Treatment For ADHD
The most effective treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The drugs include stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine and atomoxetine. They also include nonstimulants, like clonidine and guanfacine.
Patients who have active issues with substance abuse shouldn't take stimulant drugs. However, those who are in stable remission can look into them. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are released between brain synapses. This improves concentration and decreases the intensity of impulses and hyperactivity. The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. Both are similar medications. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the person's biochemistry as well as how well they react to the drug. It can take up to seven days for the full effects of a drug to become apparent. Increased concentration, improved memory, improved sleep, and reduced the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medicine is working.
Medications in this class can cause side effects, such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping, and they can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Certain people with an illness like high blood pressure or heart disease shouldn't take them. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians, or in some cases, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. They can be found in the form of tablets or pills 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. They may also experience disorders when the dose is too high. If this occurs, the doctor will reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.
About 70% to 80 percent of children and adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulant drugs. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is especially true for those who have parents, teachers, or caregivers that can report improvements.
Early use of stimulants could reduce the risk for drug use disorders later in life. treatment for adhd in adults Iam Psychiatry , Katusic, and colleagues81,82 and Biederman, et al83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of developing substance addiction disorders during the adolescent years. However the protective effect diminishes by early adulthood.