ADHD Medication UK For Adults
Celebrities such as Sue Perkins and Jonny Vegas have revealed their ADHD diagnosis that has heightened awareness and increased demand for medications. Specialist psychiatrists prescribe ADHD meds, and they carefully examine side effects to determine the most effective dose for each patient.
The first is a stimulant, like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is also approved to treat ADHD however, it operates differently and takes longer to work.
Stimulants
In the UK the UK, stimulants are a drug treatment option for ADHD. They work by changing the levels of neurotransmitters inside the brain to improve attention, decrease impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. Psychiatrists carefully adjust medications to determine the best balance for each person. There are uk adhd medication of stimulants, including amphetamines (such as Ritalin) and methylphenidates. Other stimulants can also be utilized. They include dexamfetamine and atomoxetine however a new study suggests that these substances could have less impact than amphetamines or methylphenidate.
The use of medications is a crucial aspect of treatment. The majority of people who use it are doing so to complement psychological interventions. Psychotherapy can teach a person healthy coping skills and reduce negative behaviour patterns. Some people do not take any medication. The use of medication is not an absolute solution. In the UK the UK, talk therapy is recommended as the first option for adults suffering from ADHD and is usually provided alongside medication.
Since the Covid pandemic was first discovered in the year 2000, the number of adults being prescribed ADHD medication has doubled. It is now higher than children. This is due in part to those whose symptoms had previously been ignored or not recognized but it is also possible that the recent restrictions on health resources, particularly for psychological services, have led certain patients to receive medication before they would otherwise have been evaluated.
On the NHS there are five central nervous systems (CNS) and ADHD medications that are available, with amphetamines or methylphenidate being the most commonly prescribed. Typically, these are prescribed as short acting tablets that last for a few hours, or a slower release tablet that is taken every day (known as modified or immediate release). A recent study has suggested that amphetamines like lisdexamfetamine should be the preferred drug to treat adult ADHD. The medication is cost-effective, efficient and has a low chance of serious side negative effects.
It is not uncommon to find stigma in the neurodiversity community, despite these benefits. This can be reflected in unhelpful notions that divide those with ADHD into 'good' ones who do not take medication and manage their symptoms without it and 'bad' people who depend on medication to get relief. This could be a barrier for those seeking help and make it more difficult to locate help and support.
As with all medications, there are risks to be aware of however, the evidence is in favor of the use of ADHD medications as a crucial part of treatment for ADHD. The risk of serious adverse side effects is low and can be minimized further by following a careful adjustment process, ensuring that the medication is the right strength for them and monitoring for side effects regularly during the initial stages of treatment. Additionally, changes to the environment can reduce the impact of ADHD. These can include things such as seating arrangements, ensuring that the environment is peaceful and free of distractions, using a timer to schedule breaks, optimising education or work for shorter periods of focus with movement between activities and using assistants to teach when it is possible.