Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the main treatment for adding. The drugs include stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They may also be nonstimulants, like clonidine and Guanfacine.
Stimulant medications are not recommended for patients with active substance abuse problems but they can be considered in those who are in stable remission. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels between synapses in the brain. This improves focus and reduces impulses and hyperactivity. Most doctors prescribe medication from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. These are both very similar drugs. The type of medicine prescribed depends on the biochemistry of each person and how they respond to it. It may take up to seven days for the full effects of a drug to become evident. The medicine will work when you notice improvements in memory, concentration, sleep, and impulsivity.
Some of the side effects include a decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people with a medical condition, such as high blood pressure or heart disease should not take them. These are highly controlled drugs that are prone to misuse. Only add adult treatment , paediatricians, neurologists, and in certain situations general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form of pills or tablets, a patch that goes on the skin, or liquids.
Children and adolescents who are dependent on stimulants often suffer from weight loss and appetite problems. They can also develop tics when the dosage is too high. In this case the doctor will lower the dose to stop the drug from worsening symptoms.
Stimulant medication is used by around 70 to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. A majority of children and young adults find that their symptoms improve through treatment. This is particularly true for those who have parents, teachers or other caregivers that can report improvements.
Early use of stimulants may lower the risk of developing drug use disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of developing substance abuse disorders in adolescents, but that this protective effect wanes as we enter early adulthood.