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 medication and closely monitor side effects to find the most effective dose for each patient.
The first type is a stimulant, like lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is also licensed to treat ADHD, but it works differently and takes longer to work.
Stimulants
In the UK the UK, stimulants are a drug treatment option for ADHD. They alter the levels of neurotransmitters inside the brain to increase focus, decrease impulsivity, and reduce hyperactivity. The psychiatric physician carefully adjusts the dosage of medication to find the optimal balance for each person. There are a variety of stimulants, including amphetamines like Ritalin and methylphenidates. adhd medication list -stimulants are also sometimes used. non stimulant adhd medication , atomoxetine, and other stimulants are sometimes used. However, a recent study suggests that they might be less effective than amphetamines and methylphenidate.
The use of medications is a crucial aspect of treatment. The majority of people who use medication do so to complement psychological interventions. Psychotherapy can help a person learn healthy coping strategies and break old habits of behavior. Some people opt not to take any medication. Medications are never an absolute solution. In the UK Talk therapy is recommended as first option for adults suffering from ADHD and is usually provided in conjunction with medication.
The number of people who are receiving ADHD medication has doubled since the onset of the Covid pandemic and is now higher than the number of children prescribed the same medications. This increase is partly due to people whose symptoms had previously been ignored or not recognized, but it is also possible that recent restrictions on health resources, particularly for psychotherapy, have prompted some patients to be offered medical treatment prior to when they'd otherwise been evaluated.
On the NHS there are five central nervous systems (CNS) and ADHD medications which include amphetamines and methylphenidate being the most frequently prescribed. They are typically prescribed as tablets with a short-acting duration that last for a few hours or as a slow-release tablet used once per day (also called modified or immediate release). A recent study has suggested that amphetamines like lisdexamfetamine should be the preferred treatment for adults with ADHD. The medication is safe, has a low chance of serious side effects, and costs the NHS just PS104m per year to prescribe.
It is not uncommon to see stigma in the neurodiversity community, despite the benefits. This can be reflected by unhelpful ideas which divide people with ADHD in 'good' and 'bad" people. The 'good' people are those who refuse medication and manage their symptoms without medication, and the 'bad' ones require medication to manage their symptoms. This could be a barrier for those seeking help and can make it harder for them to access assistance and services.
As with all medications there are risks associated with them however, the evidence is in favor of the use of ADHD medications as an important part of treatment for ADHD. The risk of serious side effects is very low. They can be further reduced by using a carefully controlled titration process, ensuring that the medication is of the appropriate strength and monitoring side effects regularly in the early stages of treatment. In adhd no medication , environmental modifications can lessen the impact of ADHD. These include arranging seating, ensuring that the area is quiet and free of distractions, scheduling breaks with an alarm clock, maximizing the learning process or working for shorter periods of concentration, moving between activities, and employing teachers when it is feasible.