Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the main treatment for add. The medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine. They can also be non-stimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine.
Patients with active substance abuse issues shouldn't take stimulant drugs. However, adhd treatments adults who are in stable remission may look into them. Combination therapy with antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is another option.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. They are both similar drugs. adhd treatment in adults of the medicine is contingent on the biochemistry of each individual and how they react to it. It can take up to seven days for the full effects of a medication to become evident. Improved concentration, better memory, better sleep, and less impulsivity are all signs that the medication is working.
Medications in this class can have side effects, including decreased appetite and trouble sleeping, and they can raise blood pressure and heart rate. People with medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure should not use these medications. They are highly prone for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists, and in some situations general practitioners can prescribe them. They can be found in the form of pills or tablets, a patch that goes on the skin, or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants are often affected by weight loss and eating disorders. If the dosage is excessive, they could also develop the tics. If this happens, the doctor may reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.
About 70% to 80 percent of children and adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulant medications. 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 observe improvements.
Early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing addiction disorders later in the course of. Wilens Katusic, Wilens colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that the use of stimulants reduces the risk of substance use disorders during the adolescent years. However this protective effect fades by early adulthood.