ADHD Medication For Adults UK
The use of medication can reduce symptoms and make tasks easier. They can also help with issues that are underlying, such as anxiety, insomnia and depression.
Stimulants (methylphenidate and the newer amphetamine based medication lisdexamfetamine) are the first-line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They increase the levels of two chemical messengers that are found in the brain, which improve concentration and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. This enables it to perform more efficiently. They boost concentration and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. Most people with ADHD take stimulants in order to control their symptoms and improve their quality of lives. The stimulants are legal as controlled substances because of the potential for addiction. A psychiatrist will carefully adjust the dosage of the medication to determine the appropriate balance between effectiveness and adverse effects.
A major study, published in 2023, reveals that the number of prescriptions for ADHD medication in England is increasing each year. This is due to increased awareness, decreased waiting periods at NHS GP surgeries and improved referral processes for adult ADHD services.
ADHD is a condition that can be difficult to manage at school, at work as well as at home. Even after a diagnosis of ADHD, many adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty receiving the help and assistance they need. This is partly because of the fact that adults' ADHD services do not always connect with child and adolescents' mental health services.
The symptoms of ADHD are subtle and can differ from person to person. People with ADHD may develop strategies to hide their difficulties, like not submitting assignments or using technology to distract them. Some may be diagnosed with different conditions such as depression or anxiety, which can obscure the existence of ADHD. When assessing for other conditions, GPs must always consider that ADHD might be present.
Recently there has been an rise in the number adults who are being treated with pharmacological treatments for ADHD. This is due to recent restrictions on health resources. A recent publication of a network meta-analysis (a kind of medical review) shows that amphetamines - including methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine - are the most effective treatments for ADHD. This is the biggest network meta-analysis that has been conducted to date, and provides evidence in support of NICE guidelines.
Other methods for treating ADHD as well as medication include educational and environment modifications. These methods are designed to reduce the effect of ADHD on everyday functioning. These include changing 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 revising verbal requests.
No matter if the patient is taking medication, it's vital that GPs refer patients with suspected ADHD to an experienced clinical psychiatrist or psychologist for evaluation and treatment. Patients could be misdiagnosed or delayed, which could lead to serious consequences. adhd uk medication can result in patients not receiving treatment for the full duration of their condition or enduring untreated ADHD into adulthood. adhd medication uk can also mean that the root causes of unmanageable ADHD-related problems aren't addressed, for example the lack of self-reflection or poor relationship management skills. This could negatively impact the person's mental and physical health in the long run.