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 need for medications. Specialist psychiatrists prescribe ADHD medication, and they carefully monitor side effects to find the most effective dose for each individual.
The first is a stimulant, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is also licensed to treat ADHD, but it works differently and takes longer to work.
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In the UK the UK, stimulants are a treatment option for ADHD. They alter the levels of neurotransmitters inside the brain in order to increase attention and reduce hyperactivity. Psychiatrists carefully adjust medications to determine the best balance for each person. There are a variety of stimulants, including amphetamines, such as Ritalin and the methylphenidates. Other stimulants are also employed. They include dexamfetamine and atomoxetine however a new study suggests that these substances may have less of an impact than amphetamines or methylphenidate.
The use of medications is an integral part of treatment, and a majority patients who use it are doing in conjunction with psychological intervention. Psychotherapy can help someone learn healthy coping strategies and help them break long-standing negative habits of behavior. Some people choose to not take any medication. They are not an absolute solution. In the UK Talk therapy is recommended as first line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and is typically offered along with medication.
The number of adults who receive ADHD medication has increased by twofold 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 have previously been ignored or not recognized but it is also possible that recent restrictions on health resources especially in relation to psychological services, have led some patients to be offered pharmacological treatment before they would otherwise have been assessed.
There are five central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and ADHD medicines available on the NHS, with amphetamines and methylphenidate the most commonly prescribed. These are usually given as tablets that are short-acting and last for a couple of hours or as a slow-release tablet used once per day (also known as modified or immediate release). Recent research suggests that amphetamines such as lisdexamfetamine are the best drug to treat adults with ADHD. The medication is effective, has a low chance of serious side effects and costs the NHS just over PS104m per year to prescribe.
It is not uncommon to find stigma in the neurodiverse community, despite the advantages. This can be reflected in unhelpful ideas that divide those with ADHD into 'good' people who do not take medication and manage their symptoms without medication, and 'bad' people who rely on medication to get relief. This can create a barrier for people who are seeking assistance, making it more difficult to access services and support.
There are risks with all medications. However the evidence suggests the use ADHD medications as a part of treatment for ADHD. The risk of serious adverse effects is very low. They can be further reduced by following a carefully-titrated process, ensuring that the medication is of the appropriate strength and observing any adverse effects regularly during the early stages of treatment. Additionally, the proper adjustments to the environment can help reduce the effects of ADHD and reduce reliance on medication. This could include things like seating arrangements, making sure that the space is peaceful and free of distractions, using a timer to schedule breaks, optimizing learning or work for shorter periods of concentration by allowing for movement between tasks and using teaching assistants when feasible.