Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the primary treatment for adding. The medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine. They also include non-stimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine.
Patients who have active issues with substance abuse are not advised to take stimulant medication. However, those in stable remission may look into them. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are released between brain synapses. This improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines which are similar to each other. The type of medicine prescribed depends on the biochemistry of each person and how they respond to it. It could take up to seven days for the full effects of a medication to be apparent. Improvements in concentration, improved memory, better sleep and reduced the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medicine is working.
Some of the side effects can include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people with an illness such as high blood pressure or heart disease, should not take them. Stimulants are tightly controlled drugs with a potential for misuse. Only paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists, and in some 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 a lack of appetite. They may also experience disorders when the dosage is too high. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.
Stimulant medicines are used for around 70 to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. A majority of children and young adults notice that their symptoms improve when they receive treatment. This is especially the case for children who have teachers, parents or caregivers who report improvements.
treatment of add of stimulants could reduce the risk of developing addiction disorders later in life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens colleagues81,82, and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders during adolescence. However, this protective effect fades in the early years of adulthood.