Treatment For ADHD
The most common treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine, clonidine, guanfacine and viloxazine.
Patients with active substance abuse issues should not take stimulant medications. However, those who are in stable remission might take them into consideration. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels between synapses in the brain. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines which are similar to each other. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the person's biochemistry as well as how well they react to the medication. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become apparent. Improvements in concentration, improved memory, better sleep and a decrease in impulsivity are all signs that the medicine is working.
Some of the side effects can include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure shouldn't take them. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in certain circumstances general practitioners can prescribe them. adhd adults treatment are available in the form of tablets or pills or patches that are placed on the skin, or liquids.
Children and adolescents who consume stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. When the dose is too high, they may also develop tics. In this case the doctor will decrease the dosage to prevent the symptoms from getting worse.
About 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD are treated with stimulant medication. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is especially true for those who have parents, teachers, or caregivers that can report improvements.
Early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of substance use disorders later on in life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that the use of stimulants reduces the risk of substance addiction disorders during the adolescent period. However this protective effect fades in the early years of adulthood.