Treatment For ADHD
The most common treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine and atomoxetine. They may also be non-stimulants, such as clonidine and Guanfacine.
Patients who have active issues with substance abuse should not take stimulant medications. However, those who are in stable remission might take them into consideration. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulses. The majority of doctors prescribe stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. These are both very similar medications. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on a individual's biochemistry and how well they respond to the medicine. It could take up to seven days for full effects of a medication to become evident. Improved concentration, better memory, better sleep and reduced impulse control are all indications that the medication is working.
Medications in this class can have side effects, including decreased appetite and trouble sleeping, and may raise blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people with a medical condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease should not take them. They are highly prone for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only paediatricians or psychiatrists, or in some cases general practitioners, are able to prescribe stimulants. They can be found in the form of pills or tablets or patches that are placed on the skin, or in liquids.
treat adult adhd and adolescents who take stimulants are often afflicted with appetite issues and weight loss. If the dosage is too high, they may also develop tics. In this instance the doctor will decrease the dose to prevent the drug from worsening symptoms.
Stimulant medicines are used for about 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. The majority of children and young people experience improvement in their symptoms when they receive treatment. This is particularly the case for children with parents, teachers or other caregivers who report improvement.
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 substance use disorders during adolescence. However this protective effect fades as we enter early adulthood.