Treatment For ADHD
The most effective treatments for add are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine. They also include nonstimulants, like clonidine and guanfacine.
Patients with active substance abuse issues are not advised to take stimulant medication. However, those who are 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 between brain synapses. This improves focus and reduces impulses and hyperactivity. The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. Both are similar medications. The type prescribed will depend on the person's biochemistry as well as how well they react to the medicine. It can take up to seven days for full effects of a drug to be apparent. Improved concentration, better memory, better sleep and a decrease in impulse control are all indications that the medication is working.
The medicines in this class may have adverse effects, including reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping, and they can raise blood pressure and heart rate. Some people with a medical condition like high blood pressure or heart disease, should not use them. treating adhd in adults are highly controlled drugs with a potential for abuse. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in some situations, general practitioners may prescribe them. They can be found in the form of pills or tablets, a patch that goes on the skin, or liquids.
Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants are often afflicted with appetite issues and weight loss. They may also experience tics when the dose is too high. In this situation the doctor will decrease the dosage to prevent the symptoms from getting worse.
Stimulant medication is used by approximately 70-80% of children and adults with ADHD. The majority of children and adolescents find that their symptoms improve when treated. This is particularly the case for children who have parents, teachers, or carers who can be able to report improvements.
Early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of substance use disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic as well as colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that stimulant treatment reduces the risk of developing substance abuse disorders during adolescence, however the protective effect diminishes in the early years of adulthood.