ADHD Medication For Adults UK
The use of medications can help reduce symptoms and make tasks easier. They can also aid in underlying issues such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
Stimulants (methylphenidate and the amphetamine based medication Lisdexamfetamine) are the first line treatment for adults with ADHD. They increase the levels of two chemical brain messengers that improve focus and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost the amount of neurotransmitters that are present in the brain and allow it to function better. They aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsive behavior. Most people with ADHD use stimulants to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of lives. These medications are classified as controlled substances due to their possibility of addiction. A specialist psychiatrist will titrate the dose of the medication, to ensure that the appropriate balance is found between the effectiveness and side effects.
A major study published in 2023 shows that prescriptions for ADHD medication in England have been increasing year-on-year. This is due to increased awareness, lower waiting time at NHS GP surgeries and improved process for referrals to adult ADHD services.
ADHD is a complex condition that can be difficult to manage at school, work and at home. Many adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty receiving the support and treatment they need even after having been diagnosed. This is partly because of the fact that adult ADHD services don't always connect with child and adolescent mental health services.
The signs of ADHD are subtle and differ from person to person. People who have ADHD may adopt strategies to disguise their issues, for example, not submitting their homework or using technology to distract themselves. uk adhd medication might be diagnosed with other disorders, such as depression or anxiety that can mask the presence of ADHD. The GP should always take into consideration the possibility that ADHD is present when they are assessing patients for other illnesses.
Recently, there has been a increase in the number of people who seek pharmacological treatment for ADHD. This is due to recent health resource restrictions. A network meta-analysis, a type of medical review, released recently, shows that amphetamines (including methylphenidate) are the most effective medications for ADHD. This is the biggest network meta-analysis that has ever been conducted and strengthens the evidence in support of NICE guidelines.
Other treatment options for ADHD that are in addition to medications, include environment and educational modifications. adhd medication are designed to lessen the impact of ADHD on everyday functioning. They include adjusting seating arrangements at schools and workplaces, providing breaks in movement, such as "I Need a Break" cards, optimizing studying and working to allow shorter durations, with more frequent movement, and also rewriting verbal requests.
Whether or not the patient is taking medication, it's vital that GPs recommend patients with suspected ADHD to a seasoned psychologist or clinical psychiatrist to be assessed and treated. Patients may be misdiagnosed or delayed, which could lead to serious consequences. It could result in individuals not receiving treatment for the duration of their condition or being diagnosed with untreated ADHD as adults. It can be a sign that the root causes of the unmanageable problems with ADHD aren't addressed, such as for example an inability to self-reflect or poor skills in managing relationships. This could negatively impact the person's mental and physical health in the long run.