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 can also be non-stimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine.
Stimulant medications 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 treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulses. Most doctors prescribe stimulant medications to treat ADHD. adults adhd treatment can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. Both are similar drugs. The kind of medicine prescribed is based on the biochemistry of each person and how they react to it. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are apparent. The medicine will be effective when you notice improvements in memory, concentration, sleep, and impulsivity.
Some of the side effects can include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people who have medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease shouldn't take them. They are highly prone for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or paediatricians or, in some instances general practitioners, may prescribe stimulants. They can be found in the form of tablets or pills or patches that go on the skin, or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who use stimulants often suffer from weight loss and appetite problems. They can also develop symptoms of tics if the dosage is too high. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.
Stimulant medication is used by approximately 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is particularly true for those with teachers, parents or caregivers who report improvements.
The early use of stimulants may lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later in the course of. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic as well as colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that treatment with stimulants decreases the risk for substance use disorders in adolescents, but the protective effect diminishes by early adulthood.