Who's The World's Top Expert On ADHD Medication Adults UK?
ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two types of ADHD treatment: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants increase and balance levels of chemicals in the brain that regulate the impulsivity and attention.
Adult ADHD medications are controlled substances only a specialist ADHD physician can prescribe these medications. Your GP is not able to prescribe them. They are usually given for a period of six weeks before changing or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
The main treatment is medication for adults suffering from ADHD and the selection of drugs is much larger than when it was first identified as a disorder. In the UK and other countries in Europe, psychiatrists can treat ADHD with a range of choices.
Stimulants are often prescribed as an initial course of action and enhance the activity of the regions of the brain that regulate attention, motivation and mood. They also reduce impulsivity and increase concentration. Iampsychiatry are available in short-acting or long-acting tablets. They are also referred to as immediate release or modified release. They are effective in treating ADHD symptoms quickly.
The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate, also called Ritalin amphetamines and salts (Adderall). These can be taken in immediate or extended release tablets, and the kind of tablet you take will depend on your preferences and the severity of your symptoms. These are 'controlled drugs' which means that you can only purchase them through a prescription from a psychiatrist, and they must be monitored closely.
Other medications can also be prescribed to treat adults with ADHD. These include guanfacine (marketed under the brand names Vyvanse or Concerta) and Lisdexamfetamine. They work on different areas of the brain to improve attention and make focusing easier and can help reduce blood pressure. In general, they are less likely to cause side effects than the methylphenidate and amphetamine salts, so they may be more suitable for those who suffer from these.
Other options for treatment include antidepressants as well as a variety of anti-anxiety medications, but these are usually only considered as a second-line option or for people who are unable to relieve the symptoms with stimulants or other medications. Psychologists also recommend therapy in combination with medication, since it is difficult to alter negative coping mechanisms that have been in place for a long period of time by taking medication.
It is vital to remember that taking medication for ADHD is always a individual decision and no doctor should ever force patients to take it. A specialist psychiatrist will adjust dosage to meet the needs of each patient to prevent serious unwanted side effects. Finding the right balance of therapy and medication can greatly improve your life quality, but it is essential to see an experienced psychiatrist for a precise diagnosis prior to starting treatment with any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be disruptive, severe and present in a variety of areas of daily life to warrant a referral to an assessment clinic and diagnosis. This includes school, home and work, as well as social life. If you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD, talk to your GP and ask for a referral to an NHS clinic that is specialized in the management of neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD.
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; royalties and grants from Shire. DC declares personal expenses from Shire and Viforpharma as well as grants from Oxford University Press and Servier; and research collaboration with Medice, Otsuka and Novartis.