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ADHD Medication in the UK Many things can happen to a person who takes medication for ADHD. They can experience a loss of appetite and a feeling that food tastes not as good. The drugs used to treat adhd in the UK are often referred to as stimulants. This means they stimulate the brain and can increase attention, reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. Signs and symptoms If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your doctor will refer you to a psychiatrist for treatment when they feel it's appropriate. It can be costly, but the NHS will pay for it, if you meet their criteria. The medications used to treat ADHD can be classified into two groups: stimulants and non-stimulants. They work by increasing the activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention. They are usually prescribed as the first medication and can have a short- or long-acting effect (see “What is Ritalin? '). below). Stimulants can be found in the form of methylphenidate hydrochloride (the pill commonly referred to as Ritalin) or amphetamine salts. Non-stimulant medicines work by enhancing the chemical signal between nerves which transmit messages to communicate information. These medications are also referred to as atomoxetine, and are a form of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It takes several weeks for these medications to begin working. These drugs are ideal for those who don't wish to use stimulants but suffer from other comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression. There are other treatments for ADHD, such as diet changes and supplements. However, it is important to consult with a doctor before attempting anything that isn't tested or outside your comfort zone. Some people notice that certain foods can aggravate their symptoms, and it's worthwhile to keep a food diary to understand what works for you. Adults who suffer from ADHD are also able to benefit from talking therapy. This can teach you new strategies for coping and help you be more aware of your actions. Online services like BetterHelp can connect you with an experienced therapist who has had experience in treating ADHD. You can also ask your GP to suggest someone. Diagnosis It is a good idea to talk to your doctor when your child is having trouble in school and you suspect that they might have ADHD symptoms. They might suggest that you wait for around 10 weeks to determine whether the behavior of your child improves or worsens. If needed, iampsychiatry.uk may refer your child to an ADHD specialist for a second assessment and diagnosis. Psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals who can legally diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications. If you reside in the UK you should be able to find a psychiatrist who can help. They will need the medical history of your child and will perform tests to determine if there are other medical conditions, like depression, epilepsy or anxiety, which can sometimes be co-existing with ADHD. Researchers discovered in a recent study that the rates of ADHD diagnoses have increased over time. Prescriptions for ADHD medication have also risen in the last decade. The study, published in the journal BJPsych Open, used a real-time primary care database to assess the frequency and incidence of ADHD diagnoses and ADHD medication use in adults and children. The study involved patients who were registered at NHS general practices. Data were analyzed by gender, age and social adequacy, calendar year and the medication. In the UK In the UK, four different drugs are approved to treat ADHD. These include the stimulant methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the amphetamine-based medication dexamphetamine/lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Symptoms of ADHD differ from person to and therefore it is important to take the correct dose of medication for each person. You'll need to make regular appointments with your GP to discuss the effectiveness of your medication and adjust the dosage if necessary. Medication There are two main types of drugs used to treat ADHD in the UK that are stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most commonly used and include methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (like Adderall). Non-stimulant medicines are also available, including bupropion (Prozac) and Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Fertiliser). These medications all assist in improving the performance of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are usually prescribed by a psychiatrist, who will carefully titrate the dosage to determine the most appropriate dose for each patient. The psychiatrist will determine whether ADHD medications are right for you, and discuss with you the risks and benefits. They will also discuss other treatments that could aid in reducing your symptoms. These could include educational, psychological, behavioural and social intervention. People with ADHD may not desire, require or even be able to use medication. A combination of treatments is typically recommended. If you decide to use ADHD medicine, it's vital to ensure that it's 'licensed” in the UK. This means that it has gone through the proper tests and research to be deemed safe to use in the treatment of ADHD. You'll need an UK psychiatrist to prescribe the medication. Many patients in the UK opt to take private assessments and medication to avoid lengthy NHS waiting times. There are companies that offer this service online but be sure to consult your insurance provider to find out whether they will cover this. This will typically mean paying a cost for the psychiatrist and a prescription dispensing fee at a pharmacy, such as Signature Pharmacy. It is important to inform your GP of any side effects that you experience, so that they can adjust dosage or stop taking the medication if they feel it is necessary. Side Effects If you decide to use medication for ADHD, your psychiatrist will prescribe the right dosage based on Nice guidelines. These medications help increase the presence of neurotransmitters in the brain which improves the way in which your brain cells communicate with each with each other. This can help you manage your symptoms more effectively. Your psychiatrist will also be watching your closely for any side effects to determine the most efficient dosage and type of medication for you. The most common medication prescribed for ADHD is stimulants. They increase the amount of dopamine in your brain which improves concentration and decreases irritability and excessive activity. Stimulants are legally 'controlled' drugs, as they can be addictive, so you will be monitored by your doctor to ensure that the dose is safe for you. Non-stimulants are the second most popular type of medication used for ADHD. These medications aid people with ADHD concentrate, but do not increase impulsivity or decrease excessive hyperactivity. Non-stimulants can be used as a second treatment after stimulants have failed to work. Weight loss, trouble sleeping and heartbeat changes headaches, anxiety, and weight loss are some of the most frequently reported side effects of the uk adhd drugs. Some sufferers may also suffer from nausea, a loss of appetite or dry mouth. Always let your doctor know whether you're experiencing any of these symptoms, because they may be able to adjust your dosage or prescribe additional medication that can help ease the issue. Despite these side effects, many people have positive experiences and have found the medication for adhd in the UK to be life-changing. Some people choose to avoid medications and opt instead for therapy and lifestyle changes. Other treatments include dietary supplements and mindfulness practices. In addition, physical health conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) have been associated to ADHD and can be co-morbid. Counseling ADHD medication increases neurotransmitters in the brain. This improves focus and coordination. Your psychiatrist will prescribe the right medication to meet your needs (either stimulants or non-stimulants) from the four licensed drugs in the UK. This medication will be adjusted to ensure that you or your child get just the right amount and type to help manage ADHD symptoms. You'll need to visit your GP regularly to monitor the treatment and check for any adverse reactions. You may be referred to psychotherapy by a psychotherapist. It can improve your life and teach you new abilities. This can include learning how to manage distracting and impulsive behavior and also developing strategies to help you concentrate at work and school. You can also look into online therapy services like BetterHelp. They will match you with a therapist who specializes in anxiety, depression and relationship issues. They could be able to assist you in learning how to cope with ADHD symptoms. People with ADHD are often plagued by the disorder of rejection sensitivity, which means they have an extremely difficult time accepting criticism or negative feedback from others. This can cause low self-esteem, low self-confidence and an inability to motivate. It can also affect relationships and lead to conflict and arguments. In some cases, ADHD can be confused with other mental health problems, like depression, anxiety or borderline personality disorder. A therapist can help determine if you or your child has another mental health issue and suggest the best treatment options. Your doctor can also offer assistance for those suffering from mental disorders, including ADHD counseling.