Treatment For ADHD
The most common treatments for add are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications contain stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine, and Atomoxetine. They may also be nonstimulants, like clonidine and guanfacine.
The use of stimulants should not be used by patients who have active substance abuse issues, however they are an option for those who are in stable in remission. Combination therapy using antidepressants particularly SSRIs, is an alternative option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost dopamine and norepinephrine 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, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are similar to each other. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on a person's individual biochemistry and how well they react to the medication. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become evident. The medicine will be effective when you notice improvements in your concentration, memory, sleep, and impulsivity.
Some of the adverse effects include a decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure should not take them. They are controlled substances that are prone to abuse. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians or, in some instances general practitioners, are able to prescribe stimulants. You can get them in the form of pills, tablets patches that can be applied to the skin or liquids.
Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants are often afflicted with appetite issues and weight loss. When the dose is too high, they can also develop symptoms of tics. In this case the doctor will decrease the dose to stop the drug from worsening symptoms.
The use of stimulant medications is for around 70 to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms get better when treated. find out here is particularly true for those with teachers, parents, or carers who can report improvements.
The early use of stimulants may reduce the risk of substance use disorders later on in the course of. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic as well as colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 have found that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk for substance use disorders during adolescence, however that this protective effect wanes by early adulthood.