Adult ADHD Medication
While ADHD medication can aid in manage symptoms, it is not a cure. Psychological interventions, particularly in the most deprived areas, are recommended.
NHS prescriptions for CNS stimulants and medications for ADHD increased during the Covid pandemic, which quadrupled compared to previous years. However, variations in the prescriptions and referrals are apparent by region.
What is ADHD?
Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in many areas of a person's life. They may experience difficulties at work as well as in their relationships and with their self-esteem. They could be at risk of developing a variety of comorbid disorders such as depression, anxiety or substance misuse.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must have at least five of the three categories below:
The most obvious symptoms of ADHD include:
Trouble focusing on schoolwork or at work. Making careless errors at work or with homework assignments. Trouble finishing assignments, or getting bored with them quickly. Finding it difficult to remember important dates, phone numbers or other important information. You might be having difficulty with household chores and other responsibilities. Having trouble keeping the time, or not attending appointments or meetings. Having trouble sitting still for long periods of time. When you are talking to other people, it is difficult to keep your eyes on them or appear to be ignoring them.
People who have the most hyperactive symptoms of ADHD may exhibit some of the following symptoms:
Hyperactivity and an impulsive nature can make it difficult to get organized and accomplish daily tasks, so some people suffering from ADHD come up with strategies to conceal their issues. They might not talk about their problems with family members or friends, and they might not seek help until their problems get serious enough to affect their lives.
If you suffer from ADHD isn't easy to cope with in the early years, but it may not cause issues until the age of adulthood when new demands and stressors become a factor. Teachers and parents may miss the signs, or mistakenly diagnose them as a mental illness such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse disorder.
To determine if someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a health professional will evaluate the patient using clinical interviews and behavioral scales. They will also consider family history, current medical problems and other causes that could be a factor in a person's challenges. They will then come up with a diagnosis based on the criteria set out by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Adults with ADHD are often treated with medication. Most commonly prescribed medications include stimulants. These increase the levels in the brain of certain neurotransmitters, and improve attention span, impulsivity and hyperactivity, while reducing hyperactivity. They can be consumed orally or via injection, and a psychiatrist will monitor the effects of medications and adjust dosages to find the best balance for each individual.
Other non-medicated treatments for adults suffering from ADHD include support groups, behavioural therapy and lifestyle modifications. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and avoiding drinking, caffeine or sugar in the hours before the time of bed can help reduce symptoms. Some adults may find that an employee coach can assist them in managing their symptoms while at work. The Department for Work and Pensions also has a program called Access to Work, which can offer financial assistance and other services to assist with workplace adjustments.
Stimulant drugs
The most well-known type of medication used to treat ADHD is stimulant drugs. They are designed to alter the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that influence attention and hyperactivity. They are quick-acting and start to work within 45-60 minutes.
These drugs are the preferred first choice for people diagnosed with ADHD in adults. They are relatively safe, generally tolerant and have been proven to decrease the symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. They are not a cure and should only be utilized in combination with psychoeducation, therapy, and ongoing support.
It is important to note that these medications do have side effects. These can include the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. These medicines may also increase the risk for seizures in teenagers and children. These medicines may also cause sudden death in people with underlying cardiovascular conditions such as conduction disorder and cardiomyopathy.
Non-stimulants and stimulants are both approved medications to treat adult ADHD. Stimulants are drugs that stimulate the body's systems and in low doses, have been proven to be beneficial to the main characteristics of ADHD. Three stimulant drugs have been approved in the UK; Methylphenidate (e.g. Ritalin Concerta, Ritalin) and two classes of amphetamine-based substances, dexamfetamine (e.g. Adderall, Dexedrine) and Lisdexamfetamine (e.g. Elvanse, Vyvanse). Atomoxetine is a "prodrug with an attached protein that the body removes to release dexamfetamine.
Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine and guanfa are less frequently used but are extremely effective. best medication for adhd work by enhancing the chemical signal between nerves, which depends on neurotransmitters like noradrenaline or dopamine for sending messages. They can take longer to effect than stimulants but can be extremely beneficial for people with co-occurring ADHD and depression or anxiety.
It is important to have a formal diagnosis by a psychiatrist with experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. Before starting any new medication, this must be done. It is also a good idea to have an experienced doctor who can help you with the medication by scheduling regular appointments. These are particularly crucial when you are considering starting a new medications since a GP can check for possible issues that could arise with the initial start up of treatment.
GPs can also assist in identifying and reporting the symptoms of ADHD. These symptoms can be used to decide whether further investigation is needed and what treatments are the most suitable.
It is important for those with undiagnosed ADHD to be aware that the diagnosis can have a serious effect on one's life and career as well as relationships. People who aren't diagnosed and not treated can suffer from extensive, long-lasting negative consequences that can be difficult to reverse. If you suspect that your child or yourself may be suffering from ADHD it is essential that you talk to your GP as soon as possible.