Treatment For ADHD
The main treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine, and atomoxetine. They can also be non-stimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine.
Stimulant medication should not be used by patients with active addiction issues, but they are a possibility for those who are in stable recovery. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels between the brain's synapses. This helps improve concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe medication from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may recommend methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar medications. The type prescribed will depend on a person's individual biochemistry and how well they respond to the medication. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are apparent. Improved concentration, better memory, better sleep and reduced impulsivity are all signs that the medicine is working.
Some of the side effects include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure should not use these medications. They are controlled substances with the potential for abuse. Only treating adults with adhd , psychiatrists or neurologists, and in some situations general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form of tablets or pills or patches that are placed on the skin, or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who are dependent on stimulants are often afflicted by weight loss and appetite problems. When the dose is too high, they may also develop tics. If treating adult add happens, the doctor may reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from causing worsening of symptoms.
About 70-80% children and adults with ADHD are treated with stimulant drugs. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms improve when treated. This is especially relevant for children with teachers, parents, or carers who can report improvements.
Early use of stimulants could reduce the risk of developing drug use disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that treatment with stimulants decreases the risk of developing substance abuse disorders during adolescence, however that this protective effect wanes in the early years of adulthood.