ADHD UK Medication
Millions of people suffering from ADHD are struggling to obtain their prescribed medication due to shortages. This is having a major impact on their lives.
The NHS has a plan to reduce delays and support those waiting for an evaluation. The strategy combines psychoeducation and psychosocial support, as well as other treatments.
Medication
In the UK, there are around 2.6 million people diagnosed with ADHD. Of those, only about 200 are receiving medication. The remainder manage their symptoms with talking therapy or other methods. There are two types of medications that can be classified as stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD, and work by increasing the activity in areas of the brain that control the behavior and attention. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). They are available in immediate-release and extended-release versions. They can cause some people to experience a temporary drop in appetite and can also increase heart rate. These medicines can also cause growth stunting, however it is rare and usually minor.
Modafinil and atomoxetine are both non-stimulant medications. They are sedatives that have an effect on the brain's reward circuit' and may reduce hyperactive and impulsive behaviours. These medications are considered to be less harmful than stimulants and can be taken over a long period of time. Some side effects include sleepiness and a decrease in appetite. They can also decrease the frequency of tics, which is repeated movements or sounds like eye blinking and throat clearing. They can also impact heart rate and blood pressure.
Some people are skeptical regarding the use of drugs to treat ADHD, worried that it will be over-medicalised. Others have concerns about the risk of addiction. Parents in the US have also expressed concern about their children taking ADHD medications to improve their school performance. However, experts claim that despite rising prescription rates in the UK, the UK is not among the highest prescribers in the world.
It is crucial to talk with a psychiatrist before taking any medication to treat ADHD. They are the only mental health professionals who can offer you a formal diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription for medication. It's also important to remember that you don't have to take any medication - it is a personal choice. Many people choose to explore talking therapy prior to taking medication, or choose not to take any at all.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is an educational method that helps people to understand and manage mental illness. It is also an effective method of helping to reduce stigma and increase participation in treatment. Psychoeducation could take the form of group discussions, written materials such as brochures or workbooks as well as mindfulness exercises, role-playing and other methods to aid clients in processing information the way that makes sense to them.
Psychotherapy is often combined with psychoeducation in order to maximize the impact of each. add adhd medications uses a technique called Motivational Interviewing to assist the client in determining the willingness to change. They also discuss ways the client can make this happen with the help of their family and friends as well as other support networks. The therapist can help the client set measurable and achievable goals that are in line with their values and treatment plan.
A variety of medications are available for treating ADHD that include stimulants and non-stimulants. The kind of medication prescribed is contingent on several aspects, including the severity of the symptoms and lifestyle. The dosages of medicines are usually carefully titrated and monitored to ensure the right dosage is administered.
In addition to medication, the counselor may suggest changes to the environment to help clients live their daily 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 breaks during movement or ensuring that verbal requests are reinforced by writing instructions (e.g. cards that say "I need a rest" can be used to help those with ADHD learn to manage social and interpersonal situations, which are often overwhelming.
The therapist may also give suggestions on self-management strategies that work like stress reduction, relaxation, and improving communication skills. These strategies are particularly beneficial for those suffering from a mental illness that is co-occurring with disorders or who have waited for a long time to see a specialist and get diagnosed.
Psychoeducation can be beneficial to anyone living with a mental illness, including the diagnosed individual as well as their family members and other loved ones. By empowering them with knowledge that can help improve their quality of life.
Behaviour therapy
It is essential for children and adolescents with ADHD to receive psychosocial assistance along with medication. This could include behaviour therapy, which focuses on teaching more helpful behaviours and changing negative thoughts and emotions. It could also involve a combination of things, like teaching parenting skills, behavioural classroom management, or behaviour modelling (where the therapist demonstrates an unfearful reaction to the negative circumstances).
Behaviour therapy can aid you or your child make sense of being diagnosed with ADHD. It will aid you in understanding the condition, how to manage and create a network of support. Sometimes, a psychologist can do it, but a social worker or occupational therapy can also be involved.
There is likely to be a discussion when you or your child have been diagnosed with ADHD. This will cover which treatments and medications are most beneficial for you. Stimulants are the most common and are typically prescribed first, unless there is an excellent reason not to do so, like your health condition or previous experiences with medications. These work by increasing activity in the parts of the brain that regulate attention and behaviour. They can be either short or long-acting and are usually given as tablets, either in immediate release (small doses taken twice or three times a day) or modified-release (one tablet taken in the morning with the drug released throughout the day).
In the UK, the most common treatments for ADHD are methylphenidate hydrochloride (commonly known by its brand name Ritalin) along with atomoxetine, dimesylate dexamfetamine. CPRD data shows that the use of these drugs has grown dramatically since 1995, with the greatest increase occurring in recent years.
Adderall shortages have led some people to have difficulty getting ADHD medication. This can be very disruptive especially for adults who rely on these medicines to help them feel more calm and perform better in school or at work. Many people are reporting having to ration their medications or stockpiling it to avoid the inconvenience. The Royal College of Psychiatrists said that it was "extremely concerned' by the consequences of this situation, as it affects those who require to have access to their essential medication.
Other Treatments
The NHS offers a variety of medications for those suffering from ADHD. The stimulants are typically the first prescriptions given. They boost the activity of the brain, which can improve concentration and reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. These are categorized as controlled substances, because they are addictive. They are normally prescribed by a psychiatrist and must be monitored carefully for side-effects to determine the proper dosage.
Stimulants include methylphenidate (known by its brand name Ritalin), lisdexamfetamine, and the amphetamine-based medication atomoxetine. They all function in similar to each other, increasing the levels of neurotransmitters to improve concentration and reduce the impulsive behavior. They can have a number of adverse effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, so they are not recommended for people who have pre-existing cardiovascular problems. They can also make you feel jittery and anxious and in some instances they can cause weight loss.
In the UK, more adults are being diagnosed with ADHD than ever before and there is a rise in prescriptions for medications. The figures from the NHS indicate that 278,000 patients were prescribed central nervous system stimulants and drugs for ADHD between March 2021 to March 2024. Most of them were women, aged 25-40.
The increasing number of prescriptions has been linked to better diagnosis and awareness, but the numbers can be misleading as it includes private prescriptions and the ones used in prisons. Doctors have been warned against over prescribing these medications.
There are many other treatments available along with medication that could help improve the symptoms of many people suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation is one of them, and it can help children, teenagers, and adults understand their condition. It can also help them cope with the impact it has on their lives. Behaviour therapy is another, and it involves identifying the types of behaviour that you want to encourage, like eating at the table. Rewards are then given to the person for exhibiting these behaviors.
Many people who have undiagnosed or mistreated ADHD benefit from a mix of treatment methods, including psychoeducation and behaviour therapy. However, it is important to note that for a majority of adults medications are an integral element of their treatment.