Treatment For ADD: What No One Is Talking About
Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the most common treatment for adding. The medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine. They can also be non-stimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine.
Patients with active substance abuse issues shouldn't take stimulant drugs. However, those in stable remission might look into them. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
treatment for adhd adults
Stimulants boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and 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 could take up to seven days for full effects of a medication to become evident. Improved concentration, better memory, improved sleep, and a decrease in the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medicine is working.
Some of the side effects can include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people who have an illness such as high blood pressure or heart disease should not take them. These are highly controlled drugs with the potential for abuse. Only paediatricians or psychiatrists, or in some cases, general practitioners, can 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 consume stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. When the dose is excessive, they could also develop symptoms of tics. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.
The use of stimulant medications is for about 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms get better when treated. This is especially the case for children with parents, teachers or other caregivers who have reported improvements.
The early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing substance use disorders in later life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of substance addiction disorders during adolescence. However, this protective effect fades in the early years of adulthood.