In Australia, the psychostimulant medications mainly used to treat ADHD are dexamfetamine, methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine. Methylphenidate is available as a short-acting preparation (e.g. Ritalin®) and as a long-acting or extended release preparation (e.g. Ritalin LA®, Concerta®).
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for ADHD. It belongs to a group of medicines called stimulants, which work by increasing activity in the brain, particularly in areas that play a part in controlling attention and behaviour.
The two most common stimulants used in Australia are methylphenidate and dexamphetamine. Both have similar actions and side effects. Stimulants can be short acting or long acting. The short-acting forms usually last about three to four hours while long acting forms can last between six to 12 hours.
Some psychologists can diagnose ADHD; however, initial medication is only prescribed by a psychiatrist or a paediatrician in Australia when medication has stabilised; in some circumstances, ongoing management conducted by another medical practitioner.
General practitioners will generally only be issued with permits to prescribe dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate where there is evidence of a specialist diagnosis and that a specialist review has taken place within a specified period.
Medications for ADHD
There are only two stimulant medications, methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin, Concerta and other formulations) and amphetamine (the active ingredient in Adderall, Vyvanse and other formulations).
The most popular ADHD medications among ADDitude readers include (in alphabetical order): Adderall XR (amphetamine) Concerta (methylphenidate) Dexedrine (amphetamine)
Behavior Therapy, Including Training for Parents
Children with ADHD often show behaviors that can be very disruptive to others. Behavior therapy is a treatment option that can help reduce these behaviors; it is often helpful to start behavior therapy as soon as a diagnosis is made.
ADHD: a disabling condition
It is recognized as a disability under the 1992 Disability Discrimination Act.
ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting one in 20 Australians, which has an impact on their ability to have age-appropriate self-control, according to ADHD Australia.
ADHD Assessment & Treatment Centres
To legally protect the rights of people with ADHD in Australia, under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), a person's ADHD must be classed as a disability according to the criteria as specified in the DDA.
Does Medicare Cover ADHD Treatments & Medications? Yes. Medicare ADHD medication coverage is available through the optional Part D for those with Original Medicare. Medication management services are also available.
Medicare Rebates:
To access Medicare rebates you will need to see your GP and request a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Medicare offers up to 10 sessions of therapy a year for people diagnosed with ADHD who are under this plan. It will cover standard psychological therapy including skill training.
Medicare covers Adderall as long as the drug is medically necessary for a person's health or well-being. In most cases, Part D prescription drug plans cover the cost of Adderall. Depending on the plan, Medicare may only cover the generic version of Adderall.
A formal diagnosis of ADHD can only be made by qualified health professionals. Whilst general practitioners, and other front-line health providers may have useful information and experience in identifying ADHD symptoms, the diagnosis needs to be made by a paediatrician or a child psychiatrist.
Based on the best available evidence, effective strategies include treating ADHD with medication, parent-delivered behavior therapy, and teacher-delivered behavior therapy.
When you first start taking Ritalin, you might experience improved mood, and almost a sense of euphoria. This can translate to everyday physical activities being easier to accomplish. In the long term, Ritalin can cause musculoskeletal complications when misused or taken in too large of doses.
Answer: Using caffeine, either in a drink or in an over-the-counter preparation, is not recommended by medical experts as a treatment for ADHD. Although some studies have shown that caffeine may improve concentration in adults with ADHD, it is not as effective as medication.
Stimulants are believed to work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, pleasure, attention, and movement. For many people with ADHD, stimulant medications boost concentration and focus while reducing hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children.
ADHD may be covered by the NDIS if you meet the eligibility and disability requirements. In addition to general criteria such as age, you must be able to prove that you have a disability causing an impairment that: Is permanent or likely to be permanent.
ADHD is recognised as a condition which qualifies for disability benefits and funding.
ADHD specialists recommend methylphenidates as the first-choice medication for treating children and adolescents, and amphetamines as the first-choice medication for adults.
The nonstimulants atomoxetine, guanfacine, and bupropion are considered best choices for individuals in substance abuse treatment programs. Nonstimulants are also a desirable choice for people who have had adverse effects on stimulant medications.