medication for autism and adhd For Adults UK
There are two types of ADHD treatment: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants raise and balance levels of chemical in the brain that regulate attention and impulsivity.
Adult ADHD medications are controlled substances, and only a specialist ADHD clinician can prescribe them. Your GP cannot. They are usually prescribed for a period of six weeks before changing or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Adults suffering from ADHD are primarily treated with medication. The choice of medications is much more extensive than it was when ADHD was first recognized as an illness. In the UK and other countries in Europe psychiatrists are able to treat ADHD with a range of choices.
They are usually prescribed as an initial course of action, and these drugs enhance the activity of the regions of the brain responsible for attention, motivation and mood. medication for inattentive adhd reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. They can be taken as short or long-acting tablets, also known as immediate or modified release, and are generally effective at treating the symptoms of ADHD rapidly.
The two most common stimulants are methylphenidate also called Ritalin amphetamines salts (Adderall). The tablets are available in immediate release or extended release depending on your preference and severity of symptoms. These are controlled drugs, which means that they can only be purchased on prescription and will need to be monitored closely.
Other medications are also prescribed to treat adults with ADHD. These include the guanfacine (marketed under the names Vyvanse or Concerta) and Lisdexamfetamine. These drugs affect different regions of the brain to enhance attention and make focusing easier and also help reduce blood pressure. These are less likely than methylphenidate and amphetamine to cause side effects, so they may be beneficial to people who have experienced these.
Other medication options include antidepressants and a range of anti-anxiety drugs, however these are usually only considered as a second-line option for those who are unable to relieve the symptoms using stimulants or other medication. Psychologists also recommend therapy conjunction with medication because it is difficult to alter negative coping mechanisms that have been in place for a long time with medication.
It is vital to keep in mind that taking medication for ADHD is a individual choice, and no psychiatrist should ever force a patient into it. A specialist psychiatrist will adjust dosages according to the individual's needs to avoid serious consequences. The proper balance between therapy and medication can enhance your life quality. However, it's important to consult a psychiatrist prior to taking any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be disruptive and severe in all aspects of daily life in order to qualify for a clinical referral for diagnosis and assessment. This includes home, school and work, as well as social life. Talk to your GP If you or your child believes they might have ADHD. Ask for an appointment.
TB declares consulting or advisory roles with Actelion Hexal Pharma Lilly, Medice Novartis Otsuka PCM Scientific, Hogrefe Kohlhammer, Medice Oxford Outcomes; speaker's fees or conference support from Medice as well as grants and royalties from Shire. DC declares personal fees from Shire and Viforpharma and grants from Oxford University Press and Servier; and research collaboration with Medice, Otsuka and Novartis.