Treatment For ADHD
The most effective treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The drugs include stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They can also be non-stimulants, such as clonidine and guanfacine.
Stimulant medications are not recommended for patients who have active substance abuse problems but they can be considered in those who are in stable recovery. Combination therapy with antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is a different option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels between synapses in the brain. This improves concentration and reduces impulses and hyperactivity. The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. These are both very similar drugs. The type of medicine prescribed depends on the biochemistry of each person and how they respond to it. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become evident. The medicine will be effective if you notice improvements in concentration, memory, sleep, and impulsivity.
These medications can have side effects, including diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and may raise heart rate and blood pressure. People with medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, shouldn't take them. They are controlled substances with the potential for abuse. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists, and in certain circumstances general practitioners can prescribe them. They can be found in the form of tablets or pills, a patch that goes on the skin, or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants are often afflicted by weight loss and eating disorders. When the dose is too high, they can also develop the tics. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.
About 70% to 80 percent of children and adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulant medications. Most children and young people find that their symptoms improve through treatment. This is particularly the case for children with parents, teachers, or caregivers who report improvement.
treating adult adhd of stimulants can lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later in life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83 discovered that the use of stimulants reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders in adolescence. However the protective effect diminishes as we enter early adulthood.