ADHD Medication UK For Adults
Celebrities like Jonny Vegas and Sue Perkins have revealed their ADHD diagnosis. This has increased awareness and need for medication. Specialist psychiatrists prescribe ADHD medication and closely monitor side effects to find the best dose for each individual.
The first type is a stimulant such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine. Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera is also approved for treating ADHD. However it functions differently and takes a longer time to take effect.
Stimulants
In the UK In the United Kingdom, stimulants are a treatment option for ADHD. They affect the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain in order to increase attention and reduce hyperactivity. The psychiatric physician carefully adjusts the dosage of medication to find the optimal balance for each individual. There are a variety of stimulants, such as amphetamines like Ritalin and the methylphenidates. Non-stimulants can also be used. They include atomoxetine and dexamfetamine however a new study suggests that these drugs could have less impact than amphetamines or methylphenidate.
Medication is an important part of treatment, and most people who take it are doing in conjunction with psychological intervention. Psychotherapy can help a person develop healthy coping skills and reduce negative behaviour patterns. Some people do not take any medication. They are not an absolute solution. In the UK the UK, talk therapy is recommended as the first option for adults suffering from ADHD and is usually provided along with medication.
The number of adults who receive ADHD medication has increased by twofold since the start of the Covid pandemic, and is now higher than the number of children who are prescribed the same medications. This is due to the fact that those who were not diagnosed or did not recognize their symptoms were being treated. However, it's possible that the recent restrictions on health resources, particularly for psychological services, resulted in some patients being offered treatment with pharmacological drugs before they would have otherwise been evaluated.
On the NHS there are five central nervous systems (CNS) and ADHD medicines which include amphetamines and methylphenidate being the most commonly prescribed. Typically, these are prescribed as tablets that last a few hours, or a slow release tablet that is taken once a day (known as immediate or modified release). A recent study has suggested that amphetamines such as lisdexamfetamine should be the most preferred medication to treat adult ADHD. The medication is effective and has a low risk of serious adverse side effects and costs the NHS just PS104m a year to prescribe.
Despite these obvious benefits, it is not common for stigma to persist, particularly amongst the neurodiverse communities where it can be observed. This can be reflected in unhelpful notions that divide people suffering from ADHD into 'good' ones who do not take medication and manage their symptoms without medication, and 'bad' people who rely on medications to get relief. This can be a barrier for those who seek help, and make it harder to access services and support.
There are risks associated with all medications. However the evidence suggests the use ADHD medication as a part of treatment for ADHD. The chance of serious side adverse effects is extremely low, and they can be reduced further by implementing a thorough titration process, making sure the medication is of the correct strength for the patient and observing for any side effects frequently during the initial stages of treatment. In I Am Psychiatry , environmental modifications can help reduce the effects of ADHD. These can include things such as seating arrangements, ensuring that the environment is quiet and free of distractions and using a timer to schedule breaks, optimising work or education for shorter durations of focus with movement between activities and using assistants to teach when possible.