ADHD Medication For Adults UK
There are two kinds of medications used to treat ADHD which are stimulants and non-stimulants. They can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity, inattentiveness and hyperactivity by altering brain chemical levels.
Psychiatrists are careful to adjust the dosage of these medications to each patient. They also review the side effects to ensure the dosage is effective.
Stimulants
Stimulants are, as their name suggests, are a group of drugs that enhance the activity of the central nervous system. They are commonly used to enhance alertness and awareness, wakefulness as well as motivation, cognition and arousal as well to improve productivity and mood. Stimulants (also known as psychostimulants or uppers) are found in a wide range of everyday substances, like nicotine, caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines, and methylphenidate.
Currently, methylphenidate is the most common drug treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Methylphenidate enhances brain activity areas that are involved with controlling behavior and attention. Methylphenidate can be found in tablets that can be taken 2 to 3 times a day, or modified-release tablets which can be taken just once a week, and release an amount of the drug throughout the day.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Lisdexamfetamine is believed to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. However, it may not tolerated equally. best adhd medication for adults is therefore recommended by NICE as a second-line treatment or as an addition therapy to a mix of other treatments.
Other treatments for adults with ADHD include psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy. Psychological treatment has been shown to decrease symptoms of ADHD and improve functioning, particularly in the workplace. Unfortunately, the lack of funding or service capacity can prevent people with ADHD from receiving the mental assistance they require.
A recent national survey conducted by University of Exeter researchers highlights huge variations in access to treatment for ADHD for adults. The results show that many people miss out on the treatment they need, often because they cannot get referred from their GP to have an assessment. This could be because the GP doesn't think the person is suffering from ADHD, or because they believe their difficulties are caused by a different illness such as anxiety or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting an appointment, you could get an independent assessment through the NHS or private healthcare. You can also try to seek assistance from an area self-help group or charity. Many of these organizations offer workshops for adults with ADHD or provide information and resources to their members. If you have ADHD and are having difficulty working, you may also be eligible for financial assistance through the Department for Work and Pensions Access to Work Scheme. This will help you to pay for special equipment or adjustments to your workplace. For more information on this, go to the official website of the government. It is important to note however, that not every person who uses these services succeeds in applying for funding. In some instances it could take months or even years to get an application to the scheme. Therefore, it is important to be patient and persistent with your application. If you are thinking of applying, it's a good idea to discuss the subject with a professional prior making your decision. They can give you more details on what you can expect and how to make a strong application.