Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the primary treatment for add. Medications can include stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine, and nonstimulants like atomoxetine, viloxazine, guanfacine, and clonidine.
Patients with active issues with addiction should not take stimulant medications. However, those in stable remission may take them into consideration. Combination therapy with antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, is an alternative option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels between the brain's synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar medications. The type of medication prescribed will depend on a person's individual biochemistry and how well they react to the medicine. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are evident. Improvements in concentration, improved memory, improved sleep, and reduced impulsivity are all signs that the medicine is working.
Some of the adverse effects include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure should not take these medications. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only paediatricians or psychiatrists, or in some cases general practitioners, are able to prescribe stimulants. They are available in the form of pills or tablets, a patch that goes on the skin, or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants are often affected by weight loss and eating disorders. When the dose is excessive, they could also develop the tics. If how to treat adhd occurs, the doctor will reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from leading to a worsening of 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 through treatment. This is particularly true for those with teachers, parents or caregivers who be able to report improvements.
Early use of stimulants could reduce the risk for drug use disorders later in life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders during the adolescent period. However the protective effect diminishes by early adulthood.