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 demand for medications. Specialist psychiatrists prescribe ADHD medications and closely check for side effects to determine what dosage is appropriate for each person.
The first is a stimulant such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine. concerta adhd medication (Strattera) is also approved for treating ADHD however, it operates differently and is more time-consuming to effect.
Stimulants
In the UK, stimulants are a drug treatment option for ADHD. They alter the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to improve attention, decrease impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. Psychiatrists carefully adjust medication dosages to find the right balance for each individual. There are a myriad of stimulant types, including amphetamines (such as Ritalin) and methylphenidates. Non-stimulants can also be used. Dexamfetamine, atomoxetine, and other stimulants are sometimes employed. However, a recent study suggests that they could be less effective than amphetamines and methylphenidate.
The use of medication is a crucial aspect of treatment, and the majority of people who take it do as a complement to psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can assist a person develop coping strategies that are healthy and break old habits of behavior. Some people choose to not take any medication. The use of medication is not the only solution. In the UK Talk therapy is recommended as first line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and is usually offered in conjunction with medication.
The number of adults who receive ADHD medication has increased by twofold since the start of the Covid pandemic and is now greater than the number of children prescribed the same medications. This is largely due to people whose symptoms have previously been brushed aside or not diagnosed but it is also likely that recent restrictions on health resources especially in relation to psychotherapy, have prompted some patients to be offered pharmacological treatment before they would otherwise have been assessed.
There are five central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and ADHD medications available on NHS with amphetamines and methylphenidate being the most frequently prescribed. Typically, these are prescribed as tablets with a short-acting effect that last a few hours, or as a slow release tablet that is taken every day (known as immediate or modified release). A recent study has suggested amphetamines, such as lisdexamfetamine should be the preferred treatment for adults with ADHD. The medication is highly effective and has a low risk of serious side effects and costs the NHS just over PS104m a year to prescribe.
It is not unusual to encounter stigma in the neurodiversity community, despite the advantages. This can be reflected in a variety of unhelpful beliefs that divide those with ADHD into 'good' individuals who do not take medication and manage their symptoms without medication, and 'bad' people who rely on medications to get relief. This can be a barrier to people seeking help and can make it difficult for them to access support and services.
As with all medications there are risks associated with them but the evidence suggests the use of ADHD medication as a vital element of treatment for ADHD. The risk of serious side-effects is extremely low. They can be reduced using a carefully controlled titration procedure, making sure that the medication is at the right strength and observing any adverse effects regularly in the early stages of treatment. Additionally, the proper changes to the environment can reduce the effects of ADHD and decrease the need for medication. These include seating arrangements, ensuring that the area is quiet and free of distractions, scheduling breaks using a timer, optimising education or work to allow for shorter periods of concentration, transferring between activities, and employing teaching assistants when possible.