Treatment For ADHD
The most effective treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). adhd treatments adults include stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, and non-stimulants such as atomoxetine, clonidine, guanfacine and viloxazine.
Patients who have active issues with substance abuse should not take stimulant medications. However, those who are in stable remission may take them into consideration. Combination therapy using antidepressants especially SSRIs, is another option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are released between brain synapses. This helps improve concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar to each other. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on the person's biochemistry as well as how well they react to the drug. It may take up to seven days for the full effects of a medication to be apparent. The medication will be effective when you notice improvements in memory, concentration, sleep, and impulsivity.
Some of the side effects can include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people who have a medical condition, such as high blood pressure or heart disease shouldn't take these medications. They are controlled substances with the potential for abuse. Only paediatricians or psychiatrists or in certain cases general practitioners, are able to prescribe stimulants. They are available in the form of tablets or pills or patches that are placed on the skin, or liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants often suffer from weight loss and eating disorders. They may also experience symptoms of tics if the dose is too high. If this occurs, the doctor will reduce the dosage to stop the drug from causing a worsening of symptoms.
adhd adults treatment are used for approximately 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is especially true for those with teachers, parents or caregivers who report improvements.
Early use of stimulants could reduce the risk for substance use disorders in later life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic as well as colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 have found that stimulant treatment reduces the risk of developing substance abuse disorders in adolescence, but that this protective effect wanes by early adulthood.