Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the main treatment for add. The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as nonstimulants like atomoxetine, clonidine, guanfacine and viloxazine.
The use of stimulants are not recommended for patients with active addiction issues, but they are an option for those who are in stable remission. Combination therapy using antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is another option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. These are both very similar medications. The kind of medicine prescribed is based on the biochemistry of each person and how they react to it. It may take up to seven days for the full effects of a drug to be apparent. Improved concentration, better memory, better sleep, and a decrease in the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medicine is working.
The medicines in this class may cause side effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and may raise heart rate and blood pressure. adhd adult treatment with medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease should not use them. These are highly controlled drugs that are prone to misuse. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists, and in some situations general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form of pills or tablets, a patch that goes on the skin, or liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants often suffer from weight loss and appetite problems. If the dosage is too high, they can also develop tics. In this case, the doctor will reduce the dose to stop the drug from worsening symptoms.
About 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD are treated with stimulant drugs. Most children and young people find that their symptoms improve with treatment. This is particularly the case for children who have teachers, parents, or carers who can observe improvements.
Early use of stimulants could reduce the risk of developing drug use disorders later in life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of substance addiction disorders during adolescence. However, this protective effect fades by early adulthood.