Why We Why We ADHD Medication For Adults UK (And You Should, Too!)

ADHD Medication For Adults UK

NHS statistics indicate that the number of adults who receive ADHD medication has tripled in recent years. This is a small percentage of people who are diagnosed with the condition.

Stimulants speed up brain activity by boosting levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline, which transmit messages between nerves. They also increase blood flow to brain cells.

Stimulants

If you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, you may require medication. This is usually the first line of therapy in the UK however, talk therapy (psychotherapy) is also highly recommended. Talk therapy can aid you and your family understand your behaviors and issues and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

see this  affect the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain - specifically dopamine and norepinephrine - that convey messages between nerves. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. There are several stimulant medications available on the NHS and methylphenidate (Ritalin) or the more recent amphetamine based medication lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) are the most common options. These drugs are effective quickly, usually within 45-60 minutes.

Some people don't like these drugs even though they've been around a long time. In fact, they can increase feelings of anxiety and insomnia in certain people. It is important to discuss any adverse effects and select an appropriate medication with your GP.

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications that work in various ways and have less harmful side effects. Atomoxetine (Strateva) is one of them. It works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline which relays messages between nerves. They are prescribed when stimulants aren't working or are too to much for the patient. They can be prescribed "off label" if it is thought that they can aid ADHD symptoms in certain individuals such as those suffering from anxiety or depression.

If your GP decides that you should take medication, they will go over the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medication for a long amount of time with you. They will also provide the best method to use the medication and keep track of your progress and dosage. This will require you to schedule fortnightly and monthly sessions with your psychiatrist.

Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD but they are the most commonly employed and recommended by Nice in their most recent guidelines for adults suffering from the condition. There are also psychosocial treatments which can help you and your family cope with your ADHD symptoms, but these are not generally available through the NHS unless you are receiving them as part of an assessment and management package.

It's important to remember that there is no cure for ADHD however, the right medication can help manage your symptoms and help you to function in a world which isn't designed to accommodate neurodiversity. Ultimately, though, it's your decision whether to take ADHD medications, and your psychiatrist isn't required to push you in one way or the other. Many people choose to pursue therapy instead and discover that it's sufficient to treat their ADHD symptoms. However, if you decide to take medication, do so under the supervision of a qualified specialist psychiatrist who understands the benefits and risks. The psychiatrist can help you and your family members create strategies for coping that can help you deal with any persistent symptoms and avoid future problems.