Treatment For ADHD

Psychosocial therapy is the most common treatment for add. Medications can include stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine, and non-stimulants such as atomoxetine, viloxazine, guanfacine, and clonidine.

Patients with active substance abuse issues are not advised to take stimulant medication. However, those who are in stable remission might consider them. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels between synapses in the brain. This helps improve concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. These are both very similar medications. The dosage of the medicine is contingent on the biochemistry of each person and how they respond to it. It could take up to seven days for the full effects of a medication to be apparent. The medicine will work if you notice improvements in your concentration, memory, sleep, and impulsivity.

Medications in this class can have adverse effects, including diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and they can raise blood pressure and heart rate. Some people who have medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease shouldn't take them. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in some circumstances general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form or pills, tablets patches that can be applied to the skin or liquids.

Children and adolescents who consume stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. They may also experience disorders when the dosage is too high. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.

Stimulant medicines are used for around 70 to 80% of children and adults with untreated adhd in adults relationships Adhd Life Expectancy - Drumox1.Bravejournal.Net -. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is especially the case for children who have teachers, parents, or carers who can report improvements.

The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk for drug use disorders later in life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of developing substance use disorders during the adolescent period. However the protective effect diminishes as we enter early adulthood.