ADHD UK Medication Shortages
Millions of people with ADHD in the UK are experiencing shortages of their medication. These shortages are a result of a mix of manufacturing issues and increased demand.
The first option for treatment is stimulants. They can be short or long-acting. Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulants with a short-acting effect are a few examples.
Medication
Millions of people diagnosed with ADHD can now be treated with medications. Adults who require it to focus on work as well as kids that cannot concentrate without it are all affected. The UK NHS struggles to keep up with the demand for these medicines despite the fact that they are widely available and have been proven to be effective. Patients are required to wait for a long time for their prescriptions.
Charities have encouraged people to seek help from their doctor. Although GPs can't formally diagnose ADHD, they can discuss your concerns and refer you to a assessments by a specialist. You can accelerate the process if you make use of your right of choice', which permits you to select which health care provider will offer NHS services for you when you are being referred.
According to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) approximately 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.
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs. They function by increasing the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. These levels are what helps you to reduce impulses and help you focus. In the UK, methylphenidate (also called Ritalin, Adderall) is the most frequently prescribed ADHD medication. It accounts for 94% of all ADHD prescriptions. Then there's atomoxetine, dexamfetamine and modafinil.
Many have found these medications to be life-saving, but it's important to check in with your GP to see how they are working. You should be monitored frequently, and if symptoms become worse, you'll be asked to discuss whether or not you'd like to change your medication.
Consider non-stimulant medicines. These are similar to antidepressants, and help with the regulation of chemicals in the brain. These can help to reduce depression, anxiety or other symptoms. Guanfacine is a medication that is a good choice for adults with ADHD, or children. It is a little slow-acting, but it does increase concentration and decrease the impulsiveness of some 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-to-day lives, and understand the reasons they have difficulty. Psychoeducation, behavioural plans and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are the main methods of treatment for ADHD.
The GP will typically refer to a group-based ADHD-focused therapy in cases where the issues have been present since the age of a child and cause severe or moderate psychological, social or educational impairment. Generally, a psychiatrist or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) will be involved.
Psychoeducation is an example of group therapy that aims at helping children understand their condition and how to cope. The therapist may also help children to share their experiences and feelings. This can be a powerful and useful process. Behavioural management plans which include an incentive system are particularly beneficial for children and adolescents as they put some responsibility and power back into their own hands.
CBT is a talking therapy that assists people in changing their thoughts and behaviors. It is focused on overcoming negative beliefs and thoughts that can cause ADHD symptoms, and teaches them skills to overcome these. It can be utilized with adults, as well as teenagers and children who are young in a group or as an individual.
It is crucial that any treatment is administered by an recognized ADHD specialist since this can make a a huge difference in how well the treatment is effective for people. This includes psychiatrists, specialist GPs and psychologists that specialize in ADHD.
Despite the current shortages of ADHD medication, it is still important that people suffering from the condition continue to seek out the most effective treatment possible for their condition. This includes a doctor who is familiar with the diagnosis and management of ADHD as well as group-based psychosocial therapy and alternative treatments like mindfulness or CBT. It is also recommended for those who are taking medication to take time off from their prescription on weekends and during school holidays. This will allow them to be free from the adverse effects their medications such as lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine and methylphenidate could cause.
Alternatives
In certain instances treatments that aren't pharmacological may be recommended. This could include behavioral, educational, and lifestyle interventions. Non-pharmacological treatments can lessen the symptoms of ADHD and help manage it better. However, most effective adhd medication for adults may not be effective for everyone, and it will take some time to determine what works for you.
Since the 1980s when 'ADD medication was first recognised as a diagnosis the use of medications to treat ADHD have come a long ways. There are many more options to choose from and they can be customized to meet your specific requirements. This includes the type and amount of medication you must take to be effective as well as the time it takes for your treatment to begin.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They stimulate certain regions of the brain to increase concentration, control impulsive behaviour and reduce hyperactivity. They are usually fast-acting and begin to take effect within 30-60 minutes of taking them. They can also be taken orally (by mouth) or through a patch.
Lisdexamfetamine, another medication that is used to treat ADHD is a medication that is similar as stimulants. Adults may take it as a first-line treatment but children and teens (5+) are more likely to get it if methylphenidate fails to help their symptoms. It is available in tablet form and is able to be taken daily or as a capsule.
Atomoxetine is also used to treat ADHD. It is known as a "non-stimulant" drug because it doesn't work in the same way as stimulants. It's a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, and is typically taken orally. It can be given to adults as Adderall or in a tablet that can be placed in the mouth (Evekeo ODT).
Mental disorders that are neurodiverse can be linked to more physical health issues than was previously believed. This is particularly true for Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, which can cause symptoms such as hypermobility or pain. This means that many people with ADHD may also suffer from one or more of these conditions.
Side effects
There are shortages of ADHD medication in the UK, and this could last for a while. The shortages are affecting many lives and impacting children's mental health. The NHS has instructed doctors to not prescribe the drugs to new patients until stocks are replenished and to offer alternate treatments in the in the interim.
GPs can evaluate an adult or child for ADHD and send them to an ADHD specialist if required. If the diagnosis is confirmed the medication can be prescribed following strict Nice guidelines, so long as the individual meets international criteria for the condition. This can be done by a psychologist, psychiatrist, specialist mental health nurses or paediatricians.
Stimulants are the most common ADHD medication in Europe and the UK and comprise the methylphenidate family (Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). They work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, which assists control impulses and increases concentration. They are available in a fast-acting version and a longer-lasting modified release version.
There are some people who experience side effects from these drugs. However, they usually disappear within a few days as the body adapts to the medication. Some of them include headache, abdominal discomfort, irritability, or grumpiness. Children who take stimulant ADHD meds often have an increase in appetite and lose weight, which isn't healthy. Some people may have sleep problems and experience nightmares.
It is crucial to continue to see your GP, ideally twice or three times a year when you are on an ongoing treatment. The GP can monitor the effects of medication and make sure whether the medication is working. They can also offer tips on lifestyle changes that could help improve ADHD symptoms.
If the issue with the supply persists, consult a private psychiatrist who will perform an ADHD assessment and prescribe medication. They can also make regular follow-up appointments initially every two weeks, and later once a month, to make sure that the ADHD medication is working.