How Adult ADHD Medication UK Impacted My Life The Better
Adult ADHD Medication
While ADHD medication can help to manage symptoms, it is not a cure. adhd treatment medication , particularly in the areas that are most vulnerable are highly recommended.
NHS prescriptions for CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs quadrupled during the Covid pandemic compared to previous years. However, variations in prescribing and referrals are evident by the region.
What is ADHD?
People who live with untreated ADHD are often faced with the fact that they are unable to manage the demands of daily life and this can lead to problems in many areas of their lives. They may face difficulties at work as well as in their relationships and with their self-esteem. They may also be at risk of developing a variety of comorbid disorders, such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances.
To be diagnosed with ADHD a person must display at least five of the following symptoms:
The main symptoms of ADHD that are characterized by inattention comprise:
Inability to concentrate on school or at work. Making mistakes at work or in homework assignments. Trouble finishing assignments or getting bored of them quickly. Finding it difficult to remember important dates, phone numbers or other information. Having trouble with daily tasks at home like chores, or responsibilities around the house. Trouble keeping the track of time or missing appointments and meetings. Having trouble sitting still for long periods of time. Not paying attention to others when speaking to them or seeming to be ignoring them.
People with the Primarily Hyperactive symptoms of ADHD will exhibit certain of the following symptoms:
Some people suffering from ADHD hide their ADHD by devising strategies to cover up the symptoms. They might not discuss their problems with family or friends, and they may not seek help until the issues are severe enough to impact their daily life.
ADHD can be a challenge for children to manage and may not develop into an issue until the age of adulthood when new demands and stressors come into play. Teachers and parents might not be aware of the symptoms, or misdiagnose the symptoms as mental illness like anxiety, depression 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 also take into consideration family history, current medical problems and other possible causes for a person's challenges. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence will then apply the criteria to arrive at the diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often treated with medications. The most frequently prescribed medications comprise stimulants. These increase the levels in the brain of certain neurotransmitters and increase attention span, impulsivity and hyperactivity, while reducing hyperactivity. They can be taken either orally or through injection. A psychiatrist will monitor the effects of medications and adjust dosages to determine the best dosage for each individual.
Other non-medication treatments for adults suffering from ADHD include support groups as well as behavioural therapy and lifestyle modifications. A healthy diet, regular exercise and routines, and avoiding caffeine, sugar or alcohol during the hours before bed can help to reduce symptoms. For some adults, hiring a job coach is useful for helping them manage their symptoms at work. Moreover, the Department for Work and Pensions has a scheme called Access to Work which can provide financial and practical support to assist with adjustments to the workplace.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulant drugs are the most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. These medications are designed to alter the levels of neurotransmitters that influence attention and hyperactivity in the brain. They are quick-acting and can begin to work within 45-60 minutes.
These drugs are the preferred first choice for those diagnosed with ADHD in adults. They are fairly safe, and generally tolerated. They have been shown to reduce a number of core symptoms including inattentiveness, hyperactivity and an impulsiveness. However, they aren't a cure and should be utilized as part of a plan of treatment that includes psychoeducation, therapy and ongoing support.
It is important to note that these medications do have adverse effects. These include a loss of appetite, sleeplessness and insomnia and a decrease in heartbeat and blood pressure. They can also increase the risk of seizures in adolescents and children. These medicines may also cause sudden death in patients with underlying cardiovascular conditions such as cardiomyopathy and conduction disorder.
There are two types of drug that are approved for use in treating adults with ADHD; stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are drugs that speed up the body's systems and at low doses have been found to improve the fundamental characteristics of ADHD. In the UK three stimulant medications have been approved. Methylphenidate is one of them. Ritalin, Concerta) and two classes of amphetamine-based drugs dexamfetamine (e.g. Adderall, Dexedrine and lisdexamfetamine are two amphetamine-based drugs. Elvanse, Vyvanse). There is a third "prodrug" drug which has a protein molecule attached that the body removes to release dexamfetamine. It is called Atomoxetine.
Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine and guanfacine, are not used as often, but are very effective. These drugs work by enhancing the chemical signal between nerves, that relies on neurotransmitters like dopamine or noradrenaline to send messages. They may take longer to take effect than stimulants but can be extremely beneficial for people with co-occurring ADHD and depression or anxiety.
The most crucial aspect in choosing the right drug is for an individual to be formally diagnosed by an expert psychiatrist with experience of dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders. Before starting any new medication, this should be done. It is also a good idea to have a GP who will be willing to assist with the medication with regular appointments. This is especially important when starting a new medication as a GP will be able to identify potential problems that can occur with the initial start up of treatment.
GPs can also be useful in identifying and reporting the symptoms of ADHD. They can then be used to help decide whether or it is necessary to conduct further research and also help determine which treatments are suitable.
For those with undiagnosed ADHD it is crucial to note that the diagnosis of ADHD in adults can have a significant impact on a person's lifestyle and career as well as relationships. If you are not diagnosed and untreated can develop far-reaching negative, long-lasting effects that are difficult to reverse. If you think that your child or yourself may have ADHD it is essential to speak with your GP as soon as possible.