ADHD Medication UK For Adults
Celebrities such as Sue Perkins and Jonny Vegas have spoken out about their ADHD diagnosis and raised awareness and increased demand for medication. Specialist psychiatrists prescribe ADHD medications and closely examine side effects to determine the right dosage for each person.
The first type is a stimulant, like lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is also licensed to treat ADHD, but it works differently and takes longer to work.
Stimulants
In the UK In the United Kingdom, stimulants are a treatment option for ADHD. They alter the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain in order to improve attention and decrease hyperactivity. Psychologists carefully adjust the dosage of medications to determine the best balance for each person. There are many types of stimulants, including amphetamines such as Ritalin and Methylphenidates. Other stimulants can also be utilized. Dexamfetamine, atomoxetine and other stimulants are sometimes employed. However, a recent study suggests that they might be less effective than amphetamines and methylphenidate.
Medication is an important part of treatment, and most people who take it do so as a supplement to psychotherapy. see this can help a person develop coping strategies that are healthy and reduce longstanding negative patterns of behavior. The use of medication should not be considered as the only solution however, and a few people opt not to take any medication. In the UK Talk therapy is a recommended first option for adults suffering from ADHD and is typically offered alongside medication.
The number of adults who receive ADHD medication has increased by twofold since the onset of the Covid pandemic and is now higher than the number of children who are prescribed the same medications. This is partly due to people who had not been diagnosed or did not recognize their symptoms were being treated. However, it's possible that recent restrictions on health resources, especially for psychological services, resulted in some patients being offered medications before they had been assessed.
On the NHS there are five central nervous systems (CNS) and ADHD medicines, with methylphenidate or amphetamines being the most frequently prescribed. They are typically prescribed as tablets with a short-acting duration that last for a couple of hours or as a tablet with a slow release that is taken daily (also called modified or immediate release). Recent research suggests that amphetamines such as lisdexamfetamine are the best drug for treating adult ADHD. The medication is cost-effective and effective and has a low chance of serious side effects.
Despite these obvious benefits, it is not common for stigma to remain especially in the neurodiversity communities where it is found. This can be reflected by negative beliefs that divide people suffering from ADHD in 'good' and 'bad" people. The 'good' people are those who do not take medication and manage their symptoms without medication while the 'bad' ones depend on medication to alleviate their symptoms. This can be a hindrance for those seeking help and make it difficult for them to find assistance and services.
There are risks with all medication. However the evidence suggests the use ADHD medications as component of treatment for ADHD. The risk of serious side-effects is extremely low. They can be further reduced by following a carefully titrated process, ensuring that the medication is at the right strength and observing side effects regularly in the early stages 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, ensuring that the space is quiet and free of distractions, scheduling breaks using a timer, optimising the learning process or working for shorter periods of concentration, moving between activities, and employing teachers when it is feasible.