Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the most common treatment for adding. The medications contain stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine, and atomoxetine. They may also be nonstimulants, like clonidine and guanfacine.
Patients with active substance abuse issues shouldn't take stimulant drugs. However, those in stable remission might look into them. Combination therapy using antidepressants especially SSRIs, is another option.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves focus and reduces hyperactivity and impulses. Most doctors prescribe stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They may recommend methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar medicines. The type prescribed will depend on the person's biochemistry as well as 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. The medication will be effective when you notice improvements in memory, concentration, sleep, and impulsivity.
Some of the adverse effects include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people who have medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease should not take these medications. treatment of add are highly prone for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or paediatricians or in certain cases general practitioners, are able to prescribe stimulants. They are available in the form of pills or tablets or patches that are placed on the skin, or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants are often afflicted with appetite issues and weight loss. If the dosage is too high, they can also develop tics. If this occurs, the doctor will reduce the dosage to stop the drug from causing worsening of symptoms.
About 70% to 80% children and adults with ADHD are treated with stimulant medication. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms get better when treated. This is especially true for those who have parents, teachers or carers who have reported improvements.
The early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic as well as colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that treatment with stimulants decreases the risk for substance use disorders in adolescence, but the protective effect diminishes in the early years of adulthood.