ADHD Medication UK For Adults
Celebrities such as Sue Perkins and Jonny Vegas have shared their ADHD diagnosis that has heightened awareness and prompted more people to seek medication. Specialist psychiatrists prescribe ADHD medication and closely check for side effects to find out what dose is best for each individual.
The first is a stimulant like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is also approved to treat ADHD. However it functions differently and takes longer to begin working.
Stimulants
In the UK In the UK, stimulants are used to treat ADHD. They affect the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain in order to improve attention and decrease hyperactivity. Psychiatrists carefully adjust medication dosages to find the right balance for each individual. There are a variety of stimulants, including amphetamines like Ritalin and Methylphenidates. Non-stimulants can also be used. They include dexamfetamine and atomoxetine however a new study suggests that these substances may have less of an impact than methylphenidate and amphetamines.
Medication is a key part of treatment. Most people who take it are doing so to supplement psychological intervention. Psychotherapy can teach a person healthy coping techniques and help to reduce negative behaviour patterns. The use of medication should not be considered as the only solution however, and some people opt not to take any medication. In the UK, adults with ADHD are treated first by talking therapy. It is common to prescribe medication along with.
Since the Covid pandemic began in 2005, the number of people being prescribed ADHD medication has increased by two-thirds. It is now higher than that of children. This is due in part to those whose symptoms had previously been brushed aside or not diagnosed, but it is also likely that recent restrictions on health resources especially for psychotherapy, have prompted certain patients to receive medical treatment prior to when they could have been assessed.
There are five central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and ADHD medications available on the NHS, with methylphenidate and amphetamines most commonly prescribed. They are usually prescribed as tablets that are short-acting and last for a few hours or as a slow-release tablet used once per day (also called modified or immediate release). Recent research suggests that amphetamines such as lisdexamfetamine are the best drug to treat adult ADHD. The medication is effective and has a low risk of serious side effects and costs the NHS just PS104m annually to prescribe.
Despite these obvious benefits it is not common for stigma to remain especially in the neurodiversity communities where it can be observed. This can be seen in negative beliefs that divide people suffering from ADHD into 'good' and 'bad" people. The 'good' ones are those who do not take medication and manage their symptoms with no medication, while the 'bad' ones require medication to manage their symptoms. This can be a barrier to those who seek help and makes it difficult for them to find support and services.
There are risks associated with all medications. However the evidence suggests the use ADHD medications as component of treatment for ADHD. The risk of serious adverse side effects is low and they can be reduced further by implementing a thorough titration process, making sure the medication is of the correct strength for them and monitoring for any side effects frequently during the initial stages of treatment. Additionally, changes to the environment can reduce the impact of ADHD. medication for autism and adhd include things like seating arrangements, ensuring that the space is peaceful and free of distractions, using a timer to schedule breaks, optimising education or work for shorter periods of focus by allowing for movement between tasks and using teaching assistants when possible.