Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the main treatment for adding. treatments of adhd can include stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine, viloxazine, guanfacine, clonidine and gu.
Stimulant medication are not recommended for patients with active substance abuse problems but they are an option for those who are in stable in remission. 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 decreases the intensity of impulses and hyperactivity. Most doctors prescribe medication from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may recommend methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines which are similar medicines. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the individual's biochemistry and how well they react to the medicine. It can take up to seven days for the full effects of a drug to become apparent. Improved concentration, better memory, better sleep, and reduced the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medicine is working.
Some of the adverse effects include a decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure should not use these medications. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only paediatricians or psychiatrists or, in some instances, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. They are available in the form of pills, tablets patches that can be applied to the skin or liquids.
Children and adolescents who consume stimulants are often afflicted with appetite issues and weight loss. If the dosage is too high, they can also develop symptoms of tics. In this situation, the doctor will reduce the dose to stop the symptoms from getting worse.
About 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD are treated with stimulant medication. The majority of children and young people notice that their symptoms improve through treatment. This is particularly true for those with parents, teachers, or carers who can be able to report improvements.
The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk for drug use disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic as well as colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 have found that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of developing substance abuse disorders during adolescence, however the protective effect diminishes by early adulthood.