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 carefully look at side effects to determine the best dose for each person.
The first type is a stimulant like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate. Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera is also approved to treat ADHD. However, it works differently and takes a longer time to begin working.
Stimulants
In the UK, stimulants are a treatment option for ADHD. They affect the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to increase attention and reduce hyperactivity. Psychologists carefully adjust the dosage of medications to determine the best balance for each person. There are a myriad of stimulant types, such as amphetamines (such as Ritalin) and methylphenidates. There are also non-stimulants that are sometimes used. Dexamfetamine, atomoxetine and other stimulants are sometimes employed. However, a recent study suggests that they could have a lesser impact than amphetamines and methylphenidate.
Medication is an important part of treatment, and a majority people who use it are doing in conjunction with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help a person develop healthy coping skills and reduce negative behavior patterns. The use of medication should not be considered as the only solution however, and some individuals choose not to use any medication. In the UK, adults with ADHD are treated first with talking therapy. It is common to prescribe medication alongside.
Since the Covid pandemic was first discovered in the year 2000, the number of adults who are prescribed ADHD medication has doubled. It's now higher than that of children. This is partly due to those who were not diagnosed or ignored their symptoms were now being treated. However, it's possible that recent restrictions on health resources, particularly for psychological services, led to some patients receiving pharmacological treatments 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 usually prescribed as short-acting tablets that last for a couple of hours or as a tablet with a slow release used once per day (also known as modified or immediate release). Recent research suggests that amphetamines such as lisdexamfetamine are the best medication to treat adult ADHD. The medication is safe, has a low chance of serious side effects, and costs the NHS just PS104m per year to prescribe.
Despite these obvious benefits, it is not uncommon for stigma to persist especially among the neurodiverse communities where it is observed. This can be seen in false notions that divide people suffering from ADHD into 'good' and 'bad" people. The 'good' ones are those who refuse medication and manage their symptoms without medication, while those who are 'bad' depend on medication to relieve their symptoms. This can be a hindrance to people seeking help and make it more difficult for them to find help and support.
Like all medications, there are risks involved, but the evidence supports the use of ADHD medications as a crucial part of treatment for ADHD. treating adhd without medication Iampsychiatry of serious side effects is very low, and can be minimized further by following a careful procedure of titration, ensuring the medication is the right strength for them and monitoring for side effects regularly during the initial stages of treatment. Additionally, the right adjustments to the environment can help reduce the effects of ADHD and decrease the need for medication. These include seating arrangements, ensuring that the space is quiet and free of distractions, scheduling breaks with an alarm clock, maximizing the learning process or working for shorter time periods of focus, moving between activities, and employing teachers when it is possible.