ADHD Treatment at LoveMyLife

In brief…

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting around 3–4% of UK adults and 5% of children. It’s characterised by difficulties with attention, concentration, impulsivity and sometimes hyperactivity – and it’s dramatically underdiagnosed. NHS waiting lists for adult ADHD assessment now stretch to 3–7 years in many areas. Many people go their whole lives without a diagnosis, struggling with focus, organisation, relationships and career without understanding why. LoveMyLife offers a complete ADHD pathway: specialist assessment and diagnosis, medication initiation and titration, and ongoing prescribing and dispensing from our own pharmacy. We don’t just diagnose and hand you a prescription – we manage the whole journey, from first consultation to stable, optimised treatment. The medications ADHD medications fall into two main categories – stimulants and non-stimulants – and within those categories there are important differences in how they work, how long they last and who they suit best. Getting the right medication, at the right dose, in the right formulation, is the difference between ‘it didn’t work for me’ and ‘I wish I’d done this years ago.’ Stimulant medications (first-line treatment) Methylphenidate (Concerta XL, Equasym XL, Medikinet XL, Ritalin) and amphetamine-based (Elvanse/lisdexamfetamine, dexamfetamine). These are the most effective ADHD treatments, working in 70–80% of patients. They increase dopamine and noradrenaline in the prefrontal cortex – the brain region responsible for attention, planning and impulse control. Non-stimulant medications (when stimulants aren’t suitable) Atomoxetine and guanfacine. Used when stimulants cause unacceptable side effects, aren’t effective after adequate trials, or where there are specific clinical reasons (anxiety, tics, substance misuse history) to avoid stimulants.