Treatment For ADHD
The most effective treatments for add are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). These medications include stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine, viloxazine, guanfacine, and clonidine.
Patients who have active issues with substance abuse should not take stimulant medications. However, those who are in stable remission might consider them. Combination therapy with antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is another option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels between synapses in the brain. This improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are similar to each other. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on a individual's biochemistry and how well they respond to the medicine. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are apparent. Improved https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adhd-treatment-for-adults/ , better memory, improved sleep, and reduced impulsivity are all signs that the medicine is working.
The medicines in this class may cause side effects, such as decreased appetite and trouble sleeping, and they can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Patients with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure should not take them. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or paediatricians or, in some instances general practitioners, may prescribe stimulants. You can find them in the form of tablets, pills, patches that go on the skin or liquids.
Children and adolescents who use stimulants are often affected by weight loss and a lack of appetite. If the dosage is excessive, they could also develop symptoms of tics. In this case the doctor will lower the dose to stop the drug from worsening symptoms.
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Stimulant medicines are used for about 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. A majority of children and young adults experience improvement in their symptoms with treatment. This is especially the case for children with parents, teachers or other caregivers that can report improvements.
Early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of addiction disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 have found that stimulant treatment reduces the risk for substance use disorders during adolescence, however that this protective effect wanes by early adulthood.
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