Treatment For ADHD
The most common treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The drugs include stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine, and atomoxetine. treatment for adults with add include non-stimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine.
treatment of add of stimulants should not be used in patients with active addiction issues, but they can be considered in those who are in stable in remission. Combination therapy with antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is another option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This helps improve concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines which are similar medicines. The type of medicine prescribed depends on the biochemistry of each patient and how they respond to it. It could take between five and seven days before the full effects of the medication become apparent. The medicine will work when you notice improvements in concentration, memory sleep, and impulsivity.
These medications can cause side effects, such as decreased appetite and trouble sleeping, and they can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some people who have medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease, shouldn't take them. They are highly prone for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists, and in some circumstances general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form or pills, tablets patches, or patches that are applied to the skin or liquids.
Children and adolescents who consume stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. They can also develop tics when the dose is too high. In this case the doctor will lower the dose to stop the drug from causing more symptoms.
About 70% to 80 percent of children and adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulant medications. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms get better when treated. This is especially the case for children who have parents, teachers or caregivers who observe improvements.
The early use of stimulants may lower the risk of developing addiction disorders later in life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens colleagues81,82, and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that the use of stimulants reduces the risk of developing substance addiction disorders during adolescence. However, this protective effect fades by early adulthood.