Treatment For ADHD
The most common treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine, clonidine, guanfacine and viloxazine.
Stimulant medications should not be used in patients with active substance abuse issues, however they can be considered in those who are in stable remission. Combination therapy using antidepressants especially SSRIs, is another option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine between brain synapses. This helps improve concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. They are both similar medications. The type of medication prescribed will depend on a person's biochemistry as well as how well they react to the medication. It could take up to seven days for the full effects of a drug to be apparent. Improvements in concentration, improved memory, improved sleep, and a decrease in impulse control are all indications that the medicine is working.
Some of the side effects include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease should not use these medications. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists, and in some circumstances general practitioners can prescribe them. They can be found in the form of pills or tablets or patches that are placed on the skin, or liquids.
adhd symptoms and treatment and adolescents who are dependent on stimulants are often afflicted by weight loss and a lack of appetite. They can also develop symptoms of tics if the dose is too high. If this happens, the doctor may reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from causing a worsening of symptoms.
Around 70 to 80 percent of children and adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulant medications. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms get better when treated. This is particularly true for those with parents, teachers or caregivers who be able to report improvements.
The early use of stimulants may lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later on in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that treatment with stimulants decreases the risk for substance use disorders in adolescence, but the protective effect diminishes by early adulthood.