ADHD Medication UK For Adults
Celebrities like Sue Perkins and Jonny Vegas have spoken out about their ADHD diagnosis, which has raised awareness and prompted more people to seek medication. Specialist psychiatrists prescribe ADHD medication and closely examine side effects to determine the most effective dose for each person.
adhd medication uk is a stimulant, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is also licensed to treat ADHD, but it works differently and takes longer to work.
Stimulants
In the UK, stimulants can be used to treat ADHD. They alter the levels of neurotransmitters inside the brain to improve focus, decrease impulsivity, and decrease hyperactivity. Psychologists carefully adjust dosages of medications to find the optimal balance for each patient. There are a variety of stimulants, including amphetamines (such as Ritalin) and methylphenidates. Other stimulants can also be utilized. Dexamfetamine and atomoxetine as well as other stimulants are frequently employed. However research suggests that they might have a lesser impact than amphetamines and methylphenidate.
The use of medication is an integral part of treatment. Most people who take it are doing so to supplement psychological intervention. adhd medication can help someone learn healthy coping strategies and help them break long-standing negative patterns of behaviour. Medicines should not be viewed as an absolute solution however, and a few individuals choose not to use any medication. In the UK Talk therapy is recommended as the first option for adults suffering from ADHD and is usually provided in conjunction with medication.
The number of adults receiving ADHD medication has increased by twofold since the onset of the Covid pandemic and is now greater than the number of children who are prescribed the same medications. This is largely due to those whose symptoms had previously been ignored or never recognized but it is also likely that recent health resource restrictions especially in relation to psychotherapy, have prompted certain patients to receive medical treatment prior to when they'd otherwise been assessed.
There are five central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and ADHD medications available on the NHS with amphetamines and methylphenidate being the most frequently prescribed. Typically these are given as tablets lasting a few hours, or a slower release tablet that is taken every day (known as immediate or modified release). A recent study suggests amphetamines, such as lisdexamfetamine should be the most preferred medication to treat adult ADHD. The medication is effective, has a low chance of serious adverse side effects and costs the NHS less than PS104m annually to prescribe.
It is not uncommon to find stigma in the neurodiverse community, despite the benefits. This is evident in unhelpful ideas that divide people suffering from ADHD into 'good' ones who don't take medication and manage their symptoms without medication, and 'bad' individuals who depend on medication for relief. This can be a barrier to people seeking help and can make it harder for them to access assistance and services.
As with all medications there are risks to be aware of however, the evidence is in favor of the use of ADHD medication as a vital component of treatment for ADHD. The risk of serious adverse effects is extremely low. They are further reduced by following a carefully titrated process, ensuring that the medication is at the right strength and monitoring side effects frequently during the initial stages of treatment. In addition, appropriate changes to the environment can reduce the impact of ADHD and decrease the need for medication. This could include things like seating arrangements, making sure that the space is peaceful and free of distractions, using a timer to schedule breaks, optimising work or education for shorter periods of concentration with a shift between activities, and using assistants to teach when feasible.