ADHD Treatment Options and Medication

ADHD can present challenges in attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity – and, without the right support, can negatively impact people’s lives, at school, in the workplace, in relationships and more.

However, there are treatments and medications available for ADHD that can help with managing symptoms and supporting individuals to thrive.

But what are the different ADHD medications? And how – and to who – are they prescribed? Clinical psychologist Dr Lisa Williams explains all…

Before we look at the different medications available for ADHD, it’s important to understand the common symptoms of the condition and how it impacts people’s lives.

ADHD stands for ‘attention deficit hyperactivity disorder’ – a neurodevelopmental condition that causes differences in the way the brain develops from early childhood.

The core symptoms of ADHD include difficulty with focus and concentration, moving and fidgeting more than usual and impulsive behaviour (doing or saying things without thinking).

The common behaviours and learning styles associated with ADHD can be explained by differences in brain structure and chemicals. In particular, the part of the brain called the ‘prefrontal cortex’ has been shown to function differently.

ADHD diagnosis is based on the ‘diagnostic criteria’, a list of symptoms that can present as part of the disorder. If someone displays enough of them – and they’re severe enough – they can be diagnosed with ADHD.

Many people with the condition also experience mental health problems including anxiety, changeable moods and depression.

For some people with ADHD, a diagnosis is helpful enough – as it can help them get the support they need at school, work and in their personal lives. This may include reasonable adjustments like breaks to move, wobble cushions and extra support with organisation.

For others, lifestyle changes – such as changing their diet, exercise levels and screen time – are also advised and can help them manage their symptoms.

However, if symptoms of ADHD are causing the person difficulty in their everyday life and relationships, they may choose to seek further treatments for the condition.

There are various prescription ADHD medications available in the UK. And the medicine prescribed to individuals will depend on which characteristics of the condition the patient presents with.

There are two ‘types’ of ADHD medication – stimulant medication and non-stimulant medication.

People with ADHD can experience life-changing improvements when they are prescribed medication – with children able to catch up academically and adults enjoying stability and success at work.

Some of the common benefits of ADHD medication that can help people lead happier and more fulfilling lives include:

• Increased concentration
• Better memory
• Reduced movement
• Calmness
• A greater sense of wellbeing

These benefits are often attributed with helping people with ADHD to manage different environments and tasks, as well as being a more reliable friend, family member or romantic partner.

Alongside the many benefits associated with ADHD medication, some patients may experience potential side effects, including:

• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Mood changes – typically as the medication wears off each day
• Difficulty sleeping

It’s important to remember that – as with most medications – people will have different experiences with ADHD medication.

So, it’s advised to let your GP or clinician know about any side-effects you may be experiencing, as they’ll be able to help you understand when you should stop taking medication, as well as potentially prescribing different treatments if needed.

ADHD treatments are available by prescription only and cannot be bought over the counter.

The standard for ADHD diagnosis and treatment in the UK is set out by the NICE guidelines, which are followed by both NHS and private services.

Once a diagnosis is made, it can be shared with your GP and become part of your NHS health record.

ADHD medication can only be prescribed by a specialist prescriber – usually under the care of a consultant psychiatrist. And these medications can only be prescribed to people with a clinical diagnosis.

So, it’s important to be aware that there are services available offering less-thorough ADHD assessments and, unfortunately, diagnoses from these services may not be recognised and supported by the NHS.

ADHD diagnosis must be come from qualified clinicians, either as part of an NHS assessment or a private ADHD assessment of the standard completed by the NHS.

If you have received an ADHD diagnosis and decided you’d like to start medication, you’ll need a detailed consultation to decide on the best option for you.

This will involve a health screening including weight, height, blood pressure and pulse recordings. You will also be asked if you and your family have any history of heart conditions or mental ill health.

The discussion will cover what you need the medicine for, and therefore which type – stimulant or non-stimulant – is likely best for you. It will also cover risks and side effects, so you can make an informed decision.

The discussion should last around 45 minutes, and you’ll also receive personalised health and lifestyle advice.

If you start medication, you’ll need follow-up appointments to get the treatment dose right. The first follow up will be after one month and most people need between one and three follow-up appointments to adjust their treatment.

There are then strict regulations in place for those taking ADHD medications continuously. Those under 18 must have an appointment at least every six months for monitoring, while adults must be seen by a specialist at least yearly. Prescriptions must also be issued on a monthly basis.

All those on ADHD medication must have a specialist. This is usually a consultant psychiatrist overseeing their care.

Some GPs, however, will take on ‘shared care’ – meaning they issue NHS prescriptions for the medicine as long as the patient attends their six-monthly or 12-monthly reviews with the psychiatrist.

ADHD medication can help people effectively manage the symptoms of the condition and thrive. But a clinical diagnosis is needed to access medication safely and with the right support.

ADHD assessments should be completed only by clinicians with the necessary experience and expertise in ADHD. Typically, this will be a psychiatrist, psychologist or an advanced nurse practitioner.

The Autism Service offers Child ADHD Assessments and  Adult ADHD Assessments to the standard completed by the NHS, that looks at whether ADHD explains your presentation.

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