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Medicines can dramatically reduce symptoms and make it easier to get tasks done. They can also aid in addressing issues that are underlying, such as depression, insomnia, anxiety and.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated initially with stimulants (methylphenidate or the newest amphetamine-based medication, lisdexamfetamine). They boost the levels of two chemical messengers that are present in the brain, which improves focus and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of neurotransmitters inside the brain. This helps it perform more efficiently. They improve concentration and reduce impulsive behaviour. Most people suffering from ADHD take stimulants to control their symptoms and improve their lives. The medications are legally classed as controlled substances due to the potential for addiction. A psychiatrist will be able to carefully alter the dosage of the medication in order to find the ideal balance between effectiveness and side-effects.
A major study that was published in 2023 reveals that prescriptions for ADHD medication in England have been increasing year-on-year. This is due to increased awareness, reduced waiting periods at NHS GP surgeries and improved referral processes for adult ADHD services.
ADHD is a complex condition that can make it difficult to manage at school, work and at home. Even after being diagnosed that a person has ADHD struggle to receive the help and assistance they need. This is partly because of the fact that adults' ADHD services are not always able to connect with child and adolescents' mental health services.
The signs of ADHD are not obvious and vary from person to person. People who have ADHD may adopt strategies to disguise their difficulties, such as not submitting their homework or using technology to distract themselves. Other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, may mask the presence of ADHD. When assessing for other conditions, doctors should always consider the possibility that ADHD may be present.
Recently, there has been a increase in the number of people who are being treated with pharmacological treatments for ADHD. This is due to recent restrictions on health resources. A network meta-analysis, which is a type of medical review published in the last few days, demonstrates that amphetamines (including methylphenidate) are the most effective medications for ADHD. This is the largest network meta-analysis to date, and provides evidence in support of NICE guidelines.
Other methods for treating ADHD that are in addition to medication include educational and environment modifications. They are designed to reduce the impact of ADHD on the daily activities of a person by changing seating arrangements in work and school places, providing movement breaks (including "I need a break cards), optimising working and studying to allow shorter periods of focus with more frequent movements, and reinforcing verbal requests with written ones.
Whether or not the patient is taking medication, it's vital that GPs send patients who are suspected of having ADHD to an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist for evaluation and treatment. Patients could be misdiagnosed or delayed, which could have serious consequences. This can result in patients not receiving treatment for the full duration of their condition or suffering from untreated ADHD in adulthood. It can also mean that the underlying causes of unmanageable ADHD-related problems aren't addressed, such as for example the lack of self-reflection or poor relationship management skills. This could negatively impact the physical and mental health in the long run.