Treatment For ADHD
The main treatments for add are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine. They also include non-stimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine.
Stimulant medication should not be used in patients who have active substance abuse issues, however they can be considered in those who are in stable in remission. Combination therapy with antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is a different option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels between the brain's synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. They are both similar drugs. 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 full effects of a drug to become apparent. treating adult add will be effective when you notice improvements in concentration, memory sleep, and impulsivity.
Medications in this class can cause side effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and they can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, shouldn't take them. They are highly prone for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in some situations, general practitioners may prescribe them. They are available in the form of tablets or pills or patches that go on the skin, or liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. They can also develop symptoms of tics if the dosage is too high. If treating add in adults happens, the doctor may reduce the dosage to stop the drug from causing a worsening of symptoms.
Around 70 to 80 percent of children and adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulant medications. The majority of children and young people notice that their symptoms improve through treatment. This is especially the case for children who have parents, teachers or caregivers who be able to report improvements.
Early use of stimulants could reduce the risk for substance use disorders in later life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of developing substance use disorders in adolescence. However, this protective effect fades by early adulthood.