Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the most common treatment for add. The drugs include stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They may also be non-stimulants, such as clonidine and guanfacine.
The use of stimulants should not be used by patients with active addiction issues, but they are an option for those who are in stable recovery. Combination therapy using antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, is an alternative option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. adhd untreated in adults might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. They are both similar drugs. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on the individual's biochemistry and how well they respond to the drug. It could take up to seven days for the full effects of a medication to become 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 with medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease, should not take them. The stimulants have a high risk for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians or in certain cases, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. You can get them in the form of pills, tablets patches that can be applied to the skin or liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants are often affected by weight loss and appetite problems. They may also experience symptoms of tics if the dosage is too high. In this situation the doctor will lower the dose to stop the drug from worsening symptoms.
About 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD are treated with stimulant drugs. Most children and young people experience improvement in their symptoms through treatment. This is particularly true for those who have parents, teachers, or caregivers who report improvement.
Early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later on in life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens colleagues81,82 and Biederman, et al83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of substance use disorders during adolescence. However, this protective effect fades as we enter early adulthood.