Don't Buy Into These "Trends" About Treatment For ADD

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Treatment For ADHD

The main treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as nonstimulants like atomoxetine, clonidine, guanfacine and viloxazine.

Patients with active issues with addiction should not take stimulant medications. However, those who are in stable remission might take them into consideration. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are similar medicines. The type prescribed will depend on a person's biochemistry as well as how well they respond to the medication. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are apparent. The medicine will work if you notice improvements in concentration, memory sleep, impulsivity, and sleep.

Some of the adverse effects include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure should not use them. They are controlled substances with a potential for misuse. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in some circumstances general practitioners can prescribe them. You can get 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 afflicted with appetite issues and weight loss. When the dose is too high, they may also develop symptoms of tics. In this case, the doctor will reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from causing more symptoms.

Stimulant medicines are used for around 70 to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms improve when treated. This is particularly relevant for children with parents, teachers, or carers who can report improvements.

The early use of stimulants may reduce the risk adhd treatment adults of substance use disorders later in life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83 discovered that the use of stimulants reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders in adolescence. However this protective effect fades by early adulthood.