ADHD UK Medication Shortages
Millions of ADHD sufferers in the UK are facing the problem of a shortage of their medication. The shortages are the result of a combination of manufacturing issues and an increase in demand.
The first treatment option is stimulants. These are either short or long acting. Examples of short-acting stimulants are Ritalin and Adderall.
Medication
Nowadays millions of people who are diagnosed with ADHD are treated with medications. This includes adults who require it for work as well as children who cannot concentrate effectively without it. But, despite the fact that these medications are readily available and have been proven to be efficient however, the UK NHS is struggling to meet demand, resulting in a lot of patients waiting months or even years to get their prescriptions.
Charity groups have encouraged people to seek assistance from their doctor. While GPs can't diagnose ADHD in a formal way but they can talk to you your concerns and refer to a specialist for assessment. You can speed up the process if you take advantage of your 'right of choice', which permits you to choose the health provider that will offer NHS services for you if you are being referred.
According to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), about 5 percent 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 known as stimulants, and work by increasing noradrenaline levels in the brain. These levels are what help you reduce impulses and focus. The most common type of ADHD med in the UK is methylphenidate which is also known as Ritalin or Adderall which is responsible for 94% of all ADHD prescriptions. It is followed by atomoxetine modafinil and dexamfetamine.
Many people have found these medicines to be life-saving, however it's crucial to check with your GP to see how they're performing. You should be checked regularly and if your symptoms get worse, you'll need to talk about whether or not you want to alter your medication.
Consider non-stimulant medicines. They are similar to antidepressants and assist in the regulation of chemical levels in the brain, which can help reduce depression, anxiety or other symptoms. One of these medications is guanfacine. It can be used for adults suffering from ADHD or in children. It could be slow-acting, but it could help some people improve their concentration as well as reduce their impulsiveness.
Therapy
The most effective method of treating ADHD is the combination of medication and therapy. Therapy can help patients manage their symptoms, improve their day-to-day lives, and better understand the reasons they have difficulty. Psychoeducation, behavioural plans and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are the most common treatments for ADHD.
GPs are typically able to refer patients to a group-based ADHD-focused therapy in cases where the issues have been present since childhood and are causing moderate or severe mental, social, or educational impairment. Typically psychiatrists or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) will be involved.
Psychoeducation is a form of group therapy that seeks to help children understand their condition and discover how to cope with it. The therapist can also help the youngsters to discuss their feelings and experiences, which can be a very empowering and helpful process. Behavioural management plans that may include an incentive system can be especially beneficial for adolescents and children since they place some responsibility and power back in their own hands.
CBT is a talking therapy that helps individuals change their behavior and thinking. It concentrates on tackling negative thoughts and beliefs that can cause ADHD symptoms and helps them develop the skills to overcome these. It can be utilized with adults, as well as teenagers and children who are young in a group setting or as an individual.
It is vital that any therapy is delivered by a specialist in ADHD, as this can make a huge difference to how well the treatment is received by individuals. This includes psychiatrists, specialist GPs and psychologists who specialise in ADHD.
It is crucial that those who suffer from ADHD continue to seek out the best treatment possible for their condition, despite the current lack of ADHD medication. This should include a doctor who is well-versed in the treatment and diagnosis of ADHD as well as group psychosocial support, and alternative treatments like mindfulness or CBT. It is also an excellent idea for those taking medication to have breaks from their medication during the weekend and during school holidays. This will give them to be free from the adverse effects their medications like lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine and methylphenidate could cause.
Alternatives
In some cases treatments that aren't pharmacological could be recommended. This may include psychological, educational or behavioural interventions. Non-pharmacological treatments can lessen the symptoms of ADHD and help manage it better. However, it will not be effective for everyone, and it will take some time to determine what works best for you.
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 many options to choose from, which can be tailored to your specific requirements and needs. This includes the kind of medication and dosage you must take in order to ensure effectiveness as well as the speed at which it takes to start working.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants. These medications stimulate certain parts of the brain, which help improve concentration, manage impulsive behavior and reduce hyperactivity. They are typically fast-acting and begin to take effect within 30-60 minutes of taking them. They can also be taken orally (by mouth) or via a patch.
Lisdexamfetamine is a different medication that can be used to treat ADHD and functions in a similar way to stimulants. It can be offered to adults as a first choice but is more likely to be administered to teens and children (aged 5+) when methylphenidate hasn't demonstrated improvement in their symptoms. medication for adhd is available in tablet form that can be consumed once per day or as a slow-release capsule.
Atomoxetine is also used to treat ADHD. It is known as a "non-stimulant" drug because it does not function in the same way as stimulants. It's a selective noradrenaline-reuptake inhibitor and is usually taken orally. Adults can use it as an 'Adderall, or as a tablet that dissolves quickly in your mouth (Evekeo).
Mental disorders that are neurodiverse are linked to more physical health conditions than we previously thought. This is especially true for Ehlers Danlos Syndromes, which can cause hypermobility or pain. This means that a lot of people with ADHD are also suffering from one or more of these disorders.
Side effects
There is a shortage of ADHD medication in the UK and this could persist for a long time. The supply problems have caused disruption to many lives and also concern about the impact on children and their mental health. The NHS has urged doctors not to begin new patients on the medication until the supply is replenished and to offer alternative therapies in the meantime.
If needed, GPs may diagnose ADHD in a child or an adult and refer them to a specialist. If the diagnosis is confirmed the medication can be prescribed in conformity with strict Nice guidelines if the patient meets international standards. This can be done either by a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist mental health nurses or paediatricians.
Stimulants are the most commonly used ADHD meds in Europe and the UK and comprise the family of methylphenidates (Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). They work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, which aids in control impulses and increases concentration. They are available in a fast-acting version, as well as a more long-lasting modified release version.
A small proportion of people might experience adverse reactions to these drugs, but they usually improve within several weeks as the body adjusts to the drug. Some of these include headache, abdominal discomfort, irritability, or grumpiness. Children who use stimulant ADHD medications often suffer from a decreased appetite and can lose weight. This is not healthy. Some may have problems with sleep and have nightmares.
It is essential to keep seeing your GP, ideally twice or three times per year, if you are on an ongoing treatment. This allows the GP to check that the medications are working and monitor any potential adverse effects. They can also give advice on lifestyle changes that could aid in reducing ADHD symptoms.
If the supply problems persist there is the option to consult an individual psychiatrist who will conduct an assessment for ADHD and prescribe medication. They can also make follow-up appointments, initially every two weeks, and later once a month, to ensure that the ADHD medication is working.