ADHD Medication UK For Adults
Celebrities such as Jonny Vegas and Sue Perkins have revealed their ADHD diagnosis. This has led to increased awareness and the demand for medication. Specialist psychiatrists prescribe ADHD medications, and they carefully monitor side effects to find the most effective dose for each person.
The first is a stimulant like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate. Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera is also approved to treat ADHD. However it functions differently and takes a longer time to take effect.
Stimulants
In the UK the UK, stimulants are a drug treatment option for ADHD. They work by changing the levels of neurotransmitters inside the brain to improve concentration, reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. Psychiatrists carefully titrate medications to determine the best level of balance for each patient. There are a myriad of stimulant types, including amphetamines (such as Ritalin) and methylphenidates. Other stimulants are also employed. Dexamfetamine and atomoxetine as well as other stimulants are sometimes used. However, a recent study suggests that they might have less impact than amphetamines and methylphenidate.
The use of medication is an integral part of treatment. Most people who are taking it are doing so to supplement psychological intervention. Psychotherapy can help a person develop coping strategies that are healthy and break old patterns of behaviour. The use of medication should not be considered as the only solution, however, and some people choose not to take any medication. In the UK Talk therapy is a recommended first line treatment for adults with ADHD and is typically offered along with medication.
The number of adults who receive ADHD medication has doubled since the start of the Covid pandemic and is now greater than the number of children 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 is possible that the recent restrictions on health services, specifically for psychological services, led to some patients being offered treatment with pharmacological drugs before they would have otherwise been assessed.
There are five central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and ADHD medicines available on the NHS including methylphenidate and amphetamines most commonly prescribed. They are typically prescribed as tablets that are short-acting and last for a couple of hours or as a tablet with a slow release that is taken daily (also known as modified or immediate release). Recent research suggests that amphetamines, such as lisdexamfetamine are the best drug to treat adult ADHD. The medication is cost-effective, efficient and has a low chance of serious side negative effects.
It is not uncommon to find stigma in the neurodiverse community, despite the advantages. This can be reflected by false notions that divide people suffering from ADHD in "good" and "bad" people. The 'good' ones are those who do not take medication and manage their symptoms with no medication, and the 'bad' ones depend on medication to relieve their symptoms. This can be a barrier to those seeking help, and can make it more difficult to find assistance and services.
As with all medications, t here are risks associated with them however, the evidence is in favor of the use of ADHD medications as a crucial part of treatment for ADHD. The risk of serious side effects is very low. They are further reduced by following a carefully-titrated process, ensuring that the medication is of the appropriate strength and observing any adverse effects regularly in the early stages of treatment. In addition, appropriate environmental modifications can help alleviate the effects of ADHD and reduce reliance on medication. These can include things such as seating arrangements, ensuring that the space is quiet and free of distractions, using a timer to schedule breaks, optimising work or education for shorter periods of focus with movement between activities and using teaching assistants when possible.