ADHD Medication For Adults UK
NHS statistics show that the number of adults receiving ADHD medication has increased by three times in recent years. This is only a small proportion of those diagnosed with the condition.
Stimulants speed up brain activity by boosting levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline that convey messages between nerves. They also increase blood flow to brain cells.
Stimulants
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, you might need to take medication. This is usually the first line of treatment in the UK, though talk therapy (psychotherapy) is also highly recommended. Talk therapy helps you and your family members make sense of your behavior and challenges and also helps you develop healthy coping strategies.
Stimulants alter the amount of neurotransmitters which transmit messages between brain nerves such as norepinephrine and dopamine. This improves concentration and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity. The NHS offers a variety of stimulant drugs, but the most popular are methylphenidate as well as the more recent amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are fast-acting and generally take between 45 and 60 minutes to begin working.
Some people don't enjoy these drugs, even though they have been around for a long period of time. In fact, they can cause increased agitation and insomnia in some people. This is why it is important to discuss any adverse effects with your GP and choose a medication that suits your needs.
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD drugs that perform differently and produce less negative side effects. Atomoxetine (Strateva) is one of them. It functions by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter naradrenaline which transmits messages between nerves. They are used when stimulants aren't working or are intolerable. They can be prescribed "off label" when it is believed that they could aid ADHD symptoms in certain people such as those suffering from anxiety or depression.
If your GP decides you need to take medication, they will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of taking it for a long period of time with you. They will also explain the best way to use the medication and will need to monitor your progress and dosage levels. This will require fortnightly, then monthly, sessions with your psychiatrist.
Nice's most recent guide for adults with ADHD suggests medication as the most commonly used treatment. There are also psychosocial therapies that can assist you and your family members cope with your ADHD symptoms, but they are not typically available through the NHS unless you are already receiving them as part of an assessment and management package.
adhd uk medication is worth remembering that there is no cure for ADHD however, the appropriate medication can ease your symptoms and make it easier to live in a society that isn't set up to accommodate neurodiversity. Ultimately, though, it's your choice to take ADHD medications, and your psychiatrist should not pressure you to take one or the other. Many people choose to pursue therapy instead and discover that it's sufficient to treat their ADHD symptoms. If you decide to use medication, it should be under the supervision of a specialist psychiatrist who knows the risks and benefits. The psychiatrist can assist you and your family members develop ways of coping that will allow you manage any remaining symptoms and avoid issues in the future.