ADHD Medication UK For Adults
Celebrities such as Sue Perkins and Jonny Vegas have spoken out about their ADHD diagnosis that has heightened awareness and increased demand for medications. Specialist psychiatrists prescribe ADHD meds and closely monitor side effects to find the right dosage for each individual.
The first type of medication is a stimulant, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Atomoxetine, 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 in the United Kingdom, stimulants can be used to treat ADHD. They alter the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain in order to increase attention and reduce hyperactivity. Psychiatrists carefully adjust medications to determine the best balance for each person. There are a variety of stimulants, such as amphetamines such as Ritalin and Methylphenidates. Non-stimulants are also sometimes used. They include atomoxetine and dexamfetamine, although a new study suggests that these drugs might have less impact than amphetamines or methylphenidate.
The use of medication is a crucial aspect of treatment, and the majority of people who use it are doing so as a supplement to psychological intervention. Psychotherapy can teach a person healthy coping techniques and help to reduce negative behaviour patterns. Some people do not take any medication. The use of medication is not an all-encompassing solution. In the UK adults suffering from ADHD are treated first by talk therapy. It is common to prescribe medication along with.
The number of adults who receive ADHD medication has increased by twofold since the start of the Covid pandemic, and is now greater than the number of children who are prescribed these medications. This is due to the fact that people who had not been diagnosed or ignored their symptoms were now being treated. However, it is possible that recent restrictions on health resources, especially for psychological services, led to some patients being offered pharmacological treatments before they had been assessed.
On the NHS there are five central nervous systems (CNS) and ADHD medications, with methylphenidate or amphetamines being the most frequently prescribed. Typically adhd stimulant medication are given as tablets with a short-acting effect lasting a few hours, or as a slow release tablet that is taken every day (known as immediate or modified release). Recent research suggests that amphetamines, such as lisdexamfetamine are the best drug to treat adult ADHD. The medication is cost-effective, effective and has a low risk of serious side adverse effects.
It is not uncommon to see stigma in the neurodiverse community, despite the benefits. This can be seen in a variety of unhelpful beliefs that divide those with ADHD into 'good' ones who reject medication and can manage their symptoms without it, and 'bad' individuals who rely on medication for relief. This could be a problem to those seeking assistance, making it harder to access assistance and services.
As with all medications there are risks to be aware of but the evidence suggests the use of ADHD medications as an important element of treatment for ADHD. The chance of serious side effects is very low, and they can be reduced further by implementing a meticulous procedure of titration, ensuring the medication is the right strength for them and monitoring for any side effects frequently during the initial stages of treatment. In addition, appropriate environmental modifications can help alleviate the effects of ADHD and reduce the need for medication. These include arranging seating, ensuring the environment is quiet, free of distractions, scheduling breaks using an alarm clock, maximizing education or work for shorter time periods of focus, moving between activities, and utilizing teaching assistants whenever feasible.