Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the most common treatment for adding. The medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They can also be nonstimulants, like clonidine and guanfacine.
Stimulant medications should not be used by patients with active substance abuse problems but they are an option for those who are in stable in remission. Combination therapy using antidepressants especially SSRIs, is another option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels between the brain's synapses. This improves concentration and decreases the intensity of impulses and hyperactivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. They are both similar medications. The kind of medicine prescribed is based on the biochemistry of each patient and how they react to it. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are evident. Increased concentration, improved memory, better sleep and a decrease in impulse control are all indications that the medicine is working.
Medications in this class can have adverse effects, including diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and may raise heart rate and blood pressure. People suffering from medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, should not use these medications. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or paediatricians, or in some cases general practitioners, may prescribe stimulants. They can be found in the form of pills or tablets or patches that go on the skin, or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who are dependent on stimulants are often affected by weight loss and appetite problems. treatment for adult adhd can also develop disorders when the dosage is too high. In this instance the doctor will lower the dose to stop the drug from worsening symptoms.
Stimulant medicines are used for about 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. A majority of children and young adults notice that their symptoms improve with treatment. This is particularly relevant for children who have parents, teachers or other caregivers who have reported improvements.
The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk for substance use disorders in later life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that the use of stimulants reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders during the adolescent years. However the protective effect diminishes in the early years of adulthood.