Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the primary treatment for add. The medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine. They also include non-stimulants, such as clonidine and Guanfacine.
The use of stimulants should not be used by patients with active substance abuse issues, however they are an option for those who are in stable remission. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulses. Most doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are similar to each other. The dosage of the medicine is contingent on the biochemistry of each patient and how they respond to it. It could take between five and seven days before the full effects of the medication become apparent. The medicine will be effective when you notice improvements in memory, concentration sleep, impulsivity, and sleep.
These medications can cause side effects, such as decreased appetite and trouble sleeping, and they can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some people who have an illness like high blood pressure or heart disease shouldn't take these medications. They are highly prone for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians or in certain cases general practitioners, may prescribe stimulants. They can be found in the form of tablets or pills, a patch that goes on the skin, or liquids.
Children and adolescents who consume stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. They can also develop symptoms of tics if the dosage is too high. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to stop the drug from causing a worsening of symptoms.
Around adhd untreated in adults to 80% children and adults with ADHD are treated with stimulant drugs. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms improve when treated. This is particularly the case for children who have parents, teachers, or carers who can report improvements.
Early use of stimulants could reduce the risk for substance use disorders in later life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens, and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of acquiring substance addiction disorders during the adolescent years. However the protective effect diminishes in the early years of adulthood.