When Emma was diagnosed with ADHD in 2022, her psychiatrist immediately prescribed her Ritalin. There was no discussion about different ADHD medications or that people with ADHD can respond differently to different stimulants. Emma says the diagnosis itself was a form of therapy. While Ritalin helped alleviate some of her symptoms, it also made her anxious. In late 2023, she was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of a heart attack, and doctors advised her to stop taking it. Emma decided to stop and try other methods she had read about that might help.
She tried lifestyle changes such as following a routine, practicing mindfulness, improving her diet, taking cold showers, and avoiding looking at her phone first thing in the morning. It was only in June 2024, after learning about an alternative ADHD medication called Vyvanse, that she visited her psychiatrist again for a prescription. Two years after her diagnosis, Emma feels like she has finally found a solution.
The Australasian ADHD Professionals Association recently introduced an ADHD prescribing guide to highlight that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to treating ADHD, especially as diagnoses increase. The guide provides clear and consistent information on starting, adjusting, and discontinuing ADHD medication across different age groups and settings. The president of the AADPA, Prof. David Coghill, emphasizes the importance of optimizing medication for individuals with ADHD.
Prof. Coghill mentions that while ADHD is easy to treat, treating it well is challenging. He stresses the need for healthcare professionals to understand how to use different medications to optimize care for people with ADHD. The Senate inquiry investigating support for Australians with ADHD highlighted the need for better education among health professionals in this area. The AADPA’s guide aims to provide detailed information about medications and the importance of tailoring treatment to the individual.
The guide was developed by an advisory group of health professionals and individuals with lived experience of ADHD. It emphasizes that medication, while essential for improving core ADHD symptoms, is most effective when combined with other strategies such as psychoeducation, cognitive therapy, and ADHD coaching. Prof. Brenton Prosser from the University of New South Wales praises the guide as a crucial step forward in addressing inconsistencies in ADHD prescription practices.
The AADPA guide outlines different medications licensed for treating ADHD in Australia, with stimulants like Ritalin and Vyvanse having the strongest evidence as first-line treatments. However, it is still challenging to predict how individuals will respond to these medications. Coghill explains that different medications work in slightly different ways but ultimately aim to reinforce connections within the brain to balance activity and alleviate ADHD symptoms.
In conclusion, the new ADHD prescribing guide by the AADPA aims to provide healthcare professionals with clear and consistent information on treating ADHD tailored to individual needs. While medication plays a significant role in managing ADHD symptoms, a comprehensive approach that includes various strategies is essential for effective treatment. The guide marks a significant step towards ensuring that individuals with ADHD receive optimal care and support.