Medication vs. Therapy: Exploring Effective Treatment Options
- ADHD Society UK
- Mar 31, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 1, 2024
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be effectively managed through a combination of medication and therapy. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides the recommended treatment guidelines for ADHD in the UK. Here are the treatment options available for patients in the UK:
Medication
Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medication is often the first-line treatment for ADHD in both children and adults in the UK. These medications work by increasing activity in the brain, particularly in areas that play a part in controlling attention and behaviour. Here are the two main types of stimulant medication used:
Methylphenidate
This is the most commonly used medicine for ADHD. It belongs to a group of medicines called stimulants, which increase activity in the brain areas responsible for attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate can be taken as immediate-release tablets (small doses 2 to 3 times a day) or modified-release tablets (once a day, with the dose released throughout the day). Common side effects include increased blood pressure, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and headaches.
Lisdexamfetamine
This medicine stimulates certain parts of the brain, improving concentration, focus, and reducing impulsive behaviour. It may be offered if methylphenidate hasn’t been effective.
Dexamfetamine
Dexamfetamine is similar to lisdexamfetamine and works in the same way. It may be offered to adults, teenagers and children over the age of 5 with ADHD. Dexamfetamine is usually taken as a tablet 2 to 4 times a day, although an oral solution is also available.
Common side effects of dexamfetamine include:
decreased appetite
mood swings
agitation and aggression
dizziness
headaches
diarrhoea
nausea and vomiting
Guanfacine
Guanfacine acts on part of the brain to improve attention, and it also reduces blood pressure. It may be offered to teenagers and children over the age of 5 if it's not possible to use methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine. Guanfacine is usually taken as a tablet once a day, in the morning or evening.
Common side effects include:
tiredness or fatigue
headache
abdominal pain
dry mouth
Guanfacine is not recommended for treating adults with ADHD without specialist advice.
Non-Stimulant Medication
Non-stimulant medications may also be an option.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine works differently from other ADHD medicines. These medications work differently than stimulants and may be suitable for people who cannot tolerate stimulants or have certain side effects. It's a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which means it increases the amount of a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline.
This chemical passes messages between brain cells, and increasing it can aid concentration and help control impulses. Atomoxetine may be offered to adults, teenagers and children over the age of 5 if it's not possible to use methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine. It's also licensed for use in adults if symptoms of ADHD are confirmed. Atomoxetine comes in capsule form, usually taken once or twice a day.
Common side effects of atomoxetine include:
a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate
nausea and vomiting
stomach aches
trouble sleeping
dizziness
headaches
irritability
Atomoxetine has also been linked to some more serious side effects that are important to look out for, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage. If either you or your child begin to feel depressed or suicidal while taking this medicine, speak to your doctor.
Further Medication
For further medication information, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional such as a psychiatrist, paediatrician, or general practitioner (GP) to determine the most suitable medication and dosage for you. They will consider your individual needs, medical history, and any other medications you are taking.
Here are some resources for further information on ADHD medications in the UK:
Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. This can help individuals with ADHD develop strategies to improve focus, organisation, and emotional regulation. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours that can worsen ADHD symptoms.
A therapist would try to change how you or your child feels about a situation, which would in turn potentially change their behaviour. CBT can be carried out with a therapist individually or in a group.
Behaviour therapy
Behaviour therapy provides support for carers of children with ADHD and may involve teachers as well as parents. Behaviour therapy usually involves behaviour management, which uses a system of rewards to encourage your child to try to control their ADHD.
If your child has ADHD, you can identify types of behaviour you want to encourage, such as sitting at the table to eat. Your child is then given some sort of small reward for good behaviour.
For teachers, behaviour management involves learning how to plan and structure activities, and to praise and encourage children for even very small amounts of progress.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation means you or your child will be encouraged to discuss ADHD and its effects. It can help children, teenagers and adults make sense of being diagnosed with ADHD, and can help you to cope and live with the condition.
Parent training and education programme
If your child has ADHD, specially tailored parent training and education programmes can help you learn specific ways of talking to your child, and playing and working with them to improve their attention and behaviour.
You may also be offered parent training before your child is formally diagnosed with ADHD.
These programmes are usually arranged in groups of around 10 to 12 parents. A programme usually consists of 10 to 16 meetings, lasting up to 2 hours each.
Being offered a parent training and education programme does not mean you have been a bad parent – it aims to teach parents and carers about behaviour management, while increasing confidence in your ability to help your child and improve your relationship.
In conclusion, remember that finding a therapist experienced in treating ADHD is important. Regular check-ups are essential to monitor progress and manage any side effects. If you or your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan. You can also talk to your GP for recommendations or search online directories of mental health professionals.
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