Are You Getting The Most Value Of Your ADHD Medication For Adults UK?
ADHD Medication For Adults UK
NHS statistics reveal that the amount of adults getting ADHD medication has increased by three times in recent years. This is a tiny percentage of people diagnosed with the condition.
Stimulants boost brain activity by boosting levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and noradrenaline, which transmit messages between nerves. They also boost blood flow to the brain.
Stimulants
If you are suffering from ADHD as an adult you may need medication. This is typically the first line of treatment in the UK but talk therapy (psychotherapy) is also highly recommended. Talk therapy can help you and your family make sense of your behavior and challenges as well as assisting you develop healthy coping strategies.
Stimulants alter the quantity of neurotransmitters found in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine that transmit messages between nerves. This improves focus and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity. The NHS offers a range of stimulant drugs, but the most well-known are methylphenidate as well as the more recent amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are fast-acting and usually take between 45 and 60 minutes to start working.
Some people don't like these drugs, even though they have been around for a long time. Some people may experience increased levels of anxiety or insomnia. It is important to talk about any side effects and select a medication you like with your GP.
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications that function differently and have less side consequences. Atomoxetine (Strateva) is one of them. It functions by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline which transmits messages between nerves. These are used when stimulants aren't working or are too excessive for the patient. They may be prescribed "off label" if it is thought that they could aid in reducing ADHD symptoms in certain people, like those with anxiety and depression.
If your GP decides you need to take medication, they will go over the pros and cons of taking it for a long period of time with you. They will also outline the best way to use the medicine and will need to monitor your progress and dosage levels. This will involve fortnightly, then monthly, appointments with your psychiatrist.
Medications are not the only method to treat ADHD however they are the most widely utilized and are recommended by Nice in their most recent guidelines for adults with the condition. Psychosocial therapies can help you, your family and your friends deal with ADHD symptoms. However, they are not provided by the NHS except as part of an assessment package.
It's important to remember that there isn't a cure or treatment for ADHD. However, the right medication can manage your symptoms in a world that doesn't accept neurodiversity. In adhd medication for adults uk , it's your choice whether or not to take ADHD medications, and your psychiatrist should not pressure you in one way or the other. Many people find that therapy is enough to treat their ADHD symptoms. If you decide to take medication it should be under the guidance of an experienced psychiatrist who understands the risks and benefits. The psychiatrist can assist you and your family develop ways of coping that will allow you manage any remaining symptoms and prevent problems in the future.