Treatment For ADHD
The most effective treatments for add are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine, and atomoxetine. They can also be nonstimulants, like clonidine and Guanfacine.
adhd treatment for adults with active substance abuse issues shouldn't take stimulant drugs. However, those who are in stable remission may take them into consideration. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine that are released between brain synapses. This improves concentration and decreases impulses and hyperactivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. These are both very similar medications. The type prescribed will depend on the person's biochemistry as well as how well they react to the drug. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are apparent. The medication will be effective if you notice improvements in your concentration, memory, sleep, and impulsivity.
Some of the side effects include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure shouldn't take them. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in certain situations general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form of pills or tablets or patches that are placed on the skin, or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. They may also experience symptoms of tics if the dose is too high. In this instance the doctor will lower the dosage to prevent the drug from worsening symptoms.
Stimulant medicines are used for approximately 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms get better when treated. adhd symptoms and treatment is especially the case for children who have teachers, parents, or carers who can report improvements.
The early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later on in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic as well as colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of developing substance abuse disorders during adolescence, however that this protective effect wanes by early adulthood.