Treatment For ADHD
The main treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The drugs include stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine, and atomoxetine. They also include non-stimulants like clonidine or guanfacine.
adhd adults treatment 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
The effects of stimulants increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine between brain synapses. This improves concentration and decreases impulses and hyperactivity. Most doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar to each other. The type prescribed will depend on a individual's biochemistry and how well they react to the medication. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are apparent. Increased concentration, improved memory, better sleep, and a decrease in impulse control are all indications that the medicine is working.
Some of the adverse effects include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people with a medical condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease, shouldn't take these medications. They are highly prone for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or paediatricians or in certain cases, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. They are available in the form of pills or tablets, a patch that goes on the skin, or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. They may also experience symptoms of tics if the dose is too high. In this instance, the doctor will reduce the dose to stop the drug from worsening symptoms.
Around 70 to 80% children and adults with ADHD are treated with stimulant medication. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is particularly the case for children with parents, teachers or carers who report improvement.
Early use of stimulants could reduce the risk for substance use disorders in later life. Wilens and colleagues79,80, Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 have found that treatment with stimulants decreases the risk of developing substance use disorders in adolescents, but that this protective effect wanes as we enter early adulthood.