Treatment For ADHD
The main treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine, and atomoxetine. They can also be non-stimulants, such as clonidine and guanfacine.
The use of stimulants should not be used by patients who have active substance abuse problems but they are an option for those who are in stable in remission. Combination therapy using antidepressants especially SSRIs, is a different option.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine that are released between brain synapses. This improves concentration and reduces impulses and hyperactivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. Both are similar drugs. adhd in adults treatment of medication prescribed will depend on a person's individual biochemistry and how well they respond to the drug. It could take between five and seven days before the full effects of the medication are evident. Improved concentration, better memory, improved sleep, and less the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medicine is working.
Some of the side effects include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people who have an illness like high blood pressure or heart disease should not take these medications. The stimulants have a high risk for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only paediatricians or psychiatrists or, in some instances, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. You can get them in the form or pills, tablets patches that can be applied to the skin or 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 dose is too high. In this case the doctor will lower the dosage to prevent the drug from worsening symptoms.
About 70-80% children and adults with ADHD are treated with stimulant drugs. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is especially relevant for children who have parents, teachers, or caregivers who report improvement.
The early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing addiction disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80, Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that stimulant treatment reduces the risk of developing substance abuse disorders in adolescence, but that this protective effect wanes in the early years of adulthood.