ADHD Medication - What You Need to Know
The number of people in England taking ADHD medication has grown dramatically. Diagnoses of the condition have reached record levels. Medications are prescribed by GPs to help adults and children with the condition, increasing concentration and decreasing hyperactivity.
Practices are asked to identify patients who are affected by supply issues and add alerts to clinical records. Patients can use patient information leaflets or a simple leaflet to aid them in their conversations.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is mental health issue that affects individuals differently than other people. It can cause problems with organizing, learning and focusing on tasks that involve working memory. People with ADHD also have difficulty being attentive in conversations or following instructions at work or school. They frequently make blunders that can be costly in the end. They have trouble waiting for their turn and may blurt out answers before the person speaking has finished.
The symptoms begin in childhood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must exhibit at least six symptoms that are evident and interfere with the flow of their daily functioning in two or more environments (for instance, at home, school, work). People who suffer from ADHD are often very successful in adulthood, but many find their struggles increase as they are able to take on more complicated jobs, managing relationships, and household chores.
It is not common for this condition to go undiagnosed throughout childhood, especially for women and girls. Parents and teachers might not be aware of the symptoms for males or boys because they are subtler. If a child has been diagnosed with this condition, they may be prescribed medication.
A lot of the drugs used to treat ADHD work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters within the brain. These chemicals aid the brain to regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is among the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication. It is believed to enhance concentration by reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity.
The people who suffer from ADHD may be more likely to have other issues, like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety or addictions. ADHD can also cause financial problems if it is not addressed. This is due to inadequate time management, missing an appointment, late payments and impulse purchases.
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, you should speak to your GP. They can't diagnose you formally however, they can refer you to an expert. You can also ask to be seen at a private clinic, which provides assessments and prescriptions for ADHD medications. They will then send them to the pharmacy in your area for you to pick up as any other prescription.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD appear early, for children between the ages of 3 and 6, and can persist into adulthood. Adults may experience difficulties with relationships, education, and work. It is not uncommon for the condition to go undiagnosed and individuals may find themselves being mistakenly identified as a dreamer, slacker or troublemaker. As you grow older or into adulthood, it is difficult to deal with symptoms. This could lead to academic inability or career failure, financial problems and problems maintaining friendships and relationships.
The symptoms include difficulty sitting still or waiting for others to finish their work, failing to finish tasks and easily becoming distracted. People with the primarily inattention kind of ADHD might also get bored quickly and seek out new experiences. They have difficulty staying focused on tasks that are not enjoyable or rewarding, and frequently miss instructions or make 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 can't wait their turn and have difficulty playing or doing leisurely activities at a secluded location. They can easily become frustrated and are often prone to jumping into things without thinking about the consequences.
Genetic and environmental factors affect the brains of ADHD sufferers. Certain genes are linked to the disorder, and it is thought that a low birth weight, smoking during pregnancy and exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy increase the risk of having a child diagnosed with ADHD. There is evidence to suggest that certain diets could influence the behavior of someone with ADHD but it is crucial to consult with a physician prior to cutting out any foods.
The main medications used to treat ADHD are dexamphetamine, methylphenidate, and the atomoxetine. Other medications are available, and many 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 get worse. Patients may not be able to receive treatment. GPs should consult their local ADHD service and discuss alternative medication options. Some doctors or ADHD services provide information on methylphenidate substitutes, such as clonidine or guanfacine. It is safe to take a break from atomoxetine and methylphenidate for example, during the weekend. However, it's recommended to talk to your GP first.
Diagnosis
ADHD is typically diagnosed by a psychiatrist following a detailed assessment, including description of symptoms from the patient and family members as well as scales or questionnaires filled out by the person and their relatives and teachers as well as a psychiatric history and details about the individual's education, environment and the environment in which they live. In many countries, a psychiatrist or another mental health professional has to determine the presence of ADHD in adults. Ask the psychiatrist about their expertise and training in adult ADHD when you decide to consult a private physician to begin your treatment. If a doctor is reluctant to give you this information, you need to be skeptical and consider seeking out another specialist.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, psychiatrists or any other mental health specialist will have to determine if the symptoms have been present since the time of your childhood. To be considered a candidate for diagnosis as an adult your symptoms must have interfered with your life for a long period of time and caused problems in various settings. To confirm your symptoms a specialised psychiatrist may request to look over your the school records and talk with you about how your troubles have affected your life.
If you decide to begin taking medication, your physician will discuss the appropriate dose and schedule with you. Stimulants, which are the most commonly used medication used to treat ADHD, are stimulants. They affect the levels of neurotransmitters within your brain. This improves your attention and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity. The typical time for these drugs is 45 to 60 minutes before they begin working and then are rapidly absorbed into bloodstreams.
Certain people are able to tolerate certain types ADHD medications. They include methylphenidate (methylphenidate 'immediate release' and methylphenidate 'extended release') amphetamines, atomoxetine, and dexamphetamine. You are able to usually take a break from these drugs on weekends and during school holidays. However you should only take it with your doctor's permission.
You should only use ADHD medications under the supervision of a certified medical professional and you should never give your prescription to anyone else or get it from anyone else. National Health Service GPs must assess all new patients for ADHD before prescribing medications. The waiting list for ADHD medications is long. NHS England has set up an ADHD taskforce to speed up the process of waiting.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD include the use of behavioural therapy and medications. Together, they can make a huge difference for many people. It is extremely effective and well-known and safe. It can help reduce symptoms. However it is crucial to remember that it is not an effective treatment for ADHD. It only works when it is taken regularly.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is stimulant medication. This is applicable to adults and children. They are effective by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain that allow nerve cells to communicate. These medications are available in two forms that are short-acting and long-acting. Psychiatrists carefully adjust the dosage of medications to ensure side effects are properly controlled and that the right dosage is prescribed. This process is known as 'dosage optimizing'.
There are a variety of different medications that can be used to treat ADHD including methylphenidate (methylphenidate immediate release, and methylphenidate extended release) and atomoxetine. There is also modafinil and dexamphetamine. Clonidine and guanfacine are sometimes also used to treat ADHD. There is add adhd medications of these medications at the moment in the UK.
Co-morbidities are common among people suffering from ADHD such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. For this reason, it is recommended that individuals with a comorbidity have an integrated care plan, and that all relevant healthcare professionals are involved in the treatment of the person.
The NHS is developing a new model of care for people with neurodiversity that recognizes that not everyone has the same requirements and that there may be connections between mental and physical issues. There will be a shift to more individualised services, with individuals having access to multidisciplinary teams that can help them and address their needs together.
Patients who are receiving primary care maintenance and have an ADHD prescription should contact their local specialist service to get advice on dosage adjustments or accept that the patient be directed to an appointment for a treatment break. Doctors are also advised not to issue any additional 30 day supplies of these medications as they could cause the supply issue.