ADHD UK Medication
Millions of people with ADHD are struggling to obtain their prescribed medication due to shortages. This has a significant impact on their lives.
Fortunately, the NHS has a strategy that is in place to minimize delays and assist those who are waiting for an assessment. The strategy is a combination of psychoeducation and psychosocial support, as well as other treatment options.
Medication
In the UK there are approximately 2.6 million people who are diagnosed with ADHD. About 200k are on medication. The remainder manage their symptoms with talking therapy or other methods. There are two types of drugs: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most commonly used medications used to treat ADHD and are effective by enhancing the activity of parts of the brain responsible for attention and behaviour. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate amphetamines and dextroamphetamines (Adderall) as well as lisdexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. They are available in immediate release or extended-release forms. Some patients may experience a temporary decrease in appetite, as well as an increase in heart rate. There is also the possibility of stunting growth in children who are taking these medications, but it is rare and usually minor.
Modafinil and atomoxetine are both non-stimulant drugs. These sedatives act on the brain's "reward circuit" and may reduce the impulsive or hyperactive behavior. These drugs are generally thought of as safer than stimulants and can be taken for extended durations of time. Some of the side effects include sleepiness and a loss of appetite. They also can reduce the frequency of tics (repetitive movements or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing). They can also affect blood pressure and heart rate.
There are some who are skeptical about the use medications to treat ADHD. They fear that it could become too medicated. Others have concerns about the possibility of addiction. Some parents in the US have also expressed concern about their children taking ADHD medication to improve their school performance. However, experts believe that despite increasing prescription rates, the UK is not among the top prescribers in the world.
It is essential to speak with a psychiatrist prior to taking any medication to treat ADHD. They are the only mental health professionals who can provide you an official diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription for medication. It's also important to keep in mind that you don't need to take any medication as it's a individual choice. Many people decide to try talking therapy before taking medication, or choose not to take any at all.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is a form of mental health education that can help people to understand and manage their mental health. It is also an effective method of reducing stigma and facilitating client participation in treatment. Psychoeducation may be delivered in the form of group discussions, written materials like workbooks or brochures and mindfulness exercises. It can also be used in role-playing, mindfulness games and other methods to assist clients in processing information in an approach that is understandable to them.
best medication for adhd is often paired with psychoeducation in order to maximise the impact of each. Utilizing a technique known as motivational interviewing, the therapist helps the client determine their willingness to change their behavior and how they can make these changes with the help of family, friends and other support networks. The therapist can assist the client establish measurable and achievable goals that align with their values and treatment plan.
A variety of medications are available for treating ADHD which includes stimulants as well as non-stimulants. The dosage of the medication is based on many aspects, including the patient's symptoms and their lifestyle. Medications are generally carefully titrated and monitored to ensure the right dosage is taken.
The therapist might also suggest adjustments to the environment to help the client live their lives. They will differ based on the individual, but may include seating arrangements that are less distracting, optimizing the school or workplace environment to allow for movement breaks or ensuring that verbal requests are backed up with written instructions (e.g. Cards that say "I need a break" can be used to assist people with ADHD learn to manage social and interpersonal situations which can be stressful.
The therapist may also give advice on effective self-management techniques like relaxation, stress reduction, and communication skills improvement. These strategies are particularly useful for people who suffer from mental illness that is co-occurring with disorders or who have waited for a long time to visit a specialist and be diagnosed.
Psychoeducation can be beneficial to anyone living with a mental illness, including the diagnosed individual as well as their family members, friends and other loved ones. By providing them with information that they are empowered and in control of their own treatment and can enhance the quality of life.
Behaviour therapy
It is important for children and adolescents with ADHD to receive psychosocial support along with medication. This may include behavioural therapy, which focuses on teaching more beneficial behaviours and transforming negative thoughts and emotions. It could also be a combination of things, such as teaching parenting and classroom management techniques, or modeling (where the therapist displays a non-fearful reaction to a negative situation).
Behaviour therapy can help you or your child understand the implications of being diagnosed with ADHD. It can help you understand the condition how to manage it, and build an environment of support. Sometimes a psychologist will do it but an occupational or social therapy can also be involved.
If you or your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, there will probably be a discussion about which medicines and therapies are best suited to you. Stimulants are the most common and are usually prescribed first, unless there's an excellent reason not to do so, like your health condition or previous experiences with medication. They increase brain activity areas that regulate attention and behavior. They can be either short or long-acting and are typically administered as tablets, either immediately release (small doses taken three or four times per day) or modified-release (one tablet taken in the morning and the drug released throughout the day).
In the UK, the three most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD are dexamfetamine dimesylate atomoxetine (also called Ritalin), and methylphenidate chloride. CPRD research shows that the use of these medications has increased significantly since 1995. The most significant increase was in the last few years.
Some people report having difficulties obtaining ADHD medications due to the Adderall shortages. This can be disruptive for adults who depend on these medications to be calmer and focus better at work or school. Many people are reporting that they are rationing their medications or storing it to avoid the inconvenience. The Royal College of Psychiatrists said that it was "extremely concerned" by the impact of this situation, since it affects people who need to be able to access their essential medication.
Other Treatments
The NHS offers a variety of medications for people suffering from ADHD. The stimulants are typically the first prescriptions given. They increase the activity of the brain, which can improve attention span and reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. They are a type of drug known as controlled substances since they can be addictive. They are usually prescribed by a psychiatrist and will be closely monitored for side effects to find the right dose.
The stimulants include methylphenidate also known as Ritalin, Lisdexamfetamine and Atomoxetine. They all function in similarly, by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters to improve concentration and reduce impulsive behavior. They can cause a variety of adverse effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure which is why they should not be used by those with cardiovascular issues that are pre-existing. They can also cause you to feel anxious and nervous and in certain instances they may cause weight loss.
In the UK there are more people being diagnosed with ADHD than ever before and there is a surge in prescriptions for medications. The data from the NHS show that 278,000 people were prescribed central nervous system stimulants as well as drugs for ADHD between March 2021 and March 2024. Most of them were females aged 25-40.
The increase in prescriptions can be attributed to better diagnosis and awareness. However, the number could be misleading since it includes prescriptions for private use and prescriptions for prisons. Doctors have been warned against prescribing too much of these drugs.
There are several other therapies available alongside medication which can help improve the symptoms of many sufferers of ADHD. Psychoeducation is one of them, and it can help children, teenagers and adults to understand their condition. It can also assist them to deal with the impact it can have on their lives. Behaviour therapy is another option, and it involves identifying types of behaviours you would like to encourage, such as eating at the table. Rewards are then given to the person for exhibiting these behaviors.
Psychoeducation and behavior therapy are effective for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD that has been misdiagnosed or not treated. It is crucial to keep in mind that medication is an integral part of the care of many people suffering from undiagnosed or mistreated ADHD.