment prior to choosing the right provider, since some have much longer waiting lists than others. Also, you should ensure that your doctor will accept all or part of the provider you choose, once your ADHD treatment has been discharged, so you can continue receiving follow-up treatments. After you've been referred for an ADHD assessment, the therapist will write to your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care or a personalised review of your clinical history. This agreement allows your GP to prescribe medication for you however only after receiving a written referral from the ADHD service. Helping yourself If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it's important to find the best help for your specific condition. This could include talk therapy or psychoeducation, or even behaviour management. These therapies are typically supported by medications. In the UK there are many medications that are approved to treat ADHD. Doctors typically recommend methylphenidate (Elvanse) or the more recent amphetamine-based medicine lisdexamfetamine. The psychiatrist will put your medication and keep track of your progress and side effects. A minimum of four or five appointments are typically required to stabilise the dose. In the UK medications are the first option for adults with ADHD. However, it's not the only option and some individuals choose to explore alternative therapies before taking meds. These therapies can help with comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression that can be caused by ADHD. The main kind of medication that is prescribed in the UK is stimulants, including methylphenidate (Ritalin) or the atomoxetine (Atomoxetine) or guanfacine (Guanfacine). These drugs increase the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain that play a role in the process of regulating mood and attention they can also improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. However, these drugs are addictive and may cause potential side negative effects. They are also sedating and require a long time to perform therefore, they must be taken only as instructed by your doctor. Getting most effective adhd medication for adults for getting the right treatment for ADHD isn't always easy. A lot of people aren't referred for an assessment because their problems are thought to be due to another problem. It could be a mental condition like anxiety or depression, or a physically-related condition like an injury. You can get an ADHD diagnosis on your own, however it can be costly. The NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD and your doctor should follow these guidelines. If your doctor does not believe that the diagnosis is correct, you can appeal to the local medical committee. Appeals are usually successful, however it is crucial to have the support of family and acquaintances before making appeal. You can also download an appeal letter from ADHD UK, which you can hand to your GP asking them to refer you for an assessment.