Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the main treatment for add. adult add treatment include stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They can also be non-stimulants, such as clonidine and Guanfacine.
Patients with active issues with addiction shouldn't take stimulant drugs. However, those who are in stable remission may take them into consideration. Combination therapy with antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is a different option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels between the brain's 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 might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar medications. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on a individual's biochemistry and how well they respond to the drug. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become evident. The medicine will be effective when you notice improvements in your concentration, memory sleep, impulsivity, and sleep.
Some of the side effects can include a decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people with an illness, such as high blood pressure or heart disease shouldn't take these medications. They are controlled substances with the potential for abuse. Only paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists, and in certain 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 in liquids.
Children and adolescents who consume stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. If the dosage is too high, they may also develop the tics. In this case, the doctor will reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from causing more symptoms.
Around 70 to 80 percent of children and adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulant medications. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is particularly relevant for children with teachers, parents or caregivers who report improvements.
Early use of stimulants could reduce the risk for substance use disorders in later life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens colleagues81,82, and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that the use of stimulants reduces the risk of substance use disorders during the adolescent years. However the protective effect diminishes in the early years of adulthood.