Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - Treatment

What medicines help treat ADHD in the UK?

Some people with ADHD take medicines to help them. Here are common ones used in the UK:

• Methylphenidate: This helps people focus and stay calm.
• Atomoxetine: This helps people pay attention better.
• Lisdexamfetamine: This helps people concentrate and feel calmer.
• Dexamfetamine: This can help with focus and energy.

If you have ADHD, talk to a doctor. They can help find the right medicine for you.

It can help to use reminders or write things down. Ask someone you trust if you need help understanding.

Can medicine help ADHD, or are there other ways too?

Can ADHD Be Cured?

No, ADHD cannot be cured. But there are things that can help. Medicine, therapy, and skills can make it easier to handle. Talking with a doctor can help find what works best.

You can use pictures, simple checklists, or tools to remember things and stay focused.

How can talking and play help people with ADHD?

People with ADHD can find it hard to sit still, pay attention, or finish things. Talking and play are ways to help. They are part of a plan called behavioural therapy.

Here is how it can help:

• Talking: A therapist (a talking helper) listens and helps children understand their feelings and actions. They might talk about what is hard for them and find ways to feel better.
• Play: Games and activities can teach children how to wait their turn, share, and talk nicely with others.

It is good to work with friends, family, and teachers to make a plan. This team can set small goals and reward good choices. Using charts and stickers can help track progress.

Can changing what you eat help with ADHD?

Some foods might help if you have ADHD.

Here are a few ideas:

• Eat more fruits and veggies.
• Choose whole grains, like brown bread or rice.
• Have some fish like salmon, which has good fats.
• Drink lots of water.

Ask a doctor for advice.

How does exercise help people with ADHD?

Exercise can help people with ADHD feel better. It can help them focus and feel more calm. Exercise is when you move your body, like running, walking, or playing a sport.

Here are some tips to help:

• Try to play outside. This can help your brain feel good.
• Take breaks to move around. It’s good to have short times to be active.
• Play games that make you move. This can be fun and help with focus.

What help can parents get if their child has ADHD?

If you have a child with ADHD, there are people and things that can help you. Here are some ways to get help:

• Talk to your child's teacher. They can tell you what happens at school and how they can help.
• See a doctor or therapist. They know about ADHD and can give advice.
• Join a support group. You can meet other parents who understand what it's like.
• Use books and websites. They can teach you more about ADHD.

Remember, you are not alone, and there are people who want to help you and your child.

How can schools in the UK help students with ADHD?

Schools in the UK can do many things to help students with ADHD.

• Give clear and simple instructions.
• Break tasks into small steps.
• Use pictures and charts to explain things.
• Let students move around if they need to.
• Have quiet spaces where students can go to focus.
• Use tools like timers to help with time management.
• Work with parents and ADHD experts to make a plan.

These ideas can make learning easier for students with ADHD.

How do you find out if you have ADHD in the UK?

1. **Talk to Your Doctor**: Go to your doctor. Tell them how you feel and why you think you might have ADHD.

2. **Referral to a Specialist**: Your doctor might send you to see a specialist. This could be someone like a psychiatrist who knows a lot about ADHD.

3. **Assessment**: The specialist will talk to you. They might ask you questions, give you tests, or talk to your family. This helps them understand if you have ADHD.

4. **Getting the Diagnosis**: If the specialist thinks you have ADHD, they will tell you. They will explain what happens next and how to get help.

**Helpful Tips**: Bringing a list of your symptoms and how they affect your life can help. You can also ask a family member or friend to come with you for support.

Can grown-ups in the UK get help for ADHD?

Yes, grown-ups in the UK can get help for ADHD. ADHD means Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It can make it hard to focus or stay still.

If you think you have ADHD, talk to your doctor. They can tell you what to do next.

Here are some ways to get help:

• Medicines: Some people take medicine to help them focus better.
• Talking therapy: You can talk to someone who knows a lot about ADHD.
• Support groups: Meet other people with ADHD and share your story.

There are also other ways to make things easier:

• Use planners or reminders to help you remember things.
• Take breaks when you need to rest.
• Do one thing at a time to help you focus.

If you need more help, ask your doctor for advice. They are there to help you!

Do ADHD medicines have any risks or side effects?

Do ADHD signs change as you get older?

Can someone have ADHD and another mental health problem at the same time?

Do ADHD support groups help people?

ADHD support groups are meetings where people with ADHD can talk and share ideas. They can be very helpful for some people.

What can you do in a support group?

• Talk about your feelings.
• Listen to other people's stories.
• Get tips on how to handle ADHD.
• Make new friends who understand you.

If you like to learn with help, you can:

• Ask questions in the group.
• Use pictures or drawings to understand better.
• Write down things that help you most.

Some people find these groups make them feel better and more understood. Everyone is different, so it is good to see if it helps you.

Why is a daily plan good for someone with ADHD?

Having a daily plan can help people with ADHD in many ways:

• Helps Focus: A plan can make it easier to pay attention.
• Less Stress: Knowing what to do next makes things calmer.
• Better Sleep: Going to bed at the same time helps you sleep well.
• Get More Done: You finish tasks when you have a schedule.

Here are some tips to make a plan:

• Use a Timer: Set a timer for each task.
• Write It Down: Keep a list of your tasks.
• Take Breaks: Rest between tasks to recharge.

These tips can help keep someone with ADHD on track!