Treating ADHD
Dr Peter Mason ADHD & Psychiatry Services offers medical treatment for ADHD. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE; March 2018) recommend medication as first-line treatment for adults with ADHD. Medication is effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in up to 80% of patients.
There are 2 main types of drug used to treat ADHD:
Stimulants
- Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin)
- Dexamfetamine
Stimulant drugs work quickly, usually within half an hour and are available as immediate release and slow release. Immediate release stimulants usually last for less than 4 hours, whereas slow release stimulants can last from 8 to 14 hours. Slow release stimulants have the advantage of once daily dosing.
Stimulants are ‘controlled’ drugs. This means that you will need to provide proof of identity when collecting from the pharmacy.
Non-Stimulants
- Atomoxetine
- Guanfacine
Non-stimulant drugs take a long time to work, often up to 1 month. They have the advantage of a much longer duration of action than stimulant drugs and they are not ‘controlled’ drugs.
Treating ADHD
Dr Peter Mason ADHD & Psychiatry Services offers medical treatment for ADHD. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE; March 2018) recommend medication as first-line treatment for adults with ADHD. Medication is effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in up to 80% of patients.
There are 2 main types of drug used to treat ADHD:
Stimulants
- Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin)
- Dexamfetamine
Stimulant drugs work quickly, usually within half an hour and are available as immediate release and slow release. Immediate release stimulants usually last for less than 4 hours, whereas slow release stimulants can last from 8 to 14 hours. Slow release stimulants have the advantage of once daily dosing.
Stimulants are ‘controlled’ drugs. This means that you will need to provide proof of identity when collecting from the pharmacy.
Non-Stimulants
- Atomoxetine
- Guanfacine
Non-stimulant drugs take a long time to work, often up to 1 month. They have the advantage of a much longer duration of action than stimulant drugs and they are not ‘controlled’ drugs.
Medication & Psychological Treatment
The decision about which medication to use will be based on several factors; including what you hope to achieve with treatment, presence of other conditions (physical and mental) and your personal preference based on information provided by Dr Mason. At follow-up appointments the dose of the chosen medication will adjusted according to your response to the treatment and presence of any side effects.
Medication will only be started after a review of your physical health and checking your blood pressure and heart rate.
Choice & Medication
More information about the medicines available to treat the symptoms of ADHD and associated mental health problems.
Comparison Chart
Use this chart for a side-by-side comparison of the different medications which are available for treating ADHD.
Non-Medical Treatments
We work closely with the ADHD Foundation who are able to offer a range of psychological treatments. Visit the ADHD Foundation website for more information.
Medication & Psychological Treatment
The decision about which medication to use will be based on several factors; including what you hope to achieve with treatment, presence of other conditions (physical and mental) and your personal preference based on information provided by Dr Mason. At follow-up appointments the dose of the chosen medication will adjusted according to your response to the treatment and presence of any side effects.
Medication will only be started after a review of your physical health and checking your blood pressure and heart rate.
Choice & Medication
More information about the medicines available to treat the symptoms of ADHD and associated mental health problems.
Comparison Chart
Use this chart for a side-by-side comparison of the different medications which are available for treating ADHD.
Non-Medical Treatments
We work closely with the ADHD Foundation who are able to offer a range of psychological treatments. Visit the ADHD Foundation website for more information.
Patient feedback
“I am quite amazed at the difference in me! Still talking and moving though not as much as before, but much more relaxed/calmer in myself which is lovely to feel!”
“I got my degree results yesterday and somehow, with lots of hard work, I got a first! I’m over the moon and a bit in disbelief. A big thanks has to go to you though, I couldn’t have done it without your help and support.”
“Hi Peter, Thank you for your time today, just talking things through a little helped me a lot…”
More Information
ADHD & Symptoms
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Prescriptions
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New Patients
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