ADHD Medication - What You Need to Know
The number of people in England taking ADHD medication has increased significantly. Diagnoses of the condition have reached record levels. The medications are prescribed by GPs to aid adults and children with the condition, improving their concentration and reducing hyperactivity.
Practices are asked to identify patients affected by supply issues and to add alerts to their clinical records. Patients can use leaflets on patient information or a simple leaflet to aid them in their conversations.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is mental health issue that affects individuals differently than others. It can lead to problems in learning, organization and staying focused on work that requires working memory. People with ADHD also have difficulty paying attention in conversations or following instructions at school or at work. They can make costly mistakes if they are not careful. They have trouble waiting for their turn, and they might blurt out answers before the person who is speaking is finished.
The symptoms begin in childhood. To be diagnosed with ADHD one must have at least six ongoing symptoms that are noticeable and interfere with the flow of daily functioning in two or more settings (for instance, at home, school, work). People who suffer from ADHD can be extremely successful as adults, but many struggle when they have to handle more demanding jobs, while balancing relationships, and managing household chores.
It is not uncommon for this condition to go undiagnosed in the early years of childhood, especially in girls and women. Teachers and parents might not be aware of the symptoms for males or boys because they are subtler. If the child is diagnosed with the condition, he or she might be prescribed medication.
Many of the medications used to treat ADHD help by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters within the brain. These chemicals aid the brain to regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is one of most frequently prescribed ADHD drugs. It is believed to improve concentration by reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Those with ADHD are more likely to have other issues, including depression bipolar disorder, anxiety, or addictions. ADHD can also cause financial issues if it is not treated. This is due to inadequate time management, missing an appointments, late payments and impulse purchases.
The best option if you think you have ADHD is to talk to your GP. They won't be able to diagnose you in a formal manner, but they can refer you to an expert. Alternatively, you can ask to see a private clinic, which provides assessments and prescriptions for ADHD medications. These are dispensed to your local pharmacy for you to pick up, just as any other prescription.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD are evident early in children aged between 3 and 6, and may persist until adulthood. Adults can have difficulties with relationships, education and work. It is not unusual for the condition to go undiagnosed, and individuals may find themselves being misdiagnosed as a dreamer, troublemaker or slacker. In adolescence and adulthood, it is difficult to manage symptoms. This could lead to academic inability, career failure, financial problems and issues maintaining friendships and relationships.
The signs include trouble sitting down or waiting for others, failing to finish tasks and being easily distracted. People who have the ADHD type that is primarily inattention are also susceptible to becoming bored easily and looking for new experiences. They are unable to stay focused on tasks that aren't enjoyable or rewarding, and frequently fail to follow instructions or make rash mistakes.
People with the predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD might talk out loud while they are listening to other people, interrupt or intrude on others' conversations and games, or start or stop activities without permission. They cannot wait for their turn and have difficulties in playing or engaging in leisure activities without interruption. They can be easily annoyed and are prone to jump into activities without thinking about the consequences.
The brains of those with ADHD are affected by environmental and genetic factors. Certain genes are associated with the disorder, and it is thought that a low birth weight smoking during pregnancy, as well as exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy increase the chance of having a child with ADHD. There is also evidence that certain diets can influence the way a person with ADHD behaves, although cutting out foods should not be done without medical advice.
The most commonly used medications to treat ADHD are dexamphetamine, methylphenidate, and the atomoxetine. Other medications are available and many people can switch between different medications depending on how they react and their tolerance to these medications. The Royal College of GPs warned that if the current shortages are not addressed, they would increase. Patients may not be able to receive treatment. GPs are advised to ask their local ADHD service for guidance and to discuss alternative treatment options with their patients. Some GPs and ADHD services are offering information on substitutes for methylphenidate, such as clonidine and guanfacine. It is also safe to take breaks from atomoxetine and methylphenidate, for example, on weekends However, it is essential to consult your GP or ADHD service for guidance first.
Diagnosis
ADHD is typically diagnosed by a psychiatrist following an extensive assessment, which includes descriptions of symptoms by the patient and their family members and scales or questionnaires completed by the person and their family members and teachers as well as a psychiatric history and information regarding the person's education, environment, and the environment in which they live. In many countries a psychiatrist or another mental health professional is required to determine ADHD in adults. Ask the psychiatrist about their expertise and training in adult ADHD when you decide to consult an individual doctor to begin your treatment. If a professional is reluctant to provide you with this information, be skeptical and consider seeking out another expert.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, psychiatrists or any other mental health specialist will have to determine if the symptoms have been present since childhood. To be considered a candidate for diagnosis as an adult the symptoms you experience must have impacted your life over a long period of time, and caused problems in a variety of settings. To confirm your symptoms, a specialised psychiatrist may request to look over your school records and talk to you about how your problems have affected your life.
If you decide to begin taking medication, your specialist will discuss the best dosage and schedule with you. Stimulants are among the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. They alter the levels of neurotransmitters that are present in your brain, enhancing focus and reducing impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. The typical time for these drugs is 45 to 60 minutes before they begin working and are absorbed into the bloodstream quickly.
Some people are only capable of taking certain types ADHD medications. They include methylphenidate (methylphenidate immediate release and methylphenidate 'extended release'), amphetamines and atomoxetine as well as dexamphet. The majority of people can take a break from these medicines during weekends and school holidays but you should discontinue them only upon the advice of a physician.
You should only take ADHD medication under the supervision of a medical professional. You should not share your prescription or get it from someone else. The GPs in the National Health Service must examine all new patients before prescribing medication for ADHD and the waiting list can be long. NHS England has set up an ADHD taskforce to cut down on waiting times.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD can include medication and behavioural therapy. Combined these can make a real difference for many people. The medication is safe and effective and can reduce symptoms. However it is crucial to keep in mind that it is not a cure for ADHD. It only works if used regularly.
Stimulant medications are the most frequently used treatment for ADHD for children and adults. They work by increasing neurotransmitters that enable nerve cells to communicate within the brain. These medications are available in two forms either long-acting or short-acting. The psychiatric physician carefully adjusts the dosage to ensure that the correct dosage is determined and that the side effects are appropriately managed. This is known as 'dosage optimizing'.
Modafinil and dexamphetamine, as well as atomoxe and methylphenidate are among the medications that can be used to treat ADHD. adhd and medication and guanfacine can also be used to treat ADHD. At present, there are no shortages of any of these drugs in the UK.
Co-morbidities are often present in people with ADHD which includes anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Because of this, it is recommended that individuals with a comorbidity have an integrated care plan, and that all relevant healthcare professionals are included in the care of the patient.
The NHS is working to create a new model for the treatment of adults with neurodiversity. It recognizes that not all people have the same needs and that there may be connections between physical and mental health issues. The NHS will move towards more individualised care that allows patients to access multidisciplinary teams that can assist them and address the needs in a collaborative manner.
Patients who are on primary care maintenance and have an ADHD prescription should contact their local specialist services for advice on dosage adjustments or accept that the patient be referred to an intervention break. Doctors should refrain from providing additional 30 day supplies of these medicines as this could exacerbate the supply issue.