Treatment For ADHD
The most effective treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The drugs include stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine, and Atomoxetine. They also include non-stimulants, such as clonidine and Guanfacine.
Patients who have active issues with substance abuse shouldn't take stimulant drugs. However, those in stable remission may look into them. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are released between brain synapses. This improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are similar medications. The kind of medicine prescribed is based on the biochemistry of each person and how they react to it. It could take between five and seven days before the full effects of the medication become evident. Improved concentration, better memory, improved sleep, and reduced the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medication is working.
These medications can cause side effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and they can increase heart rate and blood pressure. People with medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure should not take these medications. The stimulants have a high risk for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or paediatricians, or in some cases general practitioners, are able to prescribe stimulants. add adult treatment can be found in the form of pills or tablets or patches that are placed on the skin, or liquids.
add and treatment and adolescents who are dependent on stimulants often suffer from weight loss and a lack of appetite. If the dosage is too high, they can also develop the tics. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from causing a worsening of symptoms.
Stimulant medication is used by approximately 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms get better when treated. This is particularly true for those who have parents, teachers, or caregivers who report improvement.
The early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing addiction disorders later in life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of developing substance use disorders during the adolescent period. However the protective effect diminishes in the early years of adulthood.