ADHD Medication For Adults UK
Medications can significantly reduce symptoms and make it easier to get tasks completed. They also can help with the root causes of anxiety, sleep problems 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 in the brain which improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain which allows it to function more effectively. They boost concentration and reduce impulsive behavior. Most people who have ADHD use stimulants to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These medications are categorized as controlled substances because of the potential for addiction. A psychiatrist will carefully alter the dosage of the medication to determine the appropriate balance between efficacy and side effects.
A major study, published in 2023, shows that the number of prescriptions for ADHD medications in England has been growing each year. how does medication for adhd work is thought that this is due to increased awareness of the condition, and also shorter time to be assessed at NHS GP practices and improved referral processes to adult ADHD services.
ADHD is a condition that is difficult to manage in the workplace, at school, and at home. Even after a diagnosis, many adults with ADHD struggle to receive the treatment and support they need. This is due to the fact that adults' ADHD services do not always connect with child or adolescent mental health services.
The signs of ADHD are subtle and differ from person-to-person. People with ADHD may develop strategies to hide their issues, for example, not submitting homework or using technology to distract themselves. Other people may be diagnosed with other disorders, such as depression or anxiety, which can obscure the presence of underlying ADHD. The GP should always take into consideration the possibility that ADHD is present when they evaluate patients for other ailments.
Recently there has been an increase in the number of people who are being treated with pharmacological treatments for ADHD. This is due to the recent restrictions on health resources. A network meta-analysis, which is a kind of medical review released recently, shows that amphetamines (including methylphenidate) are the most effective treatment for ADHD. This is the largest network meta-analysis that has ever been conducted, and it strengthens the evidence in support of NICE guidelines.
In addition to medication, other treatment options for ADHD include environmental and educational adjustments. These are designed to minimise the impact of ADHD on a person's daily functioning for example, changing seating arrangements in work and school places, providing movement breaks (including "I need a break cards), optimising working and studying in order to allow shorter periods of focus with more frequent movements, and bolstering verbal requests by written ones.
It is essential for GPs to refer people with suspected ADHD to be assessed and treated by a qualified clinical psychologist or psychiatrist regardless of whether they're taking medication or not. If they do not, patients may experience delayed or incorrect diagnosis which could have serious consequences. This could result in patients not receiving treatment for the duration of their illness or being diagnosed with untreated ADHD as adults. It could also mean that the root causes of the unmanageable problems with ADHD are not addressed, for example an inability to self-reflect or poor interpersonal skills. This can negatively affect the person's mental and physical health in the long run.