Health and medicines library
Plain answers about health and medicines, for young people and families. It explains; it doesn't diagnose.
Focus Lab never recommends, compares or doses medicines or supplements, and shows no adverts. Only the doctor who prescribes a medicine can start, change or stop it.
Understanding health
Conditions that can affect focus, mood and learning, and when to talk to someone.
- ADHDWhat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is, what it isn't, and how it's assessed.
- AnxietyOrdinary worry, and when anxiety becomes something to get help with.
- Low mood and depressionFeeling down is part of life. Here's how to tell when it's more, and what to do.
- Sleep problemsWhy teenagers sleep late, and when poor sleep needs a doctor.
- Autism, dyslexia and other learning differencesBrains that develop differently, and how to get the right support.
- Alcohol, tobacco, vaping and drugsHow substances affect a growing brain, and where to get confidential help.
- Compulsive gaming, scrolling and other habitsWhen a habit stops being fun and starts taking over.
- When medicines or health affect attentionSome medicines and physical health problems can make focus harder.
- Epilepsy, migraine and head injuriesBrain and nerve conditions that can affect focus and learning.
Using medicines safely
Prescriptions, side effects, interactions and questions to ask, for anyone who's been prescribed a medicine.
- Reading a prescription and a medicine labelWhat's on a prescription, and what to check before you take anything.
- Using medicines safelyThe simple rules that prevent most medicine mistakes.
- Side effects: what to watch forMost side effects are mild. Some need a doctor quickly.
- Interactions: medicines, food, drinks and supplementsWhy your doctor and pharmacist need to know everything you take.
- Taking medicines as prescribedWhy it matters, and simple ways to remember.
- Talking to a pharmacist or doctorPharmacists are medicine experts. Here's what to ask them.
- Keeping track of treatment and follow-upsA simple record helps every doctor you see.
Draft for clinical review: written to educate, checked against public health guidance, and waiting for review by Focus Lab's clinical advisers.