Treatment For ADHD
The most effective treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They also include non-stimulants, such as clonidine and Guanfacine.
Stimulant medication should not be used in patients who have 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 the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves focus and reduces the intensity of impulses and hyperactivity. Most doctors prescribe medication from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. treat adhd in adults may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. They are both similar medications. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on a person's individual biochemistry and how well they respond to the drug. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are evident. The medicine will work for you if you notice improvement in your concentration, memory sleep, and impulsivity.
Some of the side effects can include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people who have an illness, such as high blood pressure or heart disease shouldn't take these medications. The stimulants have a high risk for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists, and in certain situations general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form of pills, tablets patches that can be applied to the skin or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. When the dose is too high, they can also develop symptoms of tics. In this case the doctor will lower the dose to prevent the drug from worsening symptoms.
About 70% to 80 percent of children and adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulant medications. Most children and young people find that their symptoms improve with treatment. This is particularly relevant for children who have parents, teachers or other caregivers that can report improvements.
Early use of stimulants could lower the risk of developing addiction disorders later in life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders in the adolescent period. However the protective effect diminishes in the early years of adulthood.