Seven Reasons To Explain Why ADHD Medication Adults UK Is Important
ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two kinds of ADHD treatment: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants boost and balance levels of chemicals in the brain which regulate attention and impulsivity.
Adult ADHD medications are controlled substances only a specialist ADHD clinician can prescribe these medications. Your GP can't. They are usually given for a period of six weeks before changing or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Treatment with medication is the primary treatment for adults with ADHD and the range of drugs is far larger than when it was first recognised as a disorder. In the UK and other countries in Europe psychiatrists are able to treat ADHD with a range of treatments.
As a first line of treatment the doctor prescribes stimulants. These medications increase the activity of parts of the brain that control motivation, attention, and mood. They also decrease impulsivity and increase concentration. most effective adhd medication for adults are available in short-acting and long-acting tablets, also known as immediate release or modified release. They are very effective in treating ADHD symptoms quickly.
The two most frequently used stimulants are methylphenidate (better known as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). These can be taken in immediate or extended release tablets, and the type of tablet you take will depend on your preferences and the degree of your symptoms. These are 'controlled drugs', meaning that you can only get them with a prescription from a psychiatrist and they'll need to be closely monitored.
Other medications can also be prescribed to treat adult ADHD. These include the guanfacine (marketed under the brand names Vyvanse or Concerta) and lisdexamfetamine. They work on different areas of the brain to enhance focus and help in focusing and can help reduce blood pressure. These are less likely than methylphenidate or amphetamine to trigger side effects, and therefore they could be better for those who experience these.
Other medications include antidepressants as well as a variety of anti-anxiety drugs, however these are usually considered as a second-line option or for people who cannot find relief from the symptoms using stimulants or other drugs. Psychologists also recommend therapy in combination with medication, since it is impossible to change negative coping mechanisms that have been in place for a long period of time through medication.
It is crucial to keep in mind that taking medication for ADHD can be an individual choice. A psychiatrist should never force anyone into it. A specialist psychiatrist will adjust dosages to each patient's needs in order to avoid any serious side effects. Having the right balance of medication and therapy can significantly enhance your quality of life, but it is essential to see an experienced psychiatrist for a precise diagnosis before you start treatment with any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be disruptive, severe and present in multiple areas of daily life to warrant a referral to an assessment clinic for diagnosis. This includes school, work and social life. Talk with your GP in case you or your child suspects they may be suffering from ADHD. Request an appointment.
TB declares consulting or advisory roles with Actelion Hexal Pharma Lilly, Medice Novartis Otsuka PCM Scientific, Hogrefe Kohlhammer, Medice Oxford Outcomes; speaker's fees or conference support from Medice and royalties as well as grants from Shire. DC declares personal costs and grants from Shire, Viforpharma and Oxford University Press and research collaborations with Medice Otsuka and Novartis.