ADHD UK Medication Shortages
Millions of ADHD sufferers in the UK have a shortage of their medication. These shortages are due to the combination of manufacturing problems and the increase in demand from around the world.
Stimulants are often the first line of treatment. best adhd medication for adults with anxiety are either short or long acting. Examples of stimulants that are short-acting include Ritalin and Adderall.
Medication
Today millions of people who are diagnosed with ADHD are treated with medication. Adults who need it to focus on work, as well as children who are unable to concentrate without it are all affected. The UK NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for these medicines even though they are widely available and proven to be effective. Patients are required to wait for months or even years to receive their prescriptions.
Charity groups have encouraged people to seek help from their doctors. While GPs cannot diagnose ADHD but they can discuss your concerns and refer you for specialist assessment. You could be able to speed up the process by utilizing your right to choose which lets you choose which health care provider will provide your NHS treatment when you are referred.
According to NICE, (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) around 5% of children suffer from ADHD. About 3 to 4% of adults also suffer from the disorder. Symptoms include inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity which can affect a range of different situations and tasks.
The most commonly prescribed medications are called stimulants, which increase the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. These levels are responsible for reducing impulses and assisting you to focus. The most common type of ADHD med in the UK is methylphenidate which is also known as Ritalin or Adderall, which accounts for 94 percent of all ADHD prescriptions. It is followed by atomoxetine modafinil and dexamfetamine.
These drugs have proved to be a lifeline for a lot of people, but it's important to keep track of your GP appointment to check how it's working. You should be checked frequently and if your symptoms become worse, you'll have to discuss whether or not you'd like to alter your medication.
It is also worthwhile to consider non-stimulant drugs. These medications are similar to antidepressants, and they regulate chemicals in the brain. This can reduce depression, anxiety, or a variety of other symptoms. Guanfacine is one of these medications that is a good choice for adults suffering from ADHD or children. It may be a bit slow-acting but it can aid some people in improving their concentration as well as reduce their tendency to be impulsive.
Therapy
A combination of therapy and medication is often the most effective treatment for ADHD. Therapy can help people learn how to manage their symptoms and improve day-to-day living, and also aid in understanding why they are struggling. Psychoeducation, behavioural plans and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are the primary methods of treatment for ADHD.
GPs will usually offer referral to a group-based ADHD-focused therapy in cases where the issues have been present since childhood and cause severe or moderate psychological, social and/or educational impairment. Typically, this involves psychiatrists or child and adolescent psychological health services (CAMHS).
Psychoeducation is an example of group therapy aimed at helping children to understand their condition and how to cope. The therapist can also encourage children to discuss their feelings and experiences. This can be a empowering and beneficial process. Behavioural management plans, which may involve an incentive system are particularly beneficial for children and adolescents as they put some responsibility and power back into their hands.
CBT is a talking therapy that helps individuals change their thoughts and behaviors. It concentrates on tackling negative thoughts and beliefs that can cause ADHD symptoms, and teaches them skills to overcome these. It is often used with adults, but it can be offered to teens and children in a group or one-on-one sessions.
It is important that any treatment is administered by an certified ADHD specialist because this can make a a huge difference in how well the treatment will benefit individuals. This includes specialist GPs, psychiatrists and psychologists that specialize in ADHD.
Despite the current shortages of ADHD medications It is important that those people affected continue to seek out the most effective treatment possible for their condition. This includes a physician who is familiarized with the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, group psychosocial support, as well as alternative therapies like mindfulness or CBT. It is also an excellent idea for those taking medication to get breaks from their medication on weekends and during school holidays. This will give them to be free from the side effects that their medications, such as lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine and methylphenidate may cause.
Alternatives
In some cases treatment options that are not pharmaceutical could be recommended. This could include educational, behavioral, and lifestyle interventions. Non-pharmacological treatment can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and make it easier to deal with and manage. However, it will not be effective for everyone, and it will take some time to determine what works for you.
The medications used to treat ADHD have evolved a great deal since the term "ADD medication" first became a recognised diagnosis back in the 1980s. There are now a lot of options available, which can be tailored to your particular requirements and needs. This includes the type of medication and dosage you need to take in order to be effective and the speed at which it takes to start working.
The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants. These medications stimulate certain parts of the brain to increase concentration, control impulsive behavior and decrease hyperactivity. These drugs are fast-acting and they can start working within 30 to 60 minutes. They can also be taken orally (by mouth) or via patches.
Lisdexamfetamine is another medication that is used to treat ADHD, performs the same function to stimulants. It is available to adults as a first option but is more likely to be given to children and teens (aged 5plus) in the event that methylphenidate hasn't shown an improvement in their symptoms. It is available in tablet form and can be taken daily or as a capsule.
Atomoxetine is also used to treat ADHD. It's called a non-stimulant drug as it doesn't function in the same way as stimulants do. It's a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor that is usually taken orally. Adults can take it as 'Adderall'' or in the form of tablets that dissolve quickly in your mouth (Evekeo).
Research has shown that more physical health conditions are associated with neurodiverse mental disorders. This is particularly true for Ehlers Danlos Syndromes, which can cause pain or hypermobility. This means that many people suffering from ADHD are also suffering from one or more of these disorders.
Side effects
Millions of people suffering from ADHD in the UK are having issues with their medication due to shortages that could last for some time. The shortages are affecting many lives and affecting children's mental health. The NHS has instructed doctors to not prescribe the medications to new patients until the stocks are replenished and to offer alternate therapies in the in the interim.
If needed, GPs may determine ADHD in a child or an adult and refer them to a specialist. If a diagnosis has been made, medication can be prescribed in accordance with the strict Nice guidelines, provided that the person meets international criteria. This can be done by psychiatrists, psychologists or a specialist mental health nurse or paediatrician.
Stimulants are the most commonly used ADHD medication in Europe and the UK, and include the family of methylphenidates (Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). They are effective by increasing the dopamine level in the brain. This helps control impulses and improves concentration. They are available in a quick-acting version and a longer-lasting modified release version.
A small proportion of people may experience side effects from these medications, although they typically improve after several weeks as the body adjusts to the medicine. These include headaches, abdominal pain, anger or grumpiness. Children who take stimulant ADHD medications often have a decrease in appetite and may lose weight. This is not healthy. Some might have issues with sleep and experience nightmares.
If a person of any age is on long-term treatment, it is crucial to keep seeing their GP at least every two to three months. The GP can then monitor side effects and check that the medication is working. They can also advise on lifestyle changes that can help improve the symptoms of ADHD.
If the supply issues persist there is the option to consult a private psychiatrist who can perform an assessment for ADHD and prescribe medication. They can also conduct the follow up appointments, initially fortnightly and then monthly, to ensure the ADHD meds are effective.