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 also include non-stimulants, such as clonidine and guanfacine.
The use of stimulants are not recommended for patients with active addiction issues, but they are an option for those who are in stable in remission. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels between the brain's synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulses. Most doctors prescribe medication from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. Both are similar medications. treat adhd prescribed will depend on a individual's biochemistry and how well they respond to the drug. It can take up to seven days for the full effects of a medication to become evident. Increased concentration, improved memory, better sleep, and reduced the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medicine is working.
Some of the adverse effects include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure shouldn't take these medications. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians, or in some cases general practitioners, may prescribe stimulants. They can be found in the form of tablets or pills, a patch that goes 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 can also develop the tics. In this case the doctor will decrease the dose to prevent the drug from worsening symptoms.
Around 70 to 80% children and adults with ADHD are treated with stimulant medication. A majority of children and young adults notice that their symptoms improve with treatment. This is especially the case for children who have teachers, parents, or carers who can report improvements.
The early use of stimulants may lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later on in the course of. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic as well as colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that treatment with stimulants decreases the risk for substance use disorders in adolescents, but the protective effect diminishes by early adulthood.