Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the main treatment for adding. The drugs include stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine, and Atomoxetine. They can also be non-stimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine.
Patients who have active issues with substance abuse shouldn't take stimulant drugs. However, those who are in stable remission might take them into consideration. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine that are released between brain 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. These are both very similar drugs. The dosage of the medicine is contingent on the biochemistry of each patient and how they respond to it. It may take up to seven days for the full effects of a medication to be apparent. The medication will be effective when you notice improvements in memory, concentration sleep, and impulsivity.
The medicines in this class may have side effects, including diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and they may raise blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease should not use them. They are highly prone for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists, and in certain 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 liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants often suffer from weight loss and eating disorders. When the dose is excessive, they could also develop the tics. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to stop the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.
Around 70 to 80% children and adults with ADHD are treated with stimulant drugs. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is especially true for those with teachers, parents, or carers who can observe improvements.
The early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later in life. adult add treatment , Wilens colleagues81,82 and Biederman, et al83 discovered that the use of stimulants reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders in the adolescent years. However, this protective effect fades in the early years of adulthood.