Treatment For ADHD
The main treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine, and atomoxetine. They can also be nonstimulants, like clonidine and guanfacine.
Stimulant medications should not be used by patients who have active addiction issues, but they are an option for those who are in stable recovery. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels between synapses in the brain. This improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulses. Most doctors prescribe stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. adhd treatment adults are both very similar drugs. The type of medicine prescribed depends on the biochemistry of each individual and how they respond to it. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are apparent. The medicine will work if you notice improvements in memory, concentration, sleep, and impulsivity.
The medicines in this class may have adverse effects, including diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and they may raise heart rate and blood pressure. Patients with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, shouldn't take these medications. These are highly controlled drugs with a potential for abuse. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in certain circumstances general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form of tablets or pills or patches that are placed on the skin, or liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants often suffer from weight loss and a lack of appetite. If the dosage is too high, they can also develop tics. In this instance the doctor will lower the dose to stop the drug from causing more symptoms.
Stimulant medication is used by around 70 to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. Most children and young people experience improvement in their symptoms through treatment. This is especially relevant for children who have parents, teachers, or caregivers who report improvement.
The early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing addiction disorders later in the course of. Wilens and colleagues79,80, Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 have found that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of developing substance abuse disorders during adolescence, however the protective effect diminishes as we enter early adulthood.