ADHD Medication - What You Need to Know
The number of people who are taking ADHD medication in England has risen dramatically, with diagnoses of the condition reaching record levels. GPs prescribe medications to aid adults and children who suffer from the condition. These medications boost concentration and reduce hyperactivity.
Practitioners are asked to recognize patients impacted by the supply issues and add alerts to their clinical records. Leaflets on patient information as well as an easy to read leaflet are available to support discussions with patients.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a mental illness that affects a variety of people. It causes trouble with learning, organizing and focusing on tasks that require memory. People with ADHD aren't able to pay attention to instructions or conversations at work or school. They are often guilty of making mistakes that can be costly in the long run. They have trouble waiting for their turn, and they may blurt out answers before the person who is speaking has finished speaking.
Symptoms begin in childhood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must show at least six symptoms that are evident and interfere with the flow of daily functioning in more than one setting (for example, school, home, or work, etc.). People with ADHD can be extremely accomplished as adults, however many struggle as they take on more complex jobs, balancing relationships, and managing household chores.
It is not common for this condition to go undiagnosed throughout childhood, particularly for women and girls. Parents and teachers may not be aware of the signs in boys or men because they are less obvious. If a child is diagnosed the disease, he or she could be prescribed medication.
Many medications used to treat ADHD increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. These chemicals regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is known under the brand name Ritalin, is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. It is believed to boost concentration by reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity.
People suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from other disorders, like depression or anxiety. They could also be more prone to addictions. ADHD can also cause financial problems if not treated. This is due to poor time management, a missed appointments, late payments and impulse purchases.
The best way to proceed if you think you have ADHD is to speak with your GP. They won't be able to diagnose you officially however they can refer you to an expert. You can also ask to see a private clinic, which offers evaluations and prescriptions for ADHD medication. These are dispensed to your local pharmacy for you to pick up, just like other prescriptions.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of ADHD begin early, for children between the ages of 3 and 6 years old, and can continue until adulthood. Adults can have difficulties with relationships, education, and work. It is not uncommon for the condition to be not diagnosed. Some people may end up being misdiagnosed and labelled as a dreamer, slacker or troublemaker. As they grow older and become adults individuals may find it harder to manage their symptoms and this can lead to academic or career failure or financial problems, as well as difficulties maintaining relationships with friends and romantic partners.
Symptoms include trouble sitting still or waiting for others to finish their work, not being able to finish tasks, and easily becoming distracted. People who have the ADHD type that is mostly inattentive may also be prone to getting bored easily and seeking out new experiences. They can't focus on tasks that don't seem interesting or rewarding. They also tend to forget instructions and commit 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 they have trouble playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly. They are easily frustrated and are often prone to jumping into activities without considering the consequences.
The brains of people with ADHD are affected by environmental and genetic factors. 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 likelihood of having a child with ADHD. There is adhd without medication to suggest that certain diets may affect the behavior of people with ADHD but it is important to consult with a physician prior to cutting out any food.
The most commonly used medications to treat ADHD are methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine. There are a variety of other medications available, and people can switch between them depending on their tolerance and reaction. The Royal College of GPs warned that if current shortages were not addressed, they would get worse. Patients may not be able to receive treatment. Doctors are advised to consult their local ADHD service for guidance and to discuss alternative treatment options with their patients. Some doctors or ADHD services offer information on methylphenidate substitutes, such as clonidine or guanfacine. It is safe to take breaks from atomoxetine and methylphenidate for instance, during the weekend, but it is important to speak with your GP or ADHD service for guidance first.
Diagnosis
A psychiatrist will diagnose ADHD following a thorough examination. This will include a thorough description of the symptoms provided by the patient and their family members, questionnaires and scales that are completed by the person, their relatives, and teachers, as well as an psychiatric history and details about the person's upbringing, education, and environment. In many countries, a psychiatrist or another mental health professional is required to diagnose ADHD in adults. Ask the psychiatrist about their knowledge and experience in adult ADHD when you decide to consult an individual doctor to begin treatment. Refusal to provide this information should be taken as suspicious, and you should seek a different professional.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, an audiologist or mental health specialist will have to determine if the symptoms have been present since the age of. To be considered for diagnosis as an adult your symptoms should have affected your life over a long period of time and caused problems in various environments. To confirm your symptoms an expert psychiatrist might ask to review school records and speak to you about how your issues have affected your life.
If you decide to start taking medication, your doctor will discuss the appropriate dose and schedule with you. Stimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD. They alter the levels of neurotransmitters in your brain, increasing focus and reducing impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. These medications typically take between 45 and 60 minutes to kick in and are quickly absorbed into your bloodstream.
Some people can only tolerate certain kinds of ADHD medications. They include amphetamines, methylphenidate (including methylphenidate "immediate release" and methylphenidate "extended release") and atomoxetine and dexamphetamine. Most people can take breaks from these drugs during weekends and school holidays but you should only stop taking them with an advice from a doctor.
You should only take ADHD medication under the supervision of an expert medical professional. It is not advisable to share your prescription or get it from someone else. The National Health Service's GPs must evaluate every new patient before prescribing medications for ADHD and the waiting lists can be long. NHS England has set up an ADHD taskforce to speed up the process of waiting.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD include behavioural therapy and medication. Both of these treatments can be extremely beneficial for many people. It is extremely effective and well-known and safe, and can reduce symptoms. However, it is important to remember that it is not an effective treatment for ADHD. It only works when it is taken regularly.
Stimulant drugs are the most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD in adults and children. They help by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters in the brain that enable nerve cells to communicate. They are available in two forms either long-acting or short-acting. Psychiatrists carefully adjust the dosage of medications to ensure that side effects are properly managed and that the correct dosage prescribed. This process is called 'dosage optimizing'.
Modafinil, dexamphetamine, atomoxetine and methylphenidate are all drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. ADHD is sometimes treated with medications such as clonidine or Guanfacine. At present, there are no shortages of either of these drugs in the UK.
Co-morbidities are common among people suffering from ADHD such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Because of this, it is recommended that individuals with a comorbidity have an integrated plan of care, and that all relevant healthcare professionals are involved in the treatment of the person.
The NHS is currently developing a new model of care for adults suffering from neurodiversity, which recognizes that not all people have the same requirements and that there may be links between physical health and mental issues. The NHS will shift towards more individualised treatment, where people can access multidisciplinary teams that can help them and address the needs in partnership.
Patients who are on primary care maintenance and are currently on an ADHD prescription should contact their local specialist services for advice on dosage adjustment or accept that the patient be directed to an appointment for a treatment break. GPs should also refrain from giving out additional supplies of 30 days of these medicines as this could increase the problem of supply.