ADHD Medication For Adults UK
The use of medicines can help reduce symptoms and make tasks easier. They can also help with underlying issues such as sleep issues, anxiety and depression.
Stimulants (methylphenidate and the newer amphetamine-based medication Lisdexamfetamine) are the first line treatment for adults with ADHD. They boost the levels of two chemical messengers that are present in the brain, which improve focus and decreases impulsivity as well as hyperactivity.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of neurotransmitters inside the brain. This enables it to perform better. They boost concentration and reduce impulsive behavior. Most people with ADHD take stimulants in order to control their symptoms and improve their quality of lives. The medications are legally classed as controlled substances due to the possibility of addiction. A specialist psychiatrist will titrate the dose of the medication, in order to ensure that the appropriate balance is found between the effectiveness and side effects.
A major study, published in 2023, shows that the amount of prescriptions for ADHD medication in England is increasing each year. This is due to increased awareness, lower waiting times at NHS GP surgeries and improved process for referrals to adult ADHD services.
ADHD is adhd medication and pregnancy complicated disorder that can be difficult to manage at work, school and at home. Even after a diagnosis, many adults with ADHD aren't receiving the support and treatment that they require. This is due in part to the fact that adults' ADHD services are not always integrated with child and adolescents mental health services.
The symptoms of ADHD are subtle and can differ from person-to-person. People suffering from ADHD might come up with strategies to conceal their difficulties, like not submitting their homework or using technology as a distraction. Others may be diagnosed with other issues, like depression or anxiety which could obscure the existence of ADHD. GPs should always consider the possibility that ADHD is present when evaluating patients for other conditions.
Recent restrictions on health resources specifically for psychological interventions, have also led to an increase in the number of adults referred for pharmacological treatment for ADHD. A network meta-analysis (a type of medical review published recently shows that amphetamines (including methylphenidate) are the most effective drugs for ADHD. This is the largest network meta-analysis to date and adds more evidence to the NICE guidelines.
In addition to medications and other treatments for ADHD include educational and environmental modifications. These are designed to minimise the effects of ADHD on the person's daily life, such as changing seating arrangements in schools and work areas, offering breaks to move (including 'I need a break cards) optimizing working and studying to allow shorter periods of focus with more frequent movements, and enforcing verbal requests by using written ones.
It is essential for GPs to refer patients who have suspected ADHD to be assessed and treated by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist, regardless of whether they're taking medication or not. Patients may be misdiagnosed, or delayed, which could have grave consequences. It could result in individuals not receiving treatment throughout the duration of their illness or being diagnosed with untreated ADHD as adults. It can also mean that the primary reason for the uncontrollable ADHD problems is not addressed. For example an ineffective ability to manage relationships or a lack self-reflection. This can result in a negative impact on the person's long-term physical and mental health.