Treatment For ADD: 11 Things You've Forgotten To Do

Treatment For ADHD

The most effective treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). Medications can include stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, and non-stimulants such as atomoxetine, clonidine, guanfacine and viloxazine.

The use of stimulants should not be used by patients who have active addiction issues, but they are a possibility for those who are in stable remission. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine between brain synapses. adhd treatment for adults helps improve concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. These are both very similar drugs. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on a person's individual biochemistry and how well they respond to the drug. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become visible. The medication will be effective when you notice improvements in memory, concentration sleep, and impulsivity.

Some of the adverse effects include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People with medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, shouldn't take these medications. They are controlled substances with a potential for misuse. Only psychiatrists or paediatricians or, in some instances, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. They can be found in the form of pills or tablets, a patch that goes on the skin, or liquids.

Children and adolescents who use stimulants are often afflicted by weight loss and a lack of appetite. When the dose is too high, they may also develop symptoms of tics. If this happens, the doctor may reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from causing a worsening of symptoms.


Around 70 to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD are treated with stimulant medication. Most children and young people find that their symptoms improve with treatment. This is particularly relevant for children with teachers, parents or caregivers who observe improvements.

The early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing addiction disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 have found that treatment with stimulants decreases the risk of developing substance abuse disorders in adolescence, but the protective effect diminishes in the early years of adulthood.

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Pub: 14 Dec 2024 03:44 UTC
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