Treatment For ADHD

The most common treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications can include stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, and non-stimulants like atomoxetine and viloxazine, guanfacine, clonidine and gu.

Stimulant medications should not be used by patients who have active substance abuse issues, however they are an option for those who are in stable recovery. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels between the brain's synapses. This helps improve concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant drugs to treat treating inattentive adhd. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar to each other. The type prescribed will depend on a individual's biochemistry and how well they react to the drug. It can take up to seven days for full effects of a drug to become apparent. The medicine will work when you notice improvements in memory, concentration sleep, impulsivity, and sleep.

Some of the adverse effects include a decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease, shouldn't take them. Stimulants are tightly controlled drugs that are prone to abuse. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians or in certain cases general practitioners, may prescribe stimulants. They are available in the form or pills, tablets patches, or patches that are applied to the skin or liquids.

Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. They can also develop disorders when the dose is too high. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.

Stimulant medication is used by approximately 70-80% of children and adults with alternative adhd treatment for adults. Most children and young people find that their symptoms improve when they receive treatment. This is especially true for those with parents, teachers, or carers who can be able to report improvements.

Early use of stimulants could reduce the risk signs of untreated Adhd developing substance use disorders in later life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders during the adolescent period. However, this protective effect fades as we enter early adulthood.