ADHD Medication UK For Adults
Celebrities like Sue Perkins and Jonny Vegas have spoken out about their ADHD diagnosis, which has raised awareness and increased demand for medications. Specialist psychiatrists prescribe ADHD medications and closely examine the effects of the medication to determine what dosage is best for each individual.
The first type of medication is a stimulant such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera is also approved for treating ADHD. However, it works differently and takes a longer time to begin working.
Stimulants
In the UK, stimulants can be used to treat ADHD. They affect the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to improve attention and decrease hyperactivity. Psychologists carefully adjust the dosage of medications to find the ideal balance for each individual. There are a variety of stimulant types, including amphetamines (such as Ritalin) and methylphenidates. Non-stimulants can also be used. They include atomoxetine and dexamfetamine, although a new study suggests that these drugs may have less of an impact than methylphenidate and amphetamines.
The use of medications is an integral part of treatment, and the majority of people who take it do so as a supplement to psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help a person develop healthy coping strategies and help reduce negative behaviour patterns. Some people opt not to take any medication. They are not an absolute solution. In the UK the UK, talk therapy is recommended as first line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and is usually offered in conjunction with medication.
medication for adhd and anxiety of people who are receiving ADHD medication has doubled since the start of the Covid pandemic and is now higher than the number of children prescribed the same medications. This is partly due to people who had not been diagnosed or had their symptoms ignored were being treated. However, it's possible that recent restrictions on health resources, particularly for psychotherapy, resulted in certain patients being offered pharmacological treatments before they had been evaluated.
On the NHS there are five central nervous systems (CNS) and ADHD medications which include amphetamines and methylphenidate being the most frequently prescribed. Typically, these are prescribed as short acting tablets that last a few hours, or a slower release tablet taken once per day (known as modified or immediate release). A recent study has suggested that amphetamines like lisdexamfetamine should be the most preferred medication to treat adult ADHD. The medication is safe and has a low risk of serious side effects, and costs the NHS less than PS104m per year to prescribe.
Despite these obvious benefits, it is not uncommon for stigma to persist, particularly amongst the neurodiverse communities where it can be observed. This is reflected in negative beliefs that divide people with ADHD in 'good' and 'bad" people. The 'good' ones are those who do not take medication and manage their symptoms without medication and the 'bad' ones require medication to manage their symptoms. This can create a barrier for those who seek assistance, making it harder to access services and support.
There are risks associated with all medications. However the evidence suggests the use of ADHD medication as a part of the treatment of ADHD. The chance of serious side effects is low and can be minimized further by implementing a meticulous titration process, making sure the medication is of the correct strength for them and monitoring for any side effects frequently in the beginning of treatment. Additionally, the proper changes to the environment can reduce the impact of ADHD and decrease the need for medication. These include arranging seating, making sure that the area is quiet and free of distractions, scheduling breaks using a timer, optimising education or work for shorter time periods of focus, moving between activities, and utilizing teachers when it is feasible.