ADHD Medication For Adults UK
According to NHS statistics, the amount of adults taking ADHD medication has tripled over the last few years. However, this is only a tiny fraction of people who are diagnosed with the condition.
Stimulants boost brain activity by increasing levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline which transmit messages between nerves. adhd and anxiety medication increase blood flow to brain cells.
Stimulants
If you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, you might require medication. In the UK, this is the standard first option for treatment. However, talking therapy (psychotherapy), is also highly recommended. Talk therapy can aid you and your family understand your behavior and challenges and develop healthy coping methods.
Stimulants alter the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine - that transmit messages between nerves. This improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. There are many stimulant medications available on the NHS and methylphenidate (Ritalin) or the more recent amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) are the most commonly used options. These medications are fast-acting and typically take 45 to 60 minutes to begin working.
Some people don't like these drugs even though they've been around for a long time. In fact, they can cause increased agitation and insomnia in some people. This is why it's important to discuss any adverse effects with your GP and find a medication that works for you.
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications that work in different ways and come with less severe adverse effects. Atomoxetine (Strateva) is one of them. It works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter naradrenaline that transmits signals between nerves. They are used when stimulants haven't worked or are too much for the body. They are prescribed "off label" in the event that it is believed that they can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms for certain people such as those suffering from anxiety or depression.
If your GP recommends medication, he or she will discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages. They will also discuss the best way to take the medication and will need to monitor your improvement and dosage levels. This means you'll have to schedule fortnightly and monthly appointments with your psychiatrist.
The use of medication is not the only way to treat ADHD but they are the most commonly used and recommended by Nice in their most recent guidance for adults suffering from the condition. There are also psychosocial therapies which can help you and your family members cope with your ADHD symptoms, but these are not generally offered by 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 ease your symptoms and make it easier to live in a society that's not designed to accommodate neurodiversity. Ultimately, though, it's your choice to use ADHD medication and your doctor shouldn't pressure you to take one or the other. Many people find that therapy is sufficient to manage their ADHD symptoms. If you do decide to take medication, this should be under the guidance of a qualified specialist psychiatrist who understands the benefits and risks involved. The psychiatrist can help you and your loved ones create strategies for coping to help you manage any symptoms that persist and avoid future issues.