Treatment For ADHD
The most effective treatments for add are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications contain 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, those in stable remission might take them into consideration. 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 and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe medication from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. They are both similar drugs. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on a individual's biochemistry and how well they respond to the medication. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are evident. Improved concentration, better memory, better sleep and less the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medicine is working.
treatments for adhd can have side effects, including diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and may increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some people who have a medical condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease, should not take these medications. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in certain situations, general practitioners may prescribe them. They can be found in the form of pills or tablets or patches that go on the skin, or liquids.
Children and adolescents who use stimulants are often afflicted by weight loss and eating disorders. When the dose is too high, they may also develop symptoms of tics. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.
About 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD are treated with stimulant medications. The majority of children and young people experience improvement in their symptoms with treatment. This is especially true for those with teachers, parents or caregivers who be able to report improvements.
The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of developing drug use disorders later in life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of substance addiction disorders during the adolescent years. However this protective effect fades in the early years of adulthood.