Treatment For ADHD
The most common treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The drugs include stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine. They can also be nonstimulants, like clonidine and guanfacine.
Patients who have active issues with substance abuse are not advised to take stimulant medication. However, add treatments for adults in stable remission might take them into consideration. Combination therapy using antidepressants especially SSRIs, is a different option.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine between brain synapses. This helps improve concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They may recommend methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines which are similar to each other. The dosage of the medicine is contingent on the biochemistry of each patient and how they react to it. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become evident. The medication will be effective if you notice improvements in memory, concentration sleep, impulsivity, and sleep.
Some of the adverse effects include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure should not take them. Stimulants are tightly controlled drugs that are prone to misuse. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians, or in some cases general practitioners, may prescribe stimulants. You can find them in the form of tablets, pills patches, or patches that are applied to the skin or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants are often afflicted with appetite issues and weight loss. When the dose is too high, they can also develop symptoms of tics. In this situation, the doctor will reduce the dose to stop the symptoms from getting worse.
Stimulant medicines are used for about 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is especially the case for children with parents, teachers, or caregivers that can report improvements.
Early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of addiction disorders later in life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of substance use disorders in the adolescent years. However the protective effect diminishes as we enter early adulthood.