Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the most common treatment for add. The medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They can also be non-stimulants, such as clonidine and guanfacine.
Stimulant medication should not be used in patients who have active addiction issues, but they are a possibility for those who are in stable remission. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant medications to treat ADHD. adhd treatment for adults can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. They are both similar medications. The dosage of the medicine is contingent on the biochemistry of each individual and how they react to it. It may take up to seven days for the full effects of a medication to become evident. Improved concentration, better memory, better sleep and a decrease in impulsivity are all signs that the medication is working.
Some of the side effects can include a decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people with a medical condition, such as high blood pressure or heart disease should not take them. Stimulants are tightly controlled drugs with the potential for abuse. Only psychiatrists or paediatricians or, in some instances general practitioners, are able to prescribe stimulants. You can find them in the form of pills, tablets, patches that go on the skin or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. If the dosage is too high, they may also develop the tics. If this occurs, the doctor will reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from causing worsening of symptoms.
The use of stimulant medications is for about 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms improve when treated. This is especially true for those with parents, teachers or caregivers who observe improvements.
The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of substance use disorders later on in the course of. Wilens Katusic, Wilens, and colleagues81,82 and Biederman, et al83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of developing substance use disorders during the adolescent period. However this protective effect fades in the early years of adulthood.