Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the primary treatment for add. The medications include stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine. They also include non-stimulants, such as clonidine and Guanfacine.
img width="461" src="
">
Stimulant medication are not recommended for patients with active substance abuse problems but they are a possibility 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 between brain synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. They are both similar drugs. The type prescribed will depend on the person's biochemistry as well as how well they react to the drug. It could take between five and seven days before the full effects of the medication become apparent. Improved concentration, better memory, better sleep and reduced the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medication is working.
Some of the side effects include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people who have medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease, should not take them. They are highly prone for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians or in certain cases general practitioners, may prescribe stimulants. 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 eating disorders. When the dose is too high, they can also develop symptoms of tics. If this occurs, the doctor will reduce the dosage to stop the drug from causing worsening of symptoms.
Stimulant medication is used by approximately 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adhd-treatment-for-adults/ of children and young adults find that their symptoms improve with treatment. This is especially the case for children with parents, teachers, or caregivers who have reported improvements.
Early use of stimulants could reduce the risk for addiction disorders later in life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of substance use disorders in the adolescent period. However this protective effect fades in the early years of adulthood.
![[PukiWiki]](image/pukiwiki.png "[PukiWiki]")
