ADHD Medication UK For Adults
Celebrities like Jonny Vegas and Sue Perkins have revealed their ADHD diagnosis. This has raised awareness and the need for medication. Specialist psychiatrists prescribe ADHD medication, and they carefully check for side effects to find out what dose is best for each individual.
The first type is a stimulant such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is also approved for treating ADHD however it functions differently and takes longer to take effect.
best adhd medication for adults
In the UK In the United Kingdom, stimulants are a drug treatment option for ADHD. They work by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to increase concentration, reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. Psychologists carefully adjust the dosage of medications to find the ideal balance for each person. There are a myriad of stimulant types, such as amphetamines (such as Ritalin) and methylphenidates. Non-stimulants are also used. Dexamfetamine, atomoxetine, and other stimulants are often used. However, a recent study suggests that they might have less impact than amphetamines and methylphenidate.
The use of medication is a crucial aspect of treatment, and a majority patients who use it do so as a supplement to psychological intervention. Psychotherapy can assist a person learn healthy coping strategies and break old patterns of behaviour. The use of medication should not be considered as a complete solution however, and a few people choose not to take any medication. In the UK adults with ADHD are treated first by therapy for talk. The medication is usually prescribed along with.
Since the Covid pandemic started, the number of adults being prescribed ADHD medication has doubled. It is now more than the number of children. This is due to the fact that patients who were not diagnosed or had their symptoms ignored were now being treated. However, it is also possible that recent restrictions on health resources, especially for psychological services, led to some patients receiving treatment with pharmacological drugs prior to having been evaluated.
There are five central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and ADHD medications available on the NHS with methylphenidate and amphetamines most commonly prescribed. They are typically prescribed as short-acting tablets that last for a few hours or as a tablet with a slow release used once per day (also called modified or immediate release). Recent research suggests that amphetamines such as lisdexamfetamine are the best medication for treating adult ADHD. The medication is safe, has a low chance of serious adverse side effects and costs the NHS just PS104m a year to prescribe.
Despite these obvious benefits it is not common for stigma to remain especially in the neurodiversity communities where it is observed. This can be seen in false notions that divide people suffering from ADHD in 'good' and 'bad" people. The 'good' ones are those who refuse medication and manage their symptoms without medication while those who are 'bad' require medication to manage their symptoms. This can be a hindrance for those who seek help and makes it difficult for them to access help and support.
There are risks with all medication. However the evidence suggests the use of ADHD medications as a part of the treatment of ADHD. The risk of serious adverse side effects is very low, and they can be reduced further by implementing a thorough adjustment process, ensuring that the medication is of the correct strength for the patient and observing for side effects regularly in the beginning of treatment. Additionally, the right changes to the environment can reduce the effects of ADHD and reduce the need for medication. These include seating arrangements, ensuring the environment is quiet, free of distractions, scheduling breaks with the use of a timer, optimizing education or work for shorter periods of concentration, transferring between activities, and utilizing teaching assistants when possible.