ADHD Medication UK For Adults
Celebrities like Sue Perkins and Jonny Vegas have shared their ADHD diagnosis that has heightened awareness and increased demand for medication. Specialist psychiatrists prescribe ADHD meds, and they carefully monitor side effects to find the right dosage for each patient.
The first is a stimulant like lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate. Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera is also approved for treating ADHD. However it functions differently and takes a longer time to begin working.
Stimulants
In the UK in the United Kingdom, stimulants can be used to treat ADHD. They alter the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain in order to increase attention and reduce hyperactivity. Psychiatrists carefully titrate medications to find the ideal balance for each person. There are many types of stimulants, such as amphetamines, such as Ritalin and the methylphenidates. There are also non-stimulants that are sometimes used. They include atomoxetine and dexamfetamine however a new study suggests that these drugs could have less impact than methylphenidate and amphetamines.
The use of medication is a crucial aspect of treatment, and the majority of patients who use it are doing so as a supplement to psychological intervention. Psychotherapy can help someone develop coping strategies that are healthy and help them break long-standing negative patterns of behaviour. Some people do not take any medication. The use of medication is not the only solution. In the UK Talk therapy is recommended as the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and is usually provided along with medication.
Since the Covid pandemic began in 2005, the number of people who are prescribed ADHD medication has doubled. It is now more than the number of children. This is due to the fact that patients who were not diagnosed or did not recognize their symptoms were now being treated. However, it's possible that recent restrictions on health services, specifically for psychological services, led to some patients being offered pharmacological treatments prior to having been assessed.
On the NHS there are five central nervous systems (CNS) and ADHD medications which include amphetamines and methylphenidate being the most commonly prescribed. Typically these are given as tablets lasting a few hours, or a slower release tablet taken once per day (known as modified or immediate release). A recent study suggests that amphetamines such as lisdexamfetamine should be the preferred treatment for adults with ADHD. The medication is highly effective and has a low risk of serious side effects and costs the NHS just over PS104m annually to prescribe.
Despite these clear benefits, it is not common for stigma to persist especially in the neurodiversity communities where it is observed. This is reflected in negative beliefs that divide people suffering from ADHD in "good" and "bad" people. The 'good' people are those who don't take medication and manage their symptoms without medication and the 'bad' ones depend on medication to alleviate their symptoms. This could be a problem for those who seek help, and make it harder to access services and support.
Like all medications, there are risks associated with them however, the evidence is in favor of the use of ADHD medication as a vital element of treatment for ADHD. adhd medication of serious adverse side effects is very low, and can be minimized further by following a careful titration process, making sure the medication is at the right strength for the patient and observing for side effects regularly during the initial stages of treatment. Additionally, making changes to the environment can reduce the impact of ADHD. These include arranging seating, ensuring that the space is quiet and free of distractions, scheduling breaks with a timer, optimising education or work for shorter time periods of focus, moving between activities, and employing teaching assistants whenever possible.