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.
Stimulant medications should not be used in patients with active substance abuse issues, however they are an option for those who are in stable remission. Combination therapy with antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is a different 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 stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They may recommend methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar medications. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the person's individual biochemistry and how well they react to the medication. It could take up to seven days for full effects of a medication to become apparent. Increased concentration, improved memory, improved sleep, and reduced impulse control are all indications that the medicine is working.
Medications in this class can cause side effects, such as decreased appetite and trouble sleeping, and they can raise blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, shouldn't take these medications. treatment for add in adults have a high risk for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in some situations, general practitioners may prescribe them. They can be found in the form of tablets or pills, a patch that goes on the skin, or liquids.
Children and adolescents who are dependent on stimulants are often affected by weight loss and appetite problems. When treatment for adults with add is too high, they can also develop tics. If this occurs, the doctor will reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from causing worsening of symptoms.
Around 70 to 80% children and adults with ADHD are treated with stimulant medication. A majority of children and young adults find that their symptoms improve through treatment. This is especially the case for children who have teachers, parents or caregivers who observe improvements.
The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of addiction disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80, Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk for substance use disorders in adolescents, but that this protective effect wanes as we enter early adulthood.