Treatment For ADHD
The most effective treatments for add are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine, viloxazine, guanfacine, and clonidine.
Stimulant medications should not be used in patients who have active substance abuse problems but they are an option for those who are in stable recovery. Combination therapy using antidepressants especially SSRIs, is a different option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This helps improve concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. These are both very similar medications. The type prescribed will depend on a individual's biochemistry and how well they react to the medication. It may take up to seven days for full effects of a medication to be apparent. The medication will be effective if you notice improvements in memory, concentration sleep, impulsivity, and sleep.
Some of the adverse effects include a decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people with medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease shouldn't take these medications. The stimulants have a high risk for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only clinical treatment for adhd , psychiatrists or neurologists, and in some situations general practitioners can prescribe them. You can get them in the form of tablets, pills, patches that go on the skin or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. If the dosage is too high, they can also develop the tics. If this occurs, the doctor will reduce the dosage to stop the drug from causing worsening of symptoms.
Stimulant medicines are used for approximately 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms get better when treated. This is especially the case for children who have teachers, parents, or carers who can observe improvements.
Early use of stimulants may reduce the risk of developing addiction disorders later in life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens colleagues81,82 and Biederman, et al83 discovered that the use of stimulants reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders during adolescence. However the protective effect diminishes as we enter early adulthood.