ADHD Medication UK For Adults
Celebrities like Sue Perkins and Jonny Vegas have shared their ADHD diagnosis, which has raised awareness and increased demand for medications. Specialist psychiatrists prescribe ADHD medications and closely monitor the side effects to determine what dosage is the best for each person.
The first is a stimulant, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is also approved for treating ADHD however it functions differently and is more time-consuming to effect.
Stimulants
In the UK, stimulants can be used to treat ADHD. They work by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to improve focus, decrease impulsivity, and reduce hyperactivity. Psychologists carefully adjust dosages of medications to find the right balance for each patient. There are many different stimulant types, including amphetamines (such as Ritalin) and methylphenidates. There are also non-stimulants that are sometimes used. Dexamfetamine, atomoxetine and other stimulants are often employed. However an investigation from the past suggests that they may have less impact than amphetamines and methylphenidate.
The use of medication is an integral part of treatment. The majority of people who use it are doing so to supplement psychological intervention. Psychotherapy can help someone develop healthy coping techniques and help to reduce negative patterns of behaviour. 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 Talk therapy is a recommended first option for adults suffering from ADHD and is usually offered alongside medication.
The number of adults who receive ADHD medication has doubled since the onset of the Covid pandemic and is now greater than the number of children receiving these medications. This is due to the fact that those who were not diagnosed or ignored their symptoms were now being treated. However, it is possible that recent restrictions on health resources, particularly for psychological services, resulted in certain patients being offered pharmacological treatments before they had been assessed.
On the NHS there are five central nervous systems (CNS) and ADHD medications that are available, with amphetamines or methylphenidate being the most frequently prescribed. Typically these are given as short acting tablets lasting a few hours, or a slow release tablet that is taken every day (known as modified or immediate release). A recent study suggests that amphetamines like lisdexamfetamine should be the preferred drug to treat adult ADHD. adhd medication and pregnancy is highly effective, has a low chance of serious side effects and costs the NHS less than PS104m per year to prescribe.
Despite these clear benefits, it is not common for stigma to remain especially in the neurodiversity communities where it is observed. This can be reflected in a variety of unhelpful beliefs that divide people suffering from ADHD into 'good' individuals who do not take medication and manage their symptoms without medication, and 'bad' people who depend on medication for relief. This can create a barrier for those who seek help, and can make it more difficult to access assistance and services.
There are risks associated with all medications. However, the evidence supports the use ADHD medications as a part of the treatment of ADHD. The risk of serious adverse side adverse effects is extremely low, and they can be reduced further by following a careful titration process, making sure the medication is at the right strength for them and monitoring for side effects regularly in the early days of treatment. In addition, environmental modifications can lessen the impact of ADHD. These include seating arrangements, ensuring the environment is quiet, free of distractions, scheduling breaks using a timer, optimising education or work to allow for shorter time periods of focus, moving between activities, and utilizing teaching assistants when feasible.