Treatment For ADHD
The most common treatments for add are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). These medications include stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as nonstimulants like atomoxetine, viloxazine, guanfacine, and clonidine.
The use of stimulants are not recommended for patients with active addiction issues, but they are a possibility for those who are in stable recovery. 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 reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar medications. The dosage of the medicine is contingent on the biochemistry of each individual and how they react to it. It could take between five and seven days before the full effects of the medication are apparent. Improved concentration, better memory, improved sleep, and a decrease in the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medicine is working.
The medicines in this class may cause side effects, such as decreased appetite and trouble sleeping, and they can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some people with medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease should not take them. They are controlled substances that are prone to misuse. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists, and in certain situations general practitioners can prescribe them. You can find them in the form of tablets, pills patches, or patches that are applied to the skin or liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants are often affected by weight loss and appetite problems. When the dose is too high, they can also develop the tics. If this occurs, the doctor will reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from causing a worsening of symptoms.
Stimulant medication is used by approximately 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. The majority of children and young people notice that their symptoms improve when they receive treatment. This is especially true for those who have parents, teachers or carers that can report improvements.
The early use of stimulants may reduce the risk of addiction disorders later in the course of. Wilens Katusic, Wilens colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders in adolescence. However, adult adhd treatment fades as we enter early adulthood.