ADHD Medication UK For Adults
Celebrities such as Sue Perkins and Jonny Vegas have shared their ADHD diagnosis, which has raised awareness and increased demand for medication. Specialist psychiatrists prescribe ADHD meds, and they carefully look at side effects to determine the right dosage for each individual.
The first is a stimulant like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is also approved for treating ADHD, but it works differently and takes longer to work.
Stimulants
In the UK, stimulants can be used to treat ADHD. They affect the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain in order to improve attention and decrease hyperactivity. Psychiatrists carefully adjust medication dosages to find the best balance for each individual. There are many types of stimulants, such as amphetamines such as Ritalin and the methylphenidates. Non-stimulants are also sometimes employed. Dexamfetamine and atomoxetine as well as other stimulants are sometimes employed. However, a recent study suggests that they could have a lesser impact than amphetamines and methylphenidate.
The use of medications is a crucial aspect of treatment. Most people who take medication are taking it to complement psychological interventions. Psychotherapy can help someone develop coping strategies that are healthy and break old habits of behavior. Some people do not take any medication. They are not the only solution. In the UK adults suffering from ADHD are treated first by talking therapy. The medication is usually prescribed alongside.
Since the Covid pandemic began, the number of adults who are prescribed ADHD medication has increased by two-thirds. It is now more than children. non stimulant adhd medication is partly due to people whose symptoms have previously been ignored or not recognized however it is also possible that recent restrictions on health resources especially for psychotherapy, have prompted certain patients to receive medication before they could have been evaluated.
There are five central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and ADHD medications available on NHS with amphetamines and methylphenidate the most commonly prescribed. These are usually given as tablets with a short-acting duration that last for a few 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 most effective drug for treating adult ADHD. The medication is highly effective, has a low chance of serious side effects, and costs the NHS just over PS104m a year to prescribe.
Despite these obvious benefits it is not uncommon for stigma to persist especially among the neurodiverse communities where it can be located. This can be reflected in a variety of unhelpful beliefs that divide those with ADHD into 'good' ones who do not take medication and manage their symptoms without medication, and 'bad' people who depend on medication for relief. This can be a barrier for those who seek help and makes it harder for them to access support and services.
There are risks associated with all medication. However there is evidence to support the use ADHD medications as component of treatment for ADHD. The risk of serious side adverse effects is extremely low, and can be minimized further by following a careful adjustment process, ensuring that the medication is of the correct strength for them and monitoring for side effects regularly in the early days of treatment. Additionally, the proper changes to the environment can reduce the effects of ADHD and reduce reliance on medication. These include arranging seating, ensuring that the area is quiet and free of distractions, scheduling breaks using the use of a timer, optimizing education or work to allow for shorter periods of concentration, transferring between tasks, and using teaching assistants when it is possible.