ADHD UK Medication Shortages
Millions of ADHD sufferers in the UK face a shortage of their medication. The shortages are the result of a combination manufacturing issues and increased demand.
Stimulants are the initial line of treatment. These can have a short or long-acting. Examples of stimulants with short-acting effects are Ritalin and Adderall.
Medication
Now, millions of people with ADHD are treated with medications. This includes adults who require it for work and children who are unable to concentrate properly without it. The UK NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for these medicines, even though they are widely available and proved to be efficient. Patients are required to wait months or years for their prescriptions.
The charitable groups have urged people to seek assistance from their doctors. Although GPs aren't able to officially diagnose ADHD however, they can talk about your concerns and refer you for an assessment by a specialist. You could be able to speed up the process by using your right to choose which lets you choose which health organisation will provide your NHS services when you're recommended.
According to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) approximately 5 percent of children suffer from ADHD. Around 3 to 4% adults also suffer from the disorder. Symptoms include inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity which can affect a range of different situations and tasks.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs. They work by increasing the levels of noradrenaline within the brain. These levels are responsible for reducing impulses and assisting you to focus. The most commonly used ADHD medication in the UK is methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin or Adderall which is responsible for 94% of all ADHD prescriptions. It is followed by atomoxetine modafinil and dexamfetamine.
These medications have proved to be a lifeline for many people, but it's important to follow up on your GP appointment to determine if it's working. You should be monitored regularly, and if you notice that your symptoms are worsening, you may need to discuss whether to change medications.
Take a look at non-stimulant medications. They are similar to antidepressants and help with the regulation of chemicals in the brain. They can help to reduce depression, anxiety and a variety of other symptoms. One such medication is guanfacine. It can be used for people with ADHD or children. It's a little slow-acting, but it can increase concentration and decrease the amount of impulsivity in certain people.
Therapy
A combination of therapy and medication is often the most effective treatment for ADHD. Therapy can help people manage their symptoms, improve their day-today lives, and better understand the reasons they are struggling. Psychoeducation, behavioural plans, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are the most common treatments for ADHD.
GPs are typically able to refer patients to group-based ADHD-focused support when the issues have been present since the age of a child and cause severe or moderate mental, social, or educational impairment. Typically, a psychiatrist or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) will be involved.
Psychoeducation is a type of group therapy aimed to help children comprehend their condition and ways to manage. The therapist may also encourage youngsters to discuss their experiences and feelings, which can be an encouraging and beneficial process. Behavioural Management Plans, that can include a reward system for teens and children are especially beneficial as they empower them with control and responsibility.
CBT is a form of therapy that helps individuals change their thoughts and behaviors. It focuses on overcoming negative thoughts and beliefs which can cause ADHD symptoms, and teaches the skills to overcome these. It can be used with adults, but also teens and children who are young in a group setting or as one-to-one.
It is essential that any therapy be delivered by an expert in ADHD, as this can make a huge impact on how the treatment is received by the individuals. This includes specialist GPs (general practitioners) psychiatrists, psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in ADHD.
Despite the current shortage of ADHD medications It is important that people with ADHD continue to seek out the best possible treatment for their condition. This includes a physician who is well-versed in the diagnosis and management of ADHD and group-based psychosocial support and alternative treatments like mindfulness or CBT. It's also a great idea for those who are taking medication to take a short break from their prescriptions on weekends and during school holidays. This will allow them to take a break from the negative side effects their medications such as lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine and methylphenidate can cause.
Alternatives
In some cases, non-pharmacological treatment may be suggested as the best alternative. This may include educational, behavioral and lifestyle interventions. Non-pharmacological treatment can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and make it easier to cope with and manage. However, it won't be effective for everyone, and it will take some time to determine what works best for you.
Since the 1980s, when 'ADD medication was first recognised as a diagnosis,' medications used to treat ADHD have developed a great deal. There are now a lot of options available, which can be tailored to your specific requirements and needs. This includes the kind and amount of medication you need to take to be effective, as well as the time required to get your treatment started.
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. These medications stimulate specific parts of the brain in order to improve concentration, decrease the amount of hyperactivity and manage impulsive behavior. They usually work quickly and can begin to take effect within 30-60 minutes of taking them. They can also be taken orally (by mouth) or by applying a patch.
Lisdexamfetamine is a different medication that can be used for ADHD performs the same function as stimulants. Adults may take it as a first choice, but teens and children (5+) are more likely to experience it if methylphenidate doesn't improve their symptoms. It is available in tablet form and can be taken every day or as a capsule.
Atomoxetine is a different medication that can be used to treat ADHD. It's referred to as an anti-stimulant drug since it doesn't function in the same way as stimulants do. It's a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor and is typically taken orally. Adults can take it as 'Adderall'' or as a tablet that dissolves quickly in your mouth (Evekeo).
Research has shown that more physical health issues are linked to neurological disorders. This is especially true for Ehlers Danlos Syndromes which can cause hypermobility or pain. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from one or two of these disorders.
Side effects
Millions of people suffering from ADHD in the UK are having issues with their medication due to shortages, which could last for some time. The shortages are affecting many lives and impacting children's mental health. The NHS has asked doctors to not prescribe the medications to patients who are new until the stocks are replenished, and to offer alternative treatments during the time between.
GPs can evaluate the child or adult for ADHD and refer them to an ADHD specialist if necessary. If a diagnosis is made and medications are prescribed, it is in accordance with strict Nice guidelines, as long as the individual meets international criteria for the condition. This can be performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist, specialist mental health nurses or paediatricians.
Stimulants are among the most popular ADHD medications in Europe and the UK and comprise the methylphenidate family (Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). They function by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, which assists control impulses and increases concentration. They are available in a fast-acting version, as well as a more long-lasting modified release form.
A small number of people may experience side effects of these medications, although they generally improve after some weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. inattentive adhd medication of these include headache and abdominal pain, irritability or grumpiness. Children who are taking stimulant ADHD medications often experience a reduction in appetite and may lose weight. This is not healthy. Some may have problems with sleep and suffer from nightmares.
It is important to keep visiting your GP, ideally twice or three times a year in the case of an ongoing treatment. This allows the GP to verify whether the medication is effective and to monitor any possible adverse effects. They can also give tips regarding lifestyle changes that may help improve ADHD symptoms.
If the problem with supply persists, you can consult a private psychiatrist to conduct an ADHD assessment and prescribe medication. They can also conduct the follow-up appointments, initially fortnightly and then monthly to make sure the ADHD medication is effective.