Treatment For ADHD
The most common treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). Medications can include stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine, and non-stimulants like atomoxetine and clonidine, guanfacine and viloxazine.
The use of stimulants are not recommended for patients who have active addiction issues, but they are a possibility for those who are in stable recovery. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They may recommend methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are similar to each other. The type of medicine prescribed depends on the biochemistry of each person and how they respond to it. It can take up to seven days for the full effects of a medication to be apparent. Improved concentration, better memory, improved sleep, and less impulse control are all indications that the medicine is working.
Medications in this class can have adverse effects, including decreased appetite and trouble sleeping, and they can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people with medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease should not take these medications. treatment for adult adhd are highly prone for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in certain situations general practitioners can prescribe them. They can be found in the form of pills or tablets or patches that are placed on the skin, or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. When the dose is too high, they can also develop the tics. In this situation the doctor will lower the dose to stop the drug from causing more symptoms.
Around 70 to 80% children and adults with ADHD are treated with stimulant medication. A majority of children and young adults experience improvement in their symptoms with treatment. This is especially relevant for children with parents, teachers, or carers who can report improvements.
The early use of stimulants may lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80, Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that stimulant treatment reduces the risk for substance use disorders during adolescence, however the protective effect diminishes as we enter early adulthood.