Treatment For ADHD
The most common treatments for add are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They may also be nonstimulants, like clonidine and guanfacine.
Stimulant medication are not recommended for patients with active substance abuse issues, however they are an option for those who are in stable recovery. Combination therapy using antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is another option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels between synapses in the brain. This improves focus and reduces the intensity of impulses and hyperactivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. These are both very similar medications. The type prescribed will depend on the person's individual biochemistry and how well they react to the medication. It can take up to seven days for the full effects of a drug to become apparent. The medicine will work if you notice improvements in memory, concentration sleep, impulsivity, and sleep.
Some of the side effects include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People with medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure shouldn't take these medications. They are highly prone for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only paediatricians or psychiatrists or in certain cases, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. You can get them in the form of tablets, pills patches, or patches that are applied to the skin or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who consume stimulants are often afflicted with appetite issues and weight loss. They may also experience symptoms of tics if the dosage is too high. In this instance, the doctor will reduce the dose to stop the drug from worsening symptoms.
The use of stimulant medications is for around 70 to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. Most children and young people experience improvement in their symptoms with treatment. This is especially the case for children with parents, teachers or other caregivers that can report improvements.
add treatment for adults of stimulants can reduce the risk of developing addiction disorders later in life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman and colleagues83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders during the adolescent years. However this protective effect fades in the early years of adulthood.